The grass at Amman International Stadium was fine, but it was difficult to say that the facilities were generally good.
Considering that the national team players did not perform well in the match against Palestine at the Seoul World Cup Stadium last month due to “zand issues,” it is fortunate that the grass condition is not bad.
The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will play the third Group B match against Jordan in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China U.S. World Cup (co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico) at Amman International Stadium in Jordan’s capital Amman on the 10th.
When he arrived in Jordan on Thursday, he unpacked his luggage at his lodging and immediately moved to the training site to engage in recovery training. However, due to severe traffic congestion in downtown Amman, the team urgently changed its plan to conduct recovery training at a fitness center in the hotel.
The domestic reporters, who were waiting for the team at the training site, received a call that the outdoor training was canceled and moved to Amman International Stadium, where the match between South Korea and Jordan will be held on the 10th.
The first thing I checked was the state of grass. One of the biggest issues related to the national team was grass last month.
The grass condition at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, the home of the national team, where Hong Myung-bo returned to the national team for the first time in 10 years, was in the worst condition. In an environment where the ball bounced unexpectedly, the players were busy controlling the ball to continue playing and had to play in a state where they could not concentrate on the game.
Captain Son Heung-min even opened his mouth in relation to the stadium lawn. “Even though there are many players with good skills because of the grass, there are difficult situations in controlling and dribbling like today. I think it’s a pity that we can’t play a good game and a fast game in the eyes of the fans,” Son Heung-min said in an interview with reporters after the match against Palestine.
In addition to Son Heung-min, the grass problem emerged as the main players of the national team, including Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, mentioned the grass condition at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. In the end, the Korea Football Association decided to change the venue of the Iraq match to Yongin Mir Stadium, which will be held at home in October.
As such, grass condition is a factor that can greatly affect players’ performance. This is why people have no choice but to pay attention to grass condition at Amman International Stadium. 안전놀이터
Fortunately, the grass at Amman International Stadium, where the third game against Jordan will be held, was easy. Although there were some empty spots near the corner flag or in front of the goal, it was possible to confirm with the naked eye that the grass was evenly grown. It was not the commonly called “Vidan grass,” but it was difficult to say that it was at a level that would have a profound impact on the game.
However, the overall facilities of the stadium were not good. Electronic boards and stands were reminiscent of Korea’s sports complex, which was built in the 80s and 90s and was not reconstructed.
Stadium facilities will not affect the players’ performance, but it is bad news for the Red Devils and fans who will cheer them up. On the day of the match against Jordan, the Red Devils’ cheering squad from South Korea and local residents of Jordan will visit the stadium to cheer for the Taegeuk Warriors.
