Jude Bellingham’s words echoed louder than any celebration following Real Madrid’s latest win at the Club World Cup. The English midfielder, who continues to thrive in his debut season with Los Blancos, delivered a stinging critique directed squarely at FIFA, drawing attention to a controversial aspect of the tournament being hosted in the United States.
While Madrid’s 3-1 triumph over Pachuca added another goal to Bellingham’s tally, the post-match headlines weren’t just about his performance — they centered around his blunt assessment of the playing conditions.
After full-time, the English spoke candidly about his frustrations, breaking the silence surrounding an issue that had already raised quiet concerns among other professionals. His now-viral remarks summed up the experience for many: “The pitches aren’t great here, honestly… The ball barely bounces. It’s tough on the knees.”
These seven words, “The pitches are not great here, honestly,” have since become a rallying point for wider criticism about the standard of facilities at this year’s Club World Cup. And as the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bellingham’s honesty has added weight to already mounting concerns.
Bellingham’s honest breakdown
Speaking to Sky Sports, Bellingham explained, “The ball barely bounces, and it holds up the play. The way the pitch grips under your boots is tough on the knees. Hopefully they’ll look into that going into the World Cup next year.”
The midfielder also pointed out the physical toll of such conditions, especially when coupled with an already packed schedule. “I’m definitely feeling it. You’ve already got 50 to 60 games in your legs and in this heat, you can definitely feel it. But we’re going to push through these five more games to bring home another title,” he said.
Reports from Trivela revealed that the pitch at MetLife was laid hastily — just five days before kickoff — over a synthetic NFL surface. Despite assurances from local officials that the turf would meet FIFA standards, players have described the ground as patchy, slow, and injury-prone.
