SIS Pitches ‘powering more play’ at FIFA World Cup

Over recent weeks, the nation has been gripped by the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans following every moment of the competition taking place across North America. While attention naturally centres on the game itself, there is another crucial element underpinning the tournament’s success - the world-class pitches on which it is taking place.

Nine of the 16 stadiums feature advanced pitch technology designed, manufactured and installed by UK-headquartered SIS Pitches to maintain consistent playing conditions throughout the competition. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey and builds on two decades of involvement in the World Cup, dating back to Germany in 2006 and more recently Russia and Qatar.

Founded in 2001 to provide grass pitch solutions, SIS Pitches has rapidly grown to become a global pioneer in the development and management of sports surface infrastructure, delivering high-performance natural and hybrid pitches for some of the most prestigious sporting venues in the world. With operations spanning Europe and North America, the business, which has been a client of Armstrong Watson since 2014, has built its reputation on innovation, technical expertise and a commitment to its customers, ranging from youth sports and education venues to international stadiums.

The company’s sustained growth has been underpinned by continued investment in research and development, allowing SIS Pitches to respond to the increasing demands placed on modern sports surfaces. Its portfolio now includes the design, construction and maintenance of high-performance playing surfaces, supported by its proprietary systems, including SIS Grass Hybrid reinforced turf and advanced drainage and aeration technologies, all of which have been deployed for the World Cup.

SIS Pitches’ hybrid turf system is installed at stadiums in San Francisco, Miami, Kansas City, Toronto, Monterrey and the New York New Jersey Stadium, where the final will take place on 19 July. By stitching synthetic fibres into natural grass, the system enhances durability, strengthens root development, and ensures surfaces can withstand intensive use while maintaining performance. Alongside this, the company’s DrainTalent solution, deployed in Guadalajara, Seattle and Vancouver, uses vacuum drainage and subsurface irrigation to manage extreme weather and promote healthier turf. In Monterrey, SIS Pitches demonstrated its full-service capability, designing, constructing and maintaining the entire pitch in 2025, using a combination of hybrid turf, undersoil heating and aeration systems tailored to local conditions.

Throughout this period of growth and increasing international reach, Armstrong Watson has provided ongoing audit, advisory and compliance support. As the business has expanded into new markets and taken on ever more complex projects, maintaining robust financial and regulatory frameworks has been essential.

Richard Condron, Chief Financial Officer at SIS Pitches, highlights the importance of this relationship: “Throughout my time as Group Financial Controller and, more recently, as Chief Financial Officer, Armstrong Watson has consistently delivered an exceptional level of service. Beyond their role as auditors, they have acted as a trusted partner, supporting the business as it has grown while ensuring we remain robust and compliant from a regulatory perspective.”

He added: “The team at Armstrong Watson is highly responsive and brings valuable insight across all areas, making them an important part of our continued success.”

Audit and Assurance Partner Lauren Graham said: “SIS Pitches stands as a recognised leader in its field, contributing to some of the most high-profile sporting events in the world. Its continued innovation and commitment to excellence ensure it remains well-placed to meet the demands of elite sport, and we are delighted to have supported them with their audit, financial reporting and other advisory projects. We look forward to working with Richard and the team for years to come.”

Read more on SIS Pitches’ World Cup journey here.

For more information about SIS Pitches visit www.sispitches.com