MacLeod Cover Systems
FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Iceland vs Croatia
FIFA / Icelandic FA
Fixture
FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Location
Reykjavík
Date
November 2016
Product
MacLeod Covers™
Sport
Mens International Football
Division
FIFA World Cup Qualifier
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Our Challenge
The late scheduling of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Reykjavík posed serious risks to the fixture. With no undersoil heating in place, the pitch was frozen solid on arrival, leaving the surface unplayable. The exposed location of the stadium only heightened the problem, as strong winds, severe wind chill, and regular snowfall compounded already sub-zero conditions.
Together, these factors meant the match was at high risk of cancellation unless urgent measures were taken to defrost the pitch and protect it against further deterioration in the days leading up to the game.
IT’S THE NUMBERS THAT COUNT
The Ultimate Pitch Management System
The deployment of the MacLeod System at Cambridge United FC delivered measurable results, ensuring the FA Cup 4th Round fixture went ahead smoothly despite severe weather risks.
48
Hours
To transform a frozen pitch into a safe, playable surface.
6
Days
On-site monitoring and daily reporting to stakeholders.
100
Weather Protection
Delivered, despite sub-zero conditions, wind chill, and snowfall.
1
World Cup Qualifier
Safeguarded, preventing disruption to the competition schedule.
The Plan
Solution
Sports & Stadia Services deployed the MacLeod Cover System to defrost and protect the pitch in the days leading up to the game. Working in partnership with the stadium manager and the Icelandic FA, the team provided daily reporting, constant system management, and rapid adjustments to tackle extreme and changing weather conditions.
Key steps included:
- 8 November: MacLeod System installed on a frozen surface.
- 9–10 November: Continuous warm airflow applied day and night, successfully defrosting the pitch by the 10th. High wind speeds required system deflation to insulate soil temperature.
- 11–12 November: System re-inflated and fan heaters activated to raise soil temperature. Managed heavy rainfall and snowfall.
- 13 November: System deflated during snowfall to clear slush, then re-inflated with warm airflow to protect against freezing and precipitation. By early afternoon, the pitch was deemed fit for purpose, system removed at 14:30, and the match went ahead as scheduled.
”We found the services and system supplied for our recent FIFA World Cup qualifier against Croatia, to be effective and efficient, Sport & Stadia are professional and had sufficient experience and skill to manage the volatile weather conditions.
Thorir HakonarsonFootball Association Iceland
Outcome
Results
Through close monitoring and expert system management, Sports & Stadia Services ensured that the FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Iceland and Croatia was played on a safe surface, despite extreme sub-zero temperatures and severe winter weather.
Key outcomes included:
- Frozen pitch successfully defrosted within 48 hours.
- Safe playing surface delivered despite wind chill, heavy rain, and snow.
- Match played as scheduled, avoiding postponement of a major international fixture.
- Close collaboration with FIFA and local stadium management ensured smooth delivery under pressure.
FINAL RESULTS
Project Conclusion
This project demonstrates the effectiveness of the MacLeod Cover System in some of the harshest European winter conditions. By combining technical expertise with responsive on-site management, Sports & Stadia Services delivered a safe, professional-standard surface for a globally significant fixture, ensuring the FIFA World Cup Qualifier went ahead without disruption.
PROTECT THE PITCH. SAVE THE GAME.
Protection, whatever
the weather.
From rain to shine, our solutions are designed to shield what matters most. Ready to feel the difference?
