As preparations ramp up across North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the spotlight is turning not just to stadiums and teams, but also to the technology behind the scenes making it all possible. One such innovation is SideKick® – the award-winning and internationally-patented sod installation machine from SIDEKICK USA that’s quietly transforming the way natural grass is laid and maintained at elite sports venues.
Developed specifically to assist sports turf managers and contractors, SideKick® addresses one of the more challenging aspects of pitch maintenance: the installation of thick-cut sod. Often used when a natural grass surface needs to be replaced quickly and reliably, thick-cut sod – up to four inches thick – offers greater stability and playability. But the traditional installation methods have long been inefficient and prone to damaging the turf.
SideKick® changes that. Designed to install sod from ¾ of an inch to four inches thick, the machine improves speed, precision and quality – all without touching the grass itself. The result is tighter seams, minimal turf damage, and stronger, more consistent playing surfaces.
With World Cup venues and training grounds making upgrades ahead of 2026, we spoke with Paul Carlson…
Read the full interview from ISSUE 42 below: