The world’s largest island that can’t join FIFA because grass doesn’t grow there | World | News

Greenland is the world’s largest island, yet despite its huge size, it remains one of the most sparsely populated places on Earth.

The territory is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and home to around 56,000 people, but has its own government.

Greenland is known for its glaciers, fjords, and Arctic landscapes, and its harsh climate has prevented it from joining FIFA.

According to official figures, football is the most popular sport in Greenland, with around 5,500 registered players, but for years, it has been unable to meet FIFA’s requirements.

The main issue is that Greenland cannot grow natural grass pitches due to the island’s permafrost and extreme weather.

FIFA rules once required a natural grass pitch for official competitions, leaving Greenland ineligible for membership.

In 2016, an artificial pitch was installed at Nuuk Stadium, following FIFA’s updated rules allowing synthetic surfaces.

However, Greenland still lacks other required infrastructure, such as a fully compliant stadium, preventing it from being accepted into FIFA.

Unlike the Faroe Islands, which has similar status within Denmark and is a full FIFA member, Greenland has struggled for the same recognition.

The country previously joined ConIFA, an organisation for non-FIFA nations, but withdrew in 2020.

In May 2024, Greenland officially applied to become a member of CONCACAF, the governing body for North and Central America.

A decision on its membership is expected between 2025 and 2027.

Greenland’s footballers can only play outdoors from May to September, with most matches held on artificial pitches.

Many towns have indoor football halls, and futsal is popular during the long winters.

Greenland is now investing in more indoor stadiums to develop the sport year-round, following the model used by Iceland.