From Rocky Top to the World Stage: This Vol Is Powering FIFA World Cup Logistics

Axle Logistics General Manager Brandon Porch supporting FIFA World Cup 26 logistics

By Abby Ann Ramsey Peters (’24)

Brandon Porch (’15) experienced a full-circle moment during the FIFA World Cup 26 tournament.

The Herbert College of Agriculture graduate studied turfgrass science and management before becoming a groundskeeper at the University of Miami and later at Audi Field in Washington, DC. Today, he’s back in Knoxville serving as general manager of Axle Logistics, where his work helped support logistics for the FIFA World Cup 26 pitches.

“I think it’s pretty special that I moved to all these different cities and then came back to Knoxville, and got to be a part of making the biggest event in the world happen from right here in the 865,” says Porch.

Axle Logistics coordinated transportation for sod grown by farmers whose turf was installed in nine of the eleven US World Cup stadiums. The role was complex and high stakes: once harvested, the grass had to be delivered and installed within a precise window to ensure optimal performance. Every step required synchronization across growers, transport teams, and venues.

“It’s a huge logistical puzzle,” Porch says. “You’re balancing timing, quality, and coordination across multiple partners, all while knowing what’s at stake.”

Brandon Porch (’15) studied turfgrass science and management at UT before going on to support logistics for FIFA World Cup 26 pitches.

That challenge is where Porch’s background gave him a distinct advantage. His experience in turfgrass allowed him to speak the language of sod farmers while navigating the intricacies of logistics.

“It takes both sides of the equation,” he explains. “Understanding how the grass needs to be handled is just as important as knowing how to move it efficiently.”

In a pivotal moment, Porch was prepared to play this key role because of the education he received at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, thanks to Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management John Sorochan.

“My father has been a groundskeeper all my life, but turfgrass wasn’t initially my plan,” says Porch. “But then I connected with Dr. Sorochan, started working at the research farm, and completely fell in love with the industry.”

Sorochan and the turfgrass program provided Porch not only knowledge but also connections in the industry. Having UT in his corner helped Porch earn the trust of others in his groundskeeping roles and in his position at Axle.

“The World Cup was the culmination of what I’ve worked for in my seven years at Axle,” says Porch. “But without the connections, influence, and knowledge UT provided me and continues to provide me, there’s no way I would have been in a position to help make it happen.”

Porch’s day-to-day in logistics looks different from when he was a groundskeeper at stadiums. Because of his background in turfgrass, however, he gets to see the fruits of his labor in another way.

“What I loved about turfgrass was working all week to get ready for a game on Friday night,” says Porch. “I still get that same kind of satisfaction doing what I do now, where I can turn on a game, and say, ‘We helped install that field.’

“This summer, I got to turn on the World Cup and remember the effort it took to get those fields ready. Moments like that make everything worth it.”