NFL’s turf vs. grass debate reignites as World Cup approaches

TL;DR

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, several NFL stadiums are replacing artificial turf with grass, responding to player preferences. A recent poll shows that 92% of NFL players favor grass over turf for its impact on their bodies during play.

Key points

Seven NFL stadiums are replacing turf with grass for the World Cup
92% of NFL players prefer grass over turf
NFL and NFLPA agreed on new metrics for field surfaces

Mentioned in this story

NFL Player’s AssociationFIFA

Detroit LionsPittsburgh Steelers2026 FIFA Men's World Cup

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 21: The NFL logo is pictured on the field before the game between the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field on December 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images As NFL stadiums across the country swap turf for grass ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, some NFL players are hoping that change stays permanent. Half of all NFL stadiums use a variation of artificial turf for football games. Now, seven NFL stadiums have replaced that turf with softer grass for the tournament kicking off next month as FIFA uses only grass fields, including MetLife Stadium, AT&T Field, Gillette Stadium, Lumen Field, NRG Stadium, SoFi Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Side note — I did a story for FOX 2 about how **Michigan State University’s turf management program played a major role in how to grow and install the grass in these stadiums for the World Cup** if you’re interested.) JC Tretter, executive director of the NFL Player’s Association, or NFLPA, says a vast majority of players he’s talked to want the grass to stay. “If you ask every player that we polled, 1,700 players, 92% say they want grass over turf,” he said recently on the **“Not Just Football”** podcast hosted by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward. “There is something about the feeling of being on grass, the body feels different. I think if you ask the coaches, just standing on grass vs. standing on turf for three hours feels different. There is ‌something ⁠there that impacts the body.” ESPN reports the NFL and the NFLPA agreed on a new method of choosing what to play on in stadiums that requires teams to select from an approved set of metrics and styles for both natural and synthetic fields. “You look at FIFA, they’re rolling out the green carpet for soccer players. And that has become the norm,” Tretter said. “Over in European leagues, that is what you do. You play on grass. They have surface standards that each thing is rolled out. It’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. And those players will not play if it’s not that.” And onto the rest of your notes.

Q&A

Which NFL stadiums are switching from turf to grass for the World Cup?

Seven NFL stadiums, including MetLife Stadium, AT&T Field, and SoFi Stadium, are replacing turf with grass for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What percentage of NFL players prefer grass fields over turf?

A recent poll indicated that 92% of NFL players prefer grass fields over artificial turf.

What new method has the NFL and NFLPA agreed on regarding field surfaces?

The NFL and NFLPA have agreed on a method that requires teams to select field surfaces from an approved set of metrics and styles for both natural and synthetic fields.