A true party atmosphere took over the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final as Argentina and Spain battled for the title on a field usually reserved for NFL games. But beyond the action on the pitch, the tournament has reignited the long-running debate over playing surfaces, as FIFA requires all World Cup matches to be played on natural grass.
Those strict standards have inspired a growing movement among NFL players, who are now calling on the league to make the temporary switch to grass a permanent one.
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George Kittle joins the conversation
San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle attended the World Cup final and saw firsthand the pristine playing surface at MetLife Stadium.
“Grass looks great at MetLife! Can we keep it that way NFL?? Would appreciate it thanks,” Kittle posted on X.
During the 2026 World Cup, seven NFL stadiums replaced their artificial turf with natural grass to comply with FIFA regulations. Once the tournament ends, however, those venues are expected to switch back to their usual synthetic surfaces.
That decision has only strengthened the players’ push for change. Backed by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), they point to data showing that 92% of NFL players prefer playing on natural grass. The union also cites multiple studies indicating that artificial turf places greater stress on the body and is associated with a higher risk of injuries over the course of a season.
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Currently, 15 of the NFL’s 30 stadiums feature natural grass, while the other half continue to use synthetic turf, largely because of its lower installation and maintenance costs.