FIFA Installs Grass in 11 NFL Stadiums as 92% of Players Prefer Natural Surfaces
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 12
FIFA Installs Grass in 11 NFL Stadiums as 92% of Players Prefer Natural Surfaces
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 12
Summary
Eleven U.S. NFL stadiums have been fitted with temporary natural grass for the 2026 World Cup, reviving pressure on the league after the NFLPA highlighted survey data showing 92% of players prefer grass.
Seven of those venues normally use synthetic turf, and FIFA spent six to seven years developing soccer-specific fields that were installed over roughly 10 weeks using sod-on-plastic, ventilation systems and grow lights.
NFL players say the World Cup proves grass can work even in domes, but league officials and owners argue the fields are hard to keep year-round because stadiums host concerts, other sports and community events throughout the season.
Injury data no longer clearly favors either surface — the NFL says rates are 0.43 on artificial turf versus 0.42 on grass — shifting the dispute toward player comfort, field quality and economics.
The grass will still be removed after the tournament at the seven converted venues, leaving the World Cup as a proof of concept rather than an immediate path to 30 full-time NFL grass fields.