For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, seven NFL stadiums including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey temporarily replaced their usual synthetic turf with natural grass to meet FIFA's requirements. This change has sparked renewed demands from NFL players for permanent grass fields, arguing that if stadiums can provide natural grass for soccer, they should prioritize player safety in football as well. Players like Laremy Tunsil and Zaire Franklin have used the hashtag #WorthTheCost to advocate that the health risks associated with artificial turf justify the investment in natural grass.

The NFL Players Association has emphasized that the installation of natural grass fields is a matter of choice, not capability, highlighting that technology, expertise, and resources are readily available to maintain high-quality grass surfaces. Surveys show 92% of NFL players prefer natural grass, and various studies link synthetic turf to increased injury rates. Despite these findings and player advocacy, the NFL has remained silent on the issue, suggesting that the cost savings from cheaper artificial turf maintenance might be a significant reason for not making grass mandatory.

Former NFL player David Bakhtiari publicly criticized the NFL for prioritizing cost over player safety after Boston's Gillette Stadium removed the natural grass laid down for the World Cup and reverted to artificial turf. This event has been a focal point in the ongoing debate, underscoring players' frustrations that their safety concerns are not taken as seriously as the demands of international soccer. The NFLPA has long been pushing for a return to natural fields, pointing to the World Cup example as proof that it is feasible.

While FIFA mandated natural grass for the World Cup matches, the future of natural grass in NFL stadiums is uncertain. The league’s financial considerations often favor synthetic surfaces due to lower upkeep costs. However, continued pressure from players and growing evidence about injury risks may influence NFL teams and owners to reconsider the type of playing surfaces used in American football stadiums in the coming years.