The 2026 World Cup has reignited the natural grass versus synthetic turf debate.
FIFA installed natural grass in seven of the 11 NFL stadiums that traditionally use synthetic turf for the World Cup. With soccer’s global event coming to a close, stadiums are already in the process of transitioning back to synthetic turf – and players are taking notice.
Many players across the league have pleaded for natural grass surfaces to no avail, so the installation of natural grass exclusively for the World Cup has exacerbated the issue.
The calls for natural grass don’t appear to be going away anytime soon either. Multiple NFL players have started a social media hashtag “#worththecost” advocating for natural grass in NFL stadiums.
#worththecostpic.twitter.com/UxVcFc4lr2
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) July 17, 2026
#WorthTheCosthttps://t.co/QcrLPTPI1a
— Lukas Van Ness (@lukas_vanness) July 17, 2026
If stadiums can make grass work for the World Cup, they can make it work for NFL players. We’re #WorthTheCost.
— Laremy Tunsil (@KingTunsil78) July 17, 2026
We know grass is possible because we’ve seen stadiums make the change. Players are #WorthTheCost.
— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) July 17, 2026
The cost of doing nothing is paid for by players’ bodies.
Make grass mandatory. #WorthTheCostpic.twitter.com/mqNYwNDdj8
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) July 17, 2026
If stadiums can make grass work for the World Cup, they can make it work for NFL players. We’re #WorthTheCost
— Akheem Mesidor (@Akheem_Mes) July 17, 2026
If stadiums can make grass work for the World Cup, they can make it work for NFL players. We’re #WorthTheCost.
— Solomon Thomas (@SollyThomas90) July 17, 2026
Natural grass isn’t out of reach. Prioritizing players shouldn’t be either! We’re #WorthTheCost
— devin lloyd (@DevinLloyd_) July 17, 2026
Natural grass isn’t out of reach. Prioritizing players shouldn’t be either. We’re #WorthTheCost.
— Wílł Jøhnšoñ (@Willj1228) July 17, 2026
Fifteen of the NFL’s 30 regular stadiums use natural grass. The other half use turf. According to an NFLPA survey, 92% of NFL players prefer playing on natural grass over synthetic turf.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: NFL players turn up pressure for grass fields following World Cup
