Here is the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-18 01:50:00.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium, numerous NFL players, including Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, voiced their demand for permanent grass playing surfaces through social media using the hashtag #WorthTheCost.
MetLife Stadium is one of the venues that replaced its artificial turf with grass for the 78 FIFA World Cup matches held at NFL stadiums this summer.
“If stadiums can make grass work for the World Cup, they can make it work for NFL players. We’re #WorthTheCost,” Tunsil stated on X, emphasizing the necessity of natural grass for player safety.
Green Bay linebacker Zaire Franklin also expressed his support, stating, “The cost of doing nothing is paid for by players’ bodies. Make grass mandatory. We’re #WorthTheCost.”
This renewed emphasis on grass fields comes after the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) urged team owners to transition to natural grass surfaces. At the request of FIFA, all 11 NFL stadiums that hosted World Cup matches installed natural grass playing surfaces. Seven of these venues typically utilize synthetic turf for NFL games and will revert to that after the tournament concludes.
The NFLPA criticized team owners in a statement shared on social media prior to the World Cup, claiming, “The temporary installation of natural grass fields for the World Cup is a choice by certain NFL team owners to do for soccer players what they refuse to do for NFL players.” They emphasized that the technology and resources necessary for high-quality grass fields are available, and the majority of players prefer them.
The NFLPA added, “92% of NFL players prefer natural grass,” highlighting a significant preference among players for these surfaces.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle also made headlines in June, advocating for grass fields. He remarked, “We’ve made it clear that we prefer grass fields. We know it’s better on our bodies. Clearly, we know it’s possible based on everything that went into putting down grass fields for the World Cup.”
Kittle concluded with a call-to-action for the NFL, stating, “At this point, it comes down to the NFL making it a priority and investing in us as players, because our bodies are our business, which they capitalize on!”
FAQs
Why are NFL players advocating for grass fields?
NFL players argue that grass surfaces are safer and reduce injury risks, with 92% preferring them over artificial turf.
What sparked the recent push for grass fields?
The initiative gained momentum during the FIFA World Cup, where stadiums transitioned to natural grass under FIFA’s request.
Quick Facts
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- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-18 01:50:00
Read more on the FIFA World Cup 2026 right here as the tournament continues.
Tags: #NFL #players #continue #push #grass #fields #heels #World #Cup
Tags: #NFL #players #continue #push #grass #fields #heels #World #Cup
