NFL players turn up pressure for grass fields following World Cup

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.

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#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, 2026Fifteen 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