The NFL Players Association’s #WorthTheCost campaign is calling on team owners and the league to maintain the natural grass fields installed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rather than returning to artificial surfaces against the overwhelming preference of players.
NFL players are calling on team owners and the league to retain the natural grass fields installed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rather than returning to artificial surfaces.
Through its #WorthTheCost campaign, the NFLPA is urging team owners and the league to provide NFL players with the same high-quality playing surfaces made available to international footballers during the tournament.
Seven NFL stadiums installed natural grass to meet World Cup requirements, including venues where such a change had previously been presented as difficult or impractical. For the NFLPA, these temporary installations demonstrate that the necessary technology, expertise and resources already exist. The remaining question is whether owners are prepared to make the same investment for NFL players.
“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. It’s no longer a question of capability; the technology exists, the expertise exists and the resources exist to install the high-level grass fields that our players overwhelmingly prefer,” the NFLPA said.
According to the NFLPA, 92% of surveyed players prefer to play on natural grass rather than artificial turf. Players across the league have joined the campaign, arguing that the consequences of playing on artificial surfaces are ultimately borne by their bodies and careers.
“We’ve made it clear that we prefer grass fields. We know it’s better on our bodies. And clearly, we know it’s possible based on everything that went into putting down grass fields for the World Cup in each stadium,” San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle told the NFLPA. “At this point, it comes down to the NFL making it a priority and choosing to invest in us as players, because our bodies are our business, which they get to capitalize on.”
The campaign has also highlighted the role NFL players play in generating the value that funds these venues. They compete in the stadiums throughout the season, contribute to their commercial success and therefore deserve a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their working conditions.
World Players stands with the NFLPA and its members. Playing surfaces are a fundamental workplace health and safety issue. The ability to install natural grass has now been demonstrated. NFL players should not be expected to accept a lower standard in their own workplaces.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Eibner
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