"Any potential move to natural grass across all NFL stadiums would likely require a concession from the NFLPA during collective bargaining."
Player Survey on Field Surfaces
NFLPA executive director JC Tretter appeared on the "Not Just Football" podcast with Cam Heyward. During the interview, Tretter discussed player polling data indicating that 92% of 1,700 respondents prefer playing on natural grass over artificial turf. Tretter stated that artificial turf contributes to general aches and pains, though he noted these effects are not captured in formal injury statistics. The issue of playing surfaces is expected to be a point of negotiation in the next NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
World Cup Match at SoFi Stadium
The United States men's national soccer team is scheduled to play its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, against Paraguay. In preparation for the tournament, the stadium's owner, Stan Kroenke, installed natural grass at FIFA's request. The stadium's regular playing surface is artificial turf.
FIFA also required several other modifications to the venue. The stadium's sponsored name, "SoFi," was temporarily removed to comply with FIFA sponsorship rules. Lower seating areas were reconfigured, and other revenue-generating events scheduled during FIFA's use of the venue were canceled. After the World Cup, the natural grass will be removed, and artificial turf will be reinstalled before the stadium hosts Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.
Current NFL Stadium Surfaces
Eight NFL teams currently play on artificial turf at their home stadiums. Separately, the Buffalo Bills have decided to install natural grass in their new stadium.
Ticket Information
For the USMNT vs. Paraguay match, FIFA has approximately 350 tickets remaining in its primary inventory, and approximately 2,500 tickets are available on the secondary market. As of Friday morning, the lowest listed ticket price on the secondary market was $1,129.
Statements and Commentary
Former NFL player Devin McCourty, speaking on PFT Live, stated that the installation of natural grass for a soccer tournament, while the surface was not changed for NFL players, was "disrespectful" to football players. The NFLPA also posted commentary on social media, questioning why the field change was made for a one-month event but not for NFL players who regularly play in the same stadium.
The article notes that artificial turf is chosen by stadium owners primarily due to cost considerations. Any potential move to natural grass across all NFL stadiums would likely require a concession from the NFLPA during collective bargaining.