How the 2026 World Cup could change the NFL forever

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is captivating soccer fans across North America, but it may also be reshaping the future of another sport: the NFL.

According to Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, the tournament could accelerate the long-debated topic of moving away from artificial turf and toward natural grass across the league. It’s a change players have been pushing for years. Now that the World Cup has shown how possible it really is, maybe the NFL will finally listen and make a change.

Sean Payton’s prediction

FIFA’s rules don’t leave wiggle room. World Cup matches must be played on natural grass. That requirement has forced several NFL stadiums, many of which typically use artificial turf, to undergo temporary but sophisticated transformations.

Venues like MetLife Stadium, SoFi Stadium and AT&T Stadium have all successfully installed grass surfaces for the tournament, despite previously relying on synthetic fields.

Payton believes that if these stadiums can host multiple high-level soccer matches on grass, often in quick succession, then the long-standing argument that grass isn’t feasible in certain NFL venues begins to fall apart.

He believes the league is heading toward a tipping point. After closely following the World Cup, he described the field conversions as “super impressive”, pointing to cities like Seattle as examples of what’s possible with modern technology.

“Our game is a little different,” Payton said. “When you’re playing in the trenches on that surface, you know the type of football shoes we wear are different.”

He concludes that if it can be done for the World Cup, it can be done for the NFL. And eventually, he expects it will be.

Why players want grass

The debate over turf versus grass has been one of the NFL’s most persistent issues, especially from a player safety standpoint. The NFL Players Association has repeatedly pushed for natural grass, citing concerns about non-contact injuries and long-term wear on players’ bodies.

High-profile injuries, particularly on artificial surfaces, have only intensified those calls. Many players believe grass provides a more forgiving and predictable surface, reducing stress on joints and lowering injury risk. The World Cup has added fuel to that argument by showing that even the most complex stadiums can adapt when required.

Few venues have faced more scrutiny than MetLife Stadium, home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets. The stadium’s turf has drawn criticism for years, with multiple players across the league voicing concerns about its safety. The contrast during the World Cup, when the same field is converted to grass without issue, has only made those concerns louder.

What’s standing in the way?

Despite the momentum, switching entirely to grass isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. NFL games involve heavier players, different footwear, and more physical trench play than soccer, all of which can impact how a grass field holds up over a full season. Maintenance costs, scheduling conflicts, and stadium design also remain significant hurdles.

Even Payton acknowledged that football presents unique challenges compared to soccer. But the World Cup has changed the conversation. By forcing NFL stadiums to meet global standards, the tournament has effectively provided a live demonstration of what the future could look like. It has given players, coaches, and fans a glimpse of a different standard, one that prioritizes natural surfaces.

Whether the NFL follows through or not is another story. But if it does, the shift may trace back to this summer, when the world’s biggest soccer tournament showed America’s biggest football league that change is possible.

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