MetLife Stadium has become a talking point after switching from turf to grass for the 2026 World Cup, a move NFL players are unhappy with, as the field will return to turf after the tournament. 

Players from the New York Giants and the New York Jets are pushing back against the decision, saying they clearly prefer grass and want it to remain for NFL games as well, rather than returning to artificial turf. 

“I wish they would keep the grass the whole time," Brian Burns said. “Grass just feels better. Everybody knows that.”

This statement was made during an interview with Newsday reporter Tom Rock, as reported in Newsday’s article ‘Why can’t MetLife Stadium keep grass field for Jets and Giants.'

MetLife Stadium installed natural grass for the 2026 World Cup as part of hosting requirements, while the stadium’s regular surface for NFL games remains artificial turf. 

After the World Cup ends, the grass will be removed, and the field is expected to be switched back to turf for the New York Jets and New York Giants games. 

In a recent survey, 92% of 1,700 NFL players told the NFL Players Association they prefer natural grass over artificial turf, showing a clear league-wide preference for grass surfaces. 

NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter also supported this view.

“There is something about the feeling of being on grass," Tretter said in May, as per ESPN. "The body feels different. I think if you ask the coaches, just standing on grass vs. standing on turf for three hours feels different. There is something there that impacts the body."

At MetLife Stadium, the World Cup setup has brought the debate around playing fields, especially the difference between NFL turf and soccer grass. 

This growing debate has now reached players like George Kittle, who have openly questioned the turf vs grass decision. 

Kittle speaks on turf vs grass debate 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased the turf vs grass debate, as NFL stadiums use natural grass for the tournament. George Kittle also spoke about it on Pardon My Take, as per CBS Sports. 

“If you can put grass in MetLife and in SoFi, I think you could do that year-round if you really gave a damn,” Kittle said. “I think if you polled every single player…because that’s what players want to do.” 

The discussion around MetLife Stadium has grown as NFL venues switch to grass for the World Cup and go back to turf for regular games, with George Kittle’s comments adding to the ongoing talk about playing conditions. 

The turf vs grass debate will likely continue after the 2026 World Cup, as players keep discussing it and temporary grass keeps it in focus for the coming NFL seasons. 

What do you think about the turf vs grass debate? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote