The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, has reignited the age-old turf-versus-grass debate that has divided the nation over the years. FIFA insisted on natural grass at 11 venues where World Cup matches will be played, moving away from synthetic turf, which is predominantly used in NFL stadiums.
Cam Jordan Reignites Grass vs. Turf Debate Amid World Cup
In a clip posted on the “Snapback Sports” X page, eight-time Pro Bowler Cam Jordan weighed in on the turf versus grass debate that has gripped the country since the World Cup kicked off.
“I love turf. I’m on the other side of the fence, brother,” Jordan said. “I love sure footing. So, what’s so important about my position at defensive end [is to] get to the quarterback, you gotta get off, right? I need my first two steps to be in the ground planted. Sometimes you get grass at other stadiums, without crapping on other stadiums. But it’s not good grass.”
“So, the grass kicks up when you’re pushing off,” he added. “You’re hyper-extending knees, you’re hurting your ankle, all of the push off. I need the grass to be there. When I get turf, I know exactly where it’s gonna be. Now, it’s not as forgiving as grass, but that’s why I like it.”
According to an NFLPA survey, 92% of players in the league would prefer grass to the synthetic turf currently used.
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Events at the chosen stadiums for the ongoing World Cup were paused for up to 10 weeks before kickoff on June 11, and natural grass was transported across the country to ensure the venues met the governing body’s tournament standards.
Last week, the NFL Players Association posted a lengthy message on its social media pages about the turf-versus-grass debate, advocating for the league to adopt grass.
“Tomorrow, the World Cup kicks off. Over the course of the tournament, 11 NFL stadiums will host 78 soccer matches on high-quality grass fields installed to meet FIFA demands.
When the World Cup ends, many of these same stadiums will go back to turf despite 92% of NFL players preferring natural grass,” the statement read.
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“If these extensive field changes are worth the cost for a month-long tournament, why aren’t they worth the cost for the NFL players who primarily compete in these stadiums?”
15 of the NFL’s 30 regular-use stadiums use natural grass, while the other half use synthetic turf, but the multi-use nature of these venues has made the debate one of the longest-running ones in professional sports.
