George Kittle Calls for Grass Fields at NFL Stadiums amid 2026 World Cup Changes

George Kittle calls for grass fields at NFL stadiums amid 2026 World Cup changes as 11 NFL venues convert their playing surfaces for the summer tournament. The San Francisco 49ers tight end, speaking via a statement released by the NFL Players Association on his behalf, said the World Cup proves grass can be used at every stadium due to the work required to prepare fields. Among venues hosting multiple matches, the 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles are identified as the only teams that use grass for NFL games. The NFLPA previously cited data indicating higher rates of non-contact injuries on artificial surfaces than on grass, though the league says turf technology has improved. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan added that climate and maintenance challenges, plus multi-event schedules, influence some stadiums’ decisions. FIFA’s rule requiring natural grass for major events allowed grass at all 16 World Cup match venues.