The World Cup has provided the NFL with a number of lessons to potentially take into the 2026 season later in the year.
NFL stadiums across the USA have played their role in hosting this summer’s World Cup, which has seen players and fans visit from across the globe.
One of the big talking points within the NFL surrounds the demand from most players for the fields to be real grass and not artificial surfaces.
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Seattle hosted the USMNT vs Belgium on Monday evening in a stadium where the Seahawks play on an artificial surface during the NFL season.
The Seahawks have been urged to keep the grass field ahead of the 2026 season, but Amadou Onana’s injury for Belgium may have saved NFL owners across the country millions in the debate over playing surfaces.
Amadou Onana’s World Cup injury could end NFL grass field debate
A host of NFL superstars have pleaded for their organisations to install grass pitches to help reduce the number of injuries occurring on artificial systems.
This argument certainly took a blow on Monday evening after Belgium midfielder Onana suffered a ruptured ACL.
Onana is going to miss around seven to eight months of football due to the injury.
The Belgian plays in the Premier League with Aston Villa, who are set to be without one of their star players for a large chunk of the upcoming 2026/27 season.
It has been claimed by Sportico that a real grass field costs in the region of $300k–$500k and may need to be replaced once or twice during a season.
Only half (15) of the 30 NFL stadiums are currently using real grass throughout the season.
FIFA have installed grass fields in all NFL stadiums that are hosting at this summer’s World Cup.
Although there is no shortage of cash among the NFL owners, the opportunity to save where possible will likely be taken.
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