The 2026 FIFA World Cup may leave a lasting legacy beyond soccer, and it could eventually impact both the NFL and CFL.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup may leave a lasting legacy beyond soccer, and it could eventually impact both the NFL and CFL.

Many stadiums that typically feature artificial turf installed natural grass to host World Cup matches, reigniting the debate over playing surfaces in professional football.

During Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle took to social media, praising the natural grass at MetLife Stadium and urging the NFL to make the switch permanently. Arash Madani believes Kittle’s comments reflect a conversation that is only going to grow louder.

“I believe the legacy of this World Cup for the NFL is that there will be more grass fields eventually,” Madani said on the SportsCage. “This is going to become a collectively bargained issue the next time the players and owners get together.”

The irony, according to Madani, is that MetLife Stadium, temporarily converted to grass for the World Cup, has long been criticized for having one of the NFL’s worst artificial playing surfaces and has been linked to a high number of significant knee injuries.

Madani expects any move toward grass fields to come as part of broader labour negotiations between the NFL Players Association and team owners.

“You want grass? No problem, we’ll give you grass,” Madani said of how owners could approach negotiations. “You know what we want? We want an extra game.”

The discussion surrounding artificial turf has intensified in recent years, with players consistently voicing concerns about injuries and long-term health. While no formal changes have been announced, the visibility of World Cup venues successfully converting to natural grass could strengthen the players’ case.

Currently, 15 NFL stadiums use natural grass, while the CFL has just one natural-surface venue: Toronto’s BMO Field.

Whether the World Cup becomes the tipping point remains to be seen, but the conversation around safer playing surfaces appears far from over.

AND that’s between the lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina. Specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-1866.