requires World Cup matches to be played on natural grass, forcing several NFL venues to undergo major surface changes. AT&T Stadium and Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots, were adapted for the tournament before being switched back.
The reversal was always likely. These stadiums are designed for regular NFL use, concerts and other major events, making a permanent football pitch more complicated than simply leaving the grass in place.
The report says both venues have now removed the tournament surfaces. That leaves the World Cup conversion as a short-term accommodation rather than a lasting change in venue policy.
The switch will revive one of the NFL’s longest-running arguments. Players, including San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, have publicly supported natural grass, while artificial surfaces remain attractive to owners because they can offer greater scheduling flexibility and lower maintenance demands.
For the Cowboys, the decision is also tied to the wider business model of AT&T Stadium. Jerry Jones has argued that turf allows the venue to host more events and generate stronger revenue, a consideration that carries weight in a building built for year-round use.
That position conflicts with player concerns over comfort, traction and the physical demands of a full NFL season. The disagreement is unlikely to disappear simply because the World Cup has ended.
When the 2026 NFL season begins, both venues are expected to be back on artificial turf. The next test will be whether player pressure changes the conversation before the following season - or whether the commercial case for turf remains decisive.