The NFL’s grass vs. turf debate is back in the spotlight as the FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday in Mexico, running through July 19 in New York.
As the biggest soccer tournament in the world is played in North America, 11 NFL venues will host matches, beginning with the U.S. men’s national team’s opener Friday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Franchises in seven NFL markets have removed artificial turf playing surfaces from their stadiums and temporarily installed natural grass this summer due to FIFA’s requirements.
Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons); five group stage matches, one round of 32, one round of 16, one semifinal
Boston: Gillette Stadium (Patriots); six group stage matches, one round of 32, one quarterfinal
