We’re still two years away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. But we’re already seeing the results of a grueling bidding process that cities and NFL owners were willing to go through in order to host these World Cup matches.
That apparently included the temporary changing of stadium names.
While we already knew that NFL owners agreed to install natural grass playing surfaces in time for 2026, they will also adhere to a FIFA policy about stadium branding. Basically, FIFA won’t let non-FIFA sponsors have their branding displayed during matches. And in the case of the U.S. — where corporate naming rights are the norm for stadiums — the venues we know are going to be called something entirely different for the World Cup.
And let me tell ya: FIFA did not put much thought into these temporary names.
Here’s a look at what the 11 World Cup venues in the U.S. will be called come 2026.
Atlanta Stadium
We know it as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but FIFA will have Arthur Blank cover up as much Benz branding as possible. The home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United will host a semifinal match and eight total matches in the World Cup.
Boston Stadium
You’re going to notice that FIFA doesn’t exactly care about the stadium’s actual location. Because with Gillette Stadium, it will get the Boston Stadium title despite being located 30 miles outside Boston in Foxborough, Mass. The stadium will host seven total matches, including the round of 32 and quarterfinals.
Dallas Stadium
Honestly, if they’re going to remove the AT&T Stadium branding, FIFA should have just called it Jerry World. That would have at least been somewhat fun. Instead, FIFA is calling a stadium in Arlington “Dallas Stadium” because of course it is. The stadium surprisingly lost out on the World Cup Final, but will still host a tournament-high nine matches including a semifinal.
Houston Stadium
I can give FIFA a pass on this one because NRG Stadium isn’t the most well-known stadium name. It’s still silly that FIFA absolutely CANNOT let a Houston-based energy company have any exposure to a global audience, though. Houston Stadium will host seven total matches — two of which are in the knockout stages.
Kansas City Stadium
This change is somewhat odd. While the Chiefs’ “official” name for the stadium is GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, FIFA could have easily just dropped the “GEHA Field” part. It probably thought the name would confuse a non-U.S. audience, but Arrowhead Stadium wouldn’t have broken FIFA’s brand rule. Kansas City will host six total matches, including a quarterfinal.
Los Angeles Stadium
After some uncertainty over whether SoFi Stadium would remain a World Cup venue, it looks like FIFA and Stan Kroenke worked out their issues. Despite being located in Inglewood, the stadium will take on the Los Angeles name for the tournament. The Rams and Chargers home will host eight total matches — two in the round of 32 and one quarterfinal. The U.S. will also play two group stage matches there.
Miami Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium might actually see those signs over the stands come down for the World Cup. That’s how serious FIFA takes its pay-us-for-exposure policy. The Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes home will host seven total matches.
New York New Jersey Stadium
FIFA ultimately chose MetLife Stadium to host the World Cup Final, but it absolutely came up with the worst temporary name for the venue. It’s like FIFA had to acknowledge that, yes, the stadium is in New Jersey while also telling the world that it’s somewhat close to New York. FIFA couldn’t even go with NY/NJ Stadium — it full-on threw both state names in there.
Philadelphia Stadium
I actually don’t mind this one as Lincoln Financial Field was always among the most soulless, corporate names in the NFL. The stadium will host six total matches (five group stage, one round of 16).
San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Levi’s Stadium definitely got the New York New Jersey Stadium treatment here. The stadium is located like an hour from San Francisco if you’re lucky, but FIFA didn’t want to go through all of that in a stadium name or let Levi’s sell jeans. So we’re stuck with a needlessly long stadium name that still managed to leave out “Santa Clara.” The 49ers’ home will host six total matches and none beyond the round of 32.
Seattle Stadium
Given that Lumen Field is already the stadium’s fourth name, it’s fine that FIFA settled on Seattle Stadium here. I just would have liked to see some more creativity overall with these names. Emerald Stadium, Rain City Field, Beast Quake Grounds — have fun with it. Seattle will host six total matches, including the USMNT’s second of the group stage.
