TThe countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially entered its final spurt. With just over 50 days left until the grand opening ceremony on June 11th and the first match between Mexico and South Africa, preparations have shifted from planning to physical transformation. Iconic venues such as Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca and Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium are receiving final ‘World Cup’ finishing touches to accommodate the tournament’s historic expansion.
This will be the first time that three countries will share the role of hosting 48 teams. The expanded format will feature a total of 104 matches and require the use of 16 world-class venues. Mexico and Canada offer five of these spots, while the United States offers 11 stadiums, all of which are current NFL venues. The joint use means the 13 NFL franchises, including the Jets, Giants, Rams and Chargers, who share a home base, will have to navigate a summer of unprecedented logistical challenges.
Manhattan Block Party: How FIFA eliminated the 2026 NFL Draft
The first concrete evidence of a football takeover is being felt by the New York Giants and New York Jets. Traditionally, both teams hold NFL Draft fan parties at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. However, according to Sports Business Journal, the venue is now off-limits to the NFL as FIFA staff began installing the natural grass pitch needed for international matches.
As a result, both teams held draft celebrations in the streets of Manhattan. The Jets will host fans at the South Street Seaport while the Giants will head to Hudson Yards for a draft night block party. The change was a “forced measure” to take into account a 30-day period of exclusivity during which FIFA would have full control of the venue from mid-May.
It’s a big change for stadium management teams, who will have to vacate their “homes” until late July, just as the league begins gearing up for NFL training camps.
Operations overhaul: How 13 teams will survive the FIFA takeover
Disruption isn’t just about party locations. This is a fundamental change to how the NFL’s workforce and business operations operate during the peak offseason. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have always supported this global event, but the reality of losing stadium access for two months has required significant adjustments across the board.
The impact on the 13 teams affected varies greatly from city to city.
Kansas City Chiefs: Arrowhead Stadium has relocated ticket sales and operations staff to off-site facilities. Meanwhile, stadium event staff will essentially be integrated into FIFA’s management team over the summer. Atlanta Falcons: Mercedes-Benz Stadium employees are still allowed on-site, but must operate under FIFA eligibility rather than regular NFL access. In addition, the team implemented a mandatory work-from-home order for all staff on game days San Francisco 49ers: Stadium operations staff remained at Levi’s Stadium while other departments were moved to separate offices or remote work to minimize crowding during World Cup preparations Houston Texans: Of the teams sharing the venue, the Texans managed to negotiate terms that allowed “business as usual” in most departments, making them an unusual exception to the standard FIFA lockdown.
After all, these 13 teams, including the Seahawks, Patriots, Dolphins, and Rams, prove that the “NFL offseason” is no longer a quiet time. Balancing the revenue-generating machine that is the NFL with the world’s biggest sporting event is the new reality in 2026.
