NFL Teams Adapt as World Cup Takes Over Stadiums

Thirteen NFL teams must adjust offseason operations as FIFA takes control of their stadiums for the 2026 World Cup.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting an NFL stadium being deconstructed into overlapping planes of vibrant colors, representing the challenges teams face as the World Cup takes over their home venues.The World Cup's takeover of NFL stadiums forces teams to adapt their offseason operations and fan engagement in creative ways.Manhattan Today

With the 2026 World Cup coming to the United States, 13 NFL teams will have to significantly alter their offseason plans and operations as FIFA takes control of their stadiums for the global soccer tournament. Teams like the New York Giants and Jets are moving their annual draft parties to new locations, while others like the Kansas City Chiefs are losing out on lucrative stadium events. The transition will impact everything from ticketing and stadium staff to team training camps as the NFL and FIFA coordinate the shared use of these venues.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup represents a major logistical challenge for the NFL as it must adapt to having over a third of its teams displaced from their home stadiums for nearly two months during a critical offseason period. This will test the league's ability to be flexible while minimizing disruptions to team operations and fan engagement.

The details

NFL teams like the Giants, Jets, Chiefs, and 49ers are having to relocate draft parties, concerts, and other offseason events as FIFA takes control of their stadiums 30 days before the start of the World Cup in mid-May. Teams with stadium-based staff will need to relocate or work remotely, while others like the Texans have negotiated terms to allow more business as usual. The Giants will even hold part of their training camp away from their usual facility due to the World Cup final being held at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

  • FIFA will take full control of 11 NFL stadiums starting in mid-May, 30 days before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
  • The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

The players

Nilay Shah

Giants SVP of Marketing and Brand Strategy.

Eric Gelfand

Jets Chief Brand and Communications Officer.

Mark Donovan

Chiefs President.

John Harbaugh

New head coach of the New York Giants.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'This year, with the stadium and FIFA preparing to host the World Cup, we embraced the opportunity to experiment and see how other venues could handle the scale needed to put on a great event for our fans.'”

— Nilay Shah, Giants SVP of Marketing and Brand Strategy

“'We are excited to bring our draft party back to New York City and celebrate one of the most important moments on the NFL calendar with our fans in the heart of the city.'”

— Eric Gelfand, Jets Chief Brand and Communications Officer

“'Last year we had a record year with concerts. We won't have any this year.'”

— Mark Donovan, Chiefs President

What’s next

The NFL and FIFA will need to continue coordinating closely to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruptions for the 13 affected teams as they prepare for the 2026 season and World Cup.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Cup represents a major logistical challenge for the NFL as it must adapt to having over a third of its teams displaced from their home stadiums for nearly two months. This will test the league's flexibility and ability to minimize disruptions to team operations and fan engagement during a critical offseason period.