The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is undergoing some minor changes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Atlanta Stadium – as it will be known at the World Cup – is currently in the process of covering up the Mercedes-Benz logos that surround the exterior of the 75,000-capacity arena. Atlanta Stadium will host one of the FIFA World Cup semi-finalsGettyHome to the NFL team Atlanta Falcons, the stadium is one of 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada, that will host matches of the 48-team tournament this summer. Atlanta will play host to eight fixtures, which will see Lamine Yamal and Spain take to the field first on June 15 against Cabo Verde, as well as reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions – albeit controversially – Morocco, who are scheduled to face Haiti on June 24. The stadium – which was deemed to have cost more than its original $1.6 billion budget back when it opened back in 2017 – estimated to be in and around the $1.8 billion region instead – will also stage a semi-final showdown, which is due to take place on July 15. But as part of FIFA‘s strict branding guidelines, the stadium is having to undergo some slight aesthetic amendments. View Tweet: https://twitter.com/11AliveNews?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwFootball’s global governing body’s regulations have explicitly stated that all chosen World Cup venues must hide any branding on their stadiums, including that of lettering and logos on stadium roofs. On Monday, first images were released of workers attempting to hide one of the huge exterior signages of the Mercedes-Benz logo with a tarp featuring the 2026 World Cup logo. The luxury German vehicle manufacturer forks out an estimated $10 million annually through 2042 to have its name and logo on the stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, but will see most traces of its name disappear for a few months. This comes as FIFA has also required that stadiums must temporarily change their names as a result of their ‘Clean Stadium’ policy, which cites that only FIFA’s exclusive global partners can have their brand visibly shown. With many of the venues being used for the World Cup having their own naming rights deals with companies, such as that of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Gillette Stadium in New England, FIFA is protecting their exclusive sponsors from the risk of ambush marketing. Ambush marketing refers to a strategy whereby a brand associates itself with a major event to gain recognition and visibility without paying for the exclusive rights. This could be done via aerial camera shots etc. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is covered with brandingGettyAtlanta Stadium has been given a unique exemption to allow them to keep their roof as is, despite the Mercedes-Benz brandingGettyAtlanta given unique stadium exemptionWith FIFA regulations also seeing high-quality grass set to be implemented at Atlanta Stadium, instead of turf which the NFL franchise opts to use throughout the football season, there has been one unique exemption granted. The stadium, which also houses MLS team Atlanta United FC, is allowed to keep its roof the way it is. This is because the retractable roof, which dons a huge Mercedes-Benz star on the top, would be at risk of causing significant damage to its infrastructure if they were to cover it up. Patterned onto eight interlocking panels, each movable ‘petal’ weighs in excess of 500 tons each, and stretches to 220 feet long, with the design inspired by that of the ‘oculus with Rome’s ancient Pantheon.’FIFA World Cup stadium name changesMetLife Stadium – New York New Jersey StadiumAT&T Stadium – Dallas StadiumMercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta StadiumSoFi Stadium – Los Angeles StadiumGillette Stadium – Boston StadiumLumen Field – Seattle StadiumNRG Stadium – Houston StadiumGEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City StadiumHard Rock Stadium – Miami StadiumLincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia StadiumLevi’s Stadium – San Francisco Bay Area StadiumBMO Field – Toronto StadiumEstadio Azteca (Banorte) – Mexico City StadiumEstadio Akron – Guadalajara Stadium“FIFA, in a statement from a spokesperson, said it would “not comment on specific arrangements relating to individual stadiums,” The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell wrote on March 24. “In general, though, it said: “FIFA is working closely with stadium authorities and host cities to implement (brand protection) requirements in a manner consistent with previous editions of the tournament, while taking into account the unique infrastructure and operational considerations at each venue.”While the Mercedes logo isn’t visible when the roof is opened, there are no plans for the stadium’s roof to be opened due to FIFA’s ruling that they can maintain the climate-controlled environment for the fans, players and grass. Stay up to date with the latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.