FIFA has made a rare exception to its strict World Cup branding rules ahead of the semi-final between England and Argentina by allowing the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo to remain visible at Atlanta Stadium.
Under normal tournament regulations, all commercial branding that conflicts with FIFA sponsors must be removed or covered during World Cup matches. However, officials determined that concealing the large Mercedes-Benz emblem built into the stadium’s retractable roof could pose engineering and structural risks. As a result, the venue received a special exemption.
The decision marks the only known exception among the 16 World Cup venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico, all of which have otherwise adopted FIFA’s temporary neutral stadium branding. England and Argentina will meet at the Atlanta venue on Wednesday for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
