Google and Apple Maps change stadium names for the World Cup
If you’re looking for Levi’s Stadium on Google or Apple Maps, you’re in for a surprise: The Santa Clara venue is now called San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on the popular mapping platforms. It’s the same name FIFA is using for the stadium in all World Cup-related communications.
Google and Apple Maps have done the same for other host stadiums around the country.
FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, is known for demanding stadium name changes during its competitions, something the organization has imposed on host cities since at least Germany 2006. For the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada and United States, which begins June 11, FIFA has eliminated the branded names of stadiums and, in return, incorporated the names of the host cities. Thus, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become Atlanta Stadium, Gillette Stadium is now Boston Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium is Miami Stadium.
The change seems to have found its way to Google and Apple Maps. The popular mapping platform is now listing these stadiums with their FIFA names, including Levi’s, which now shows up on the platform as San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. In Apple’s case, the changes are not consistent. Some stadiums continue to show up with their branded name on Apple Maps. We reached out to Google and Apple for comment.
Apple Maps changed the name of Levi’s Stadium to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for the World Cup.
Signage around Levi’s Stadium — how the massive locale in Santa Clara is widely known locally, depicting the jeans and clothing brand name and logo and other 49ers sponsors, as well as the NFL team itself — has been covered up as FIFA takes over the facility. Massive World Cup and FIFA banners have been placed over 49ers-focused displays at the stadium’s entrances.
Levi’s Stadium will host six World Cup matches, starting with Qatar vs. Switzerland on June 13.
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