On Location, the official hospitality provider for FIFA World Cup 2026, announced its 'Starting 16' Captain program on December 11, 2025. The initiative features celebrities and sports figures representing each host city to promote premium experiences. Notable captains include Carmelo Anthony for New York/New Jersey and soccer legends like Sergio Agüero for Miami.
On Location revealed the roster for its 'Starting 16' Captain program, aimed at enhancing fan experiences for the FIFA World Cup 2026 across 16 host cities in North America. Each captain, drawn from sports, entertainment, and culinary worlds, will serve as the face of hospitality in their city, appearing at events and on social media to highlight local flavors and premium packages.
The full list of captains includes:
- Atlanta: Ciara (Multi-Platinum GRAMMY-winning global superstar)
- Boston: Julian Edelman (Three-Time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots)
- Dallas: Tiffany Derry (Celebrity Chef & Entrepreneur)
- Guadalajara: To Be Announced
- Houston: Stu Holden (FOX Sports Lead Match Analyst & Former US Men's National Team World Cup member)
- Kansas City: Gracie Hunt (Philanthropist, Sports Enthusiast, Entrepreneur, and Media Professional)
- Los Angeles: Rob Lowe (Award-Winning Actor and Producer)
- Mexico City: Miguel Layún (Former Mexico Men's National Team Player)
- Miami: Sergio Agüero (Football Legend, Former Argentina National Team Player and Olympic Gold Medalist)
- Monterrey: Ana Casanova (Celebrity Chef & Content Creator)
- New York/New Jersey: Carmelo Anthony (Hall of Famer, 10-time NBA All Star, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist, On-Air Analyst, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist)
- Philadelphia: Brian Kelly (Founder of 'The Points Guy')
- San Francisco: Kristin Juszczyk (Fashion Designer, Founder of Off Season)
- Seattle: Megan Rapinoe (Two-Time FIFA Women's World Cup Winner)
- Toronto: Susur Lee (Celebrity Chef, Owner of LEE Restaurant)
- Vancouver: Cobie Smulders (Actress and Producer)
Paul Caine, President of On Location, stated, 'On Location is thrilled to partner with our Starting 16 roster of athletes, hospitality experts and creators to elevate our premium hospitality experiences for FIFA World Cup 2026. Each of these captains has a unique love for sports and entertainment that will bring fans closer than ever to the beautiful game and the local flair of each host city leading up to and throughout the tournament.'
Carmelo Anthony, representing New York/New Jersey, expressed enthusiasm on social media: 'I’m thrilled to be your #FIFAWorldCup Hospitality Captain, connecting with fans and putting a spotlight on the football/soccer, local flavors, and energy that gives NYNJ our edge.'
This announcement follows the release of the final match schedule and a promotional activation called 'The Treatment,' which featured pick-up games in six host cities led by captains like Ciara, Miguel Layún, Rob Lowe, Sergio Agüero, and Tiffany Derry. On Location, a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings, provides official hospitality for major events including the FIFA World Cup.
