EVERYTHING
The Bay Area is preparing to host a historic edition of the FIFA World Cup 26, an unprecedented global celebration spanning three countries and 16 cities. Central to the region's promotional efforts are two alumni from San Francisco State University’s School of Design: Dan Nakamura and LeRoid David. According to News, both individuals have been tapped for significant creative contributions that will define the Bay Area’s artistic presence in this major international event.
Visual Storytelling Through Poster Design
LeRoid David (B.A., ’02) secured a prominent role by winning a competitive contest designed to create the official promotional poster for the FIFA World Cup 26 in the Bay Area. His submission was judged by both FIFA and the local Host Committee, showcasing his expertise in visual narrative.
David’s striking full-color design captures iconic regional landmarks—towers from the Golden Gate and Bay bridges—vaulting a soccer ball against a backdrop of fog. This artwork is now being featured across various merchandise, including official shirts. Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee, emphasized the significance of his work, stating: "This is more than a poster — it represents a lasting moment in time."
His design will be etched into history as part of the region’s contribution to this massive global event. Beyond the World Cup, David has leveraged this visibility; he is currently involved with several high-profile projects:
- Designing jerseys for the San Francisco Giants 2026 Artist Series during Filipino Heritage Night.
- Being featured in the ESPN documentary “Last Train to North America.”
- Contributing work to NBC Sports Bay Area and numerous Northern California professional sports teams.
David credits his education, noting that the SFSU School of Design provided more than technical skills; it fostered crucial soft skills like self-confidence, communication, and collaboration.
Infusing Local Culture into Global Sound
Simultaneously, Dan “The Automator” Nakamura (B.A., ’90), a Grammy Award nominee and veteran music producer known for his work with groups like Gorillaz, has been commissioned to remix the Official FIFA World Cup 26 Theme. This task places him among 16 producers selected from each of the respective host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Nakamura’s role requires blending global appeal with distinct local sounds, infusing the official theme with the unique rhythm and cultural essence of the Bay Area. As a composer, DJ, and audio engineer, Nakamura has built a career characterized by disregarding accepted convention and fleeting trends over two decades.
His innovative background includes collaborations with artists such as Damon Albarn and scoring films like “Booksmart.” His continued motion in the industry exemplifies how creative vision can be applied to massive, high-stakes international projects. The participation of both Nakamura and David demonstrates a powerful connection between specialized academic training and success in global cultural production.
Ultimately, these alumni’s contributions ensure that the Bay Area is represented not just as a host city, but as an active creative participant in one of the world's most significant sporting spectacles.