SFSU Design alumni tapped for creative contributions to FIFA World Cup 26 in the Bay Area

As millions of soccer fans around the globe turn their eyes toward the Bay Area this month for the FIFA World Cup 26, two alumni of San Francisco State University’s School of Design are playing roles on the creative side. Dan “The Automator” Nakamura and LeRoid David exemplify how an education at SFSU prepares you for career success in ways you never would imagine.  

The Bay Area Host Committee, the civic organization responsible for bringing major sporting events to the Bay Area, commissioned Nakamura (B.A., ’90) to remix the Official FIFA World Cup 26 Theme. David (B.A., ’02) won a contest for his poster design promoting the FIFA World Cup 26 in the Bay Area, which takes place Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19, in Santa Clara. 

LeRoid David

David’s poster is part of FIFA’s Host City series created through a contest, judged by FIFA and the Bay Area Host Committee. His expertise in storytelling through visual art made his submission stand out. On his full-color poster, towers from the Golden Gate and Bay bridges leap out from the fog, vaulting a soccer ball into the sky. His design is now featured on shirts and other merchandise. 

“This is more than a poster — it represents a lasting moment in time,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, Bay Area Host Committee president and CEO. “As the FIFA World Cup 26 is played across 16 cities in three countries for the first time, LeRoid’s design will be etched in history as the Bay Area’s artistic contribution to this unprecedented global celebration of the game.”

David is a San Francisco native and proud second-generation Filipino American. The FIFA World Cup 26 poster has opened up many new opportunities for him. He is part of the San Francisco Giants 2026 Artist Series and has designed the jersey they will give away to fans at this year’s Filipino Heritage Night. He is also featured on the ESPN documentary “Last Train to North America.” His portfolio also includes work for NBC Sports Bay Area and almost every major Northern California professional sports team. 

“The SFSU School of Design was more than learning new technology and producing art, but building self-confidence, communication and collaboration — skills that helped me work my way through complex work environments,” David said.  

Dan ‘The Automator’ Nakamura

Nakamura’s remix of the Official FIFA World Cup 26 Theme infuses the distinct rhythm, vibe and cultural essence of the Bay. He is among 16 producers from each of the respective World Cup host cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. to be chosen to create a piece of music that blends global appeal with local sounds. 

Nakamura is a music producer, DJ, composer and audio engineer. His lauded, innovative musical groups include Gorillaz, Deltron 3030, Dr. Octagon and Handsome Boy Modeling School.  

For over two decades, the Grammy Award nominee has created progressive, genre-warping music on his terms. Whether collaborating with like-minded artists such as Del the Funky Homosapien and Damon Albarn or scoring films such as “Booksmart,” he has disregarded accepted convention and fleeting trends. Nakamura remains in constant motion, performing on stages around the world and lending his singular artistic vision to one endeavor after another. 

Learn more about the SFSU School of Design. 

Image courtesy of the Bay Area Host Committee