Counsel, Generalist & Brand Rights Protection Support, FIFA World Cup 2026

Reporting organisationally to the Director, Legal - US, the Counsel, Generalist & Brand Rights Protection Support will serve as a legal generalist while also providing brand rights protection support.

As a key member of the FIFA26 Legal team, you will be responsible for providing legal advice and guidance on a wide range of legal matters relating to the event, including contracts and regulatory issues, while also overseeing the safeguarding of the tournament's brand assets, intellectual property, and sponsorship agreements. Further, this role will oversee intellectual property rights enforcement, sponsorship compliance, and legal actions to safeguard the FIFA World Cup 2026's brand integrity and assets.

THE POSITION

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Counsel, Generalist & Brand Rights Protection Support for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:

• Provide legal advice, guidance, and support on a wide range of legal matters related to the FIFA World Cup 2026, including contracts, compliance, intellectual property, regulatory issues and access to information requests.
• Review, draft, and negotiate various agreements, contracts, and legal documents touching a broad range of commercial and event related issues.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to identify and mitigate potential legal risks and provide recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external counsel, and stakeholders to address legal issues, provide guidance, and resolve disputes, litigation, or claims.
• Stay informed of changes in relevant laws, regulations, and industry practices, and provide proactive advice to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Work with Senior Legal Counsel, Brand Protection to implement comprehensive strategies to safeguard the FIFA World Cup 2026 brand against unauthorized use, counterfeiting, and piracy.
• Work with various external stakeholders to develop brand protection strategies for the tournament across each of the host cities.
• Track, manage and enforce protection of intellectual property rights, trademarks, and logos associated with the event to prevent unauthorized usage.
• Manage and enforce brand guidelines for sponsors and partners, ensuring consistent representation and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Coordinate with law enforcement agencies and customs officials to enhance global efforts against counterfeiting and piracy.
• Assist with developing and implementing educational materials and training programs for internal and external stakeholders to raise awareness of brand protection measures.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior management, summarizing brand protection activities, challenges, legal actions, and future strategies.
• Other duties as assigned by the General Counsel, Director, Legal – US, and Senior Legal Counsel, Brand Protection.

YOUR PROFILE

• Bachelor’s degree or similar level of higher education in Law, Intellectual Property, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Enrolled in a State Bar Association in at least 1 U.S. State (Preferably Florida, New York, California, and/or Texas).
• Between 2 - 5 years of work experience as an associate or in-house counsel, with a broad range of experience, including with intellectual property programs.
• In-depth understanding of intellectual property laws, trademarks, and copyright regulations, with the ability to enforce protection strategies effectively
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both oral and written
• High attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through
• Ability to work independently, with strong problem-solving abilities
• Fluent in English
• Spanish and/or French proficiency is a plus
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools

About FWC2026

The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world. Now is your time to be a game changer and join the workforce that is planning and delivering this unique and unforgettable experience.