Head of Licensing and Retail, FIFA World Cup 2026

Reporting to the Executive Director of Commercial Operations, the Head of Licensing & Retail will join the leadership team within the FIFA26 Commercial Operations division. The role requires close collaboration with FIFA's global Licensing & Retail team in Zurich and other key stakeholders to deliver a world-class, innovative, and engaging licensing product and retail merchandise program. This program will span global, national and local initiatives aligned with the broader FIFA licensing and retail strategy, ensuring fan and community engagement through impactful retail activations.

This position demands extensive experience in sports and event-related retail and licensing, particularly in the context of large-scale events such as global sports tournaments, concerts, or multi-city festivals. Expertise in the U.S. and North American markets is essential, with a deep understanding of consumer trends, retail landscapes, and regional market dynamics.

THE POSITION

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Head of Licensing and Retail for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ include:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and lead the licensing and retail strategy for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, ensuring alignment with global objectives and tailoring initiatives to the North American host markets.
• Event-Centric Retail Expertise: Develop and execute retail programs designed specifically for high-profile events, including stadium activations, fan zones, pop-up stores in host cities, and e-commerce platforms.
• Comprehensive Market Oversight: Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape across North America, using this data to position FIFA merchandise and ensure an impactful presence across retail channels.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with FIFA’s global Licensing & Retail team, local host city stakeholders, and event partners to implement initiatives that enhance fan engagement while meeting commercial objectives.
• Brand and Compliance Management: Oversee the development, design, and production of premiums and merchandise to ensure alignment with FIFA’s brand guidelines, licensing policies, and event-specific requirements.
• Go-to-Market Execution: Lead the coordination of go-to-market (GTM) strategies with partners, ensuring timely and efficient product launches across physical and digital retail channels.
• Retailer Engagement & Sales: Actively engage with retailers to present, position, and sell in FIFA World Cup products, ensuring wide distribution across key retail channels and fostering strategic partnerships to maximize revenue and visibility.
• Major Event Activation: Partner with stadium concessionaires, onsite retail operators, and other retail providers to deliver engaging, event-specific retail experiences at FIFA World Cup venues and associated activations.
• Licensing Partner Oversight: Conduct due diligence and ongoing evaluation of licensing partners, assessing their suitability, operational capabilities, and alignment with FIFA’s vision for the event.
• Legal and IP Coordination: Collaborate with legal teams on contract drafting, licensing agreements, and intellectual property protection, ensuring compliance with FIFA’s standards.
• Financial Performance Management: Prepare sales forecasts, manage budgets, and analyze financial data to optimize the licensing and retail program’s profitability.
• Innovation and Reporting: Continuously innovate through the introduction of new product categories, technology solutions, and fan-focused initiatives. Provide regular reports on progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

YOUR PROFILE

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Product Management, or a related field.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in licensing, retail, or consumer goods, with specific expertise in sports and/or entertainment sectors.
• Demonstrated success in licensing and retail programs for major events, including tournaments, concerts, and multi-city activations.
• Experience managing product development, go-to-market processes, and retail distribution channels in the North American market.
• Proficiency in reviewing legal contracts and protecting intellectual property.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with the ability to engage senior executives and external partners.

Languages

• Fluent in English. Spanish proficiency is a plus

Technology

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project), planning software, online collaboration tools, and contract management systems

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.