Manager, Referee Operations, FIFA World Cup 2026

Under the guidance of the Senior Team Services Manager (USA) and Referee Services Lead (Zurich), the Referee Operations Manager will lead the planning and delivery of all referee operations during FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and the FIFA World Cup 26 across the three host countries.

The Referee Operations Manager will be based in the FIFA World Cup 26 headquarters in Miami during the planning stage and at the Referee Base Camp during tournament time.

THE POSITION

The Referee Operations Manager will be responsible for: 

Pre-tournament role:
• assisting in preparing various Referee Services operational concepts, policies and procedures;  
• driving the cross-functional interaction with functional areas (FAs) for Referee Services related to operations and ensuring integration with each FA; 
• participating in various meetings between FIFA Refereeing, FIFA Team Services and FWC26 Team Services, tracking actions and following up on all pending matters to ensure smooth project delivery;
• representing Referee Services at various operational meetings and other relevant activities; 
• driving the preparation of local referee-related events, such as referee workshops and other test events; 
• participating and contributing to Referee Base Camp operational and material planning (led by Team Facilities as a sub-project);
• participating and contributing to stadiums and training site operational planning as the Referee Services representative; 
• leading the planning and delivery of all operations related to VAR referees at the International Broadcast Center;
• organizing the FIFA Referee Cup prior to FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and the FIFA World Cup 26;
• working closely with Workforce, Volunteers and Human Resources on Referee Services temporary staff planning, hiring, orientation and training matters;
• identifying the local teams to take part in practical training on a daily basis with the referees and establish an agreement with them;
• supporting with the preparations for any referee inspection visits;
• leading the preparation of readiness exercises and training materials for Referee tournament staff and volunteers;
• monitoring the Referee Services budget, in coordination with all members of the Team Services Department; and
• leading Referee Services project planning and coordinating the delivery of all milestones by all team members.

Tournament time role: 

Based at the Referee Base Camp, the Referee Operations Manager will transition to a Referee Liaison Officer (RLO) role and will be responsible for: 
• reporting to and assisting FIFA Refereeing, as required, with all local arrangements (matches, training sessions, meetings, spectating referees, etc.);
• cooperating with all FAs and service providers to support referees and FIFA Refereeing on a daily basis; 
• coordinating the local players requested for the practical training sessions with the referees; 
• exchanging information, in particular any last-minute changes to the daily program, with training site authorities and all FAs involved in the referees’ daily operations;
• organizing social activities for the FIFA Refereeing delegation team during the competition, as required; and
• supervising and coordinating the Referee Services support staff, including the Venue Referee Liaison Officers and volunteers at each stadium.

YOUR PROFILE

Education and qualifications
• Excellent communicator with strong planning, organizational and administrative skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to consistently deliver at a high standard.
• Able to work closely and collaboratively with others, while being self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Able to manage a group of people working on the same projects and, as required, coordinate people in other functional areas to contribute to projects.
• Capable of making decisions using problem-solving skills and exercising sound judgment to achieve results.
• Comfortable working in an international, demanding and changing environment.
• Able to adapt to and work well with people of other cultures and backgrounds.
• Able to hire, develop, coach, appraise and retain experienced and less experienced employees.
• High energy levels, exceptional planning and organizational skills, strong negotiation and facilitation skills, excellent communication and presentation skills and positive relationship management abilities.

Work experience
• A minimum of five years of experience in event management or football competition organization, ideally at the international level.
• Experience with referees or refereeing-related project is a strong asset.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects, including both pre-event planning and event implementation.

Languages
• Fluency in English (oral and written); any additional language skills a strong asset.

Technology
• Strong IT skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Smartsheet and other planning 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.