Specialist, Competition Operations, FIFA World Cup 2026

At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest sporting event of all time. The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams and be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the USA. This new format will redefine excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement among fans and players across North America and all over the world. Now is your time to become a game changer and join the workforce that will plan and deliver this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

THE POSITION

Main activities and responsibilities
• Sitting within the Operations Department, Competition Management along with Venue Management, Team Services, Dressing and Signage, Media Operations and Fan Operations, aims to deliver the most engaging, innovative, and accessible World Cup experience for all players, fans, partners, and the community.
• Reporting organizationally to the Competition Operations Manager (, USA), the Competition Operations Specialist will be a key member of the FWC26 Competition Management (CPM) team, and work in close collaboration alongside of and under the guidance of the FIFA Competition Management core project team responsible for delivering the best possible standard of competition, tournament and match operations in the USA, Mexico and Canada before and during the FIFA World Cup 2026, and other relevant tournaments such as FIFA Club World Cup 2025
• The main responsibilities of the Competition Operations Specialist for the FIFA World Cup 2026 include:
• To ensure the implementation of planning and coordination of competition area venue readiness is conducted in accordance with FIFA regulations, policies and guidelines, under the guidance of FIFA Competition Management and the Senior Competition Manager and Competition Operations Manager.
• – including preparing policies & procedures, training and administration requirements, integration into stadium venue teams - in the lead-up to the FWC2026 and FCWC2025.
• Together with the Competition Operations Manager, and Senior Competition Manager responsible to oversee the successful operational coordination and delivery by the locally based Competition Management staffing during the FWC2026 and FCWC2025.
• Collating feedback and building presentations based on strategic meetings and site inspections
• in close collaboration with FIFA Competition Management team involved in planning and delivery of competition related events, such as the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, , FIFA test events, the Final Draw, the Team Seminar and Workshop, along with Competition Officials Workshop also ,
• Monitoring all stadium competition areas during any infrastructure works/construction/refurbishment, ensuring alignment with FIFA guidelines and requirements, and maintaining tracking/status updates for the rest of the Competition Management Functional Area.
• Planning & delivery of competition and stadium readiness exercises along with leading in the development of related training materials under the guidance of Competition Operations Manager
• Collaborating on all stadium and team equipment requirements (ie, Team Materials, Field of Play Equipment, Training Site Equipment) along with the planning and scoping of stadium services
• Preparing written reports and presentations on the progress of Competition Management matters.
• Supporting in the recruitment, training and delegation of tasks to the Competition Management volunteers.
• Collaboration with other Operations Functional Areas to ensure cross-functional tasks are being completed and attended to

YOUR PROFILE

Education & Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management or Event Management preferred.
• Master's Degree is an additional asset.
• Extensive and well-founded international football knowledge
• Extensive knowledge of event & competition/match operations as well as sport facility operations
• Strong knowledge of event planning and event project management processes, solution orientated.
• Experience or knowledge of local culture of USA, Mexico and Canada will be an added benefit
• Strong administrative and IT skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to effectively monitor organizational performance and implement decisive corrective actions
• Capacity to make key decisions for the business through critical problem-solving skills and an ability to use sound judgement.
• The following strengths: collaboration, high energy levels, entrepreneurial spirit, motivational leadership, effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills, excellent communication skills and positive relationship-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle large workload efficiently at peak times.
• Ability to work under pressure and stress.
• Sound judgement and prioritization of tasks.
• Experience of managing multi-disciplined teams across a variety of business areas
• Team Player, willing to work to tight timelines and able to cope in an international, demanding and changing environment.
• Positive attitude, patience and persistence with international, cross-cultural work experiences preferred.
• Be fluent in English (oral and written); any additional language skills (in particular Spanish and French) will be a bonus.

Work Experience
• Minimum 4 (four) years of experience in football and event management, international experience preferred.
• A minimum of 2 (two) years’ experience in the Competition Management (football & match operations) area
• Proven track record in managing complex projects, preferably international football tournaments.
• Knowledge of event planning and event project management processes.

Languages
• Fluent in English. Spanish and/or French proficiency is a plus

Technology
• 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.