The Position
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.
Sitting within the Commercial Department, FIFA Fan Festival (along with Host City Rights Management, Commercial Rights Delivery, Partnerships integration, Licensing and Retail, and Brand) aims to deliver the most engaging, innovative, and accessible World Cup experience for all athletes, fans, partners, and the community.
Reporting organisationally to the Executive Director of Commercial Operations – MEX, the Head of, FIFA Fan Festival will be a key member of the FIFA26 FIFA Fan Festival team, and work in close collaboration with the host country's Commercial Operations team and other individuals from key functional areas responsible for delivering the strategic planning, execution, and overall management of the fan festival, ensuring a world-class experience for fans and maximizing the festival's impact and success.
Further, this role will oversee budget management, team leadership, vendor coordination, fan engagement initiatives, and logistics.
The main responsibilities and oversights include :
• Lead and manage the strategic planning, development, and execution of the FIFA Fan Festival, aligning it with the overall objectives and vision of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Oversee all operational aspects of the fan festival, including budgeting, resource allocation, and procurement, to ensure efficient and effective event delivery.
• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to a team of event professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fan engagement strategy, incorporating innovative and immersive experiences to create a memorable and inclusive festival atmosphere.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including FIFA, local organizing committees, sponsors, and partners, to maximize the festival's impact and create synergies with other World Cup initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts, negotiating terms and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services in line with quality standards and budget requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, agencies, and community organizations to ensure compliance with regulations, obtain necessary permits, and manage logistical challenges.
• Oversee the development and execution of the festival's marketing and communication plans, working closely with the marketing team to drive awareness, engagement, and attendance.
• Implement comprehensive safety and security protocols, coordinating with relevant agencies and implementing risk management strategies to safeguard attendees and protect the festival's reputation.
• Analyze and monitor key performance indicators, attendee feedback, and market trends to assess the success of the fan festival and identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior management, providing updates on the festival's progress, outcomes, and financial performance.
• Coordinate with FFF Head in Zurich, to align with global strategy.
• Manage and implement the commercial guidelines to ensure the correct branding implementation.
• Coordinate with the Brand Protection area, local teams, and local authorities to implement the anti-ambush and anti-grey market programs.
• Provide guidelines to the HCs for the implementation and execution of the local Fan Fests.
#FWC26
Your Profile
Our requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree or similar level of education in Marketing, Event Production, etc.
• Minimum of 6 years of work experience in large-scale event management.
Ideally on sports
• Have been part of the production and leadership of at least one large-scale event (Over 50,000 people).
• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Proficient in MS Office, Planning software and Design-production software (Eg. Adobe Suite).
• Strongly detail-oriented and flexible
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure across multiple event sites.
• Ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team
WE ARE FIFA
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.
Perks & Benefits
The biggest benefit of a career at FIFA is the privilege to work for the beautiful game and create something that matters.
Alongside that privilege, we also offer some extra perks and benefits:
Health and fitness
Regular football sessions for all abilities, plus an on-site gym.
Home office
Up to two days of home office per week if work permits and home office allowance for all.
Language courses
Offered to all staff to aid personal and professional growth.
Continuous learning
We care about your development and encourage internal mobility, offering a variety of training and education to help achieve it.
Pension
Flexible pension benefits with generous employer contributions.
Relocation assistance
A dedicated team will be on hand to support your relocation.
Sustainability
We support all employees using public transport.
Vacation
Maintain a healthy work/life balance with a generous vacation allowance.
Volunteering
Make an impact beyond your regular role and bond with colleagues by volunteering with one of our partners.
Required Skill Profession
Other Management Occupations