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.

Reporting organisationally to the Executive Director of Operations and operationally to the FIFA Head of Competition Management, the Senior Manager, Competition Management will be a key member of the FIFA26 Competition Management (CPM) team, and work in close collaboration with FIFA Zurich key collaborators and other key individuals 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, FIFA test events and other relevant tournaments.The main responsibilities and oversights of the Senior Manager, Competition Management for the FIFA World Cup 26™ (FWC 2026) include:

• Leading and managing competition management in the USA, Mexico and Canada and reporting to the Executive Director of Operations and FIFA Head of Competition Management.
• Serving as the direct counterpart and colleague to the Competition Management core project team for the FWC 2026 based in Zurich.
• Identification of key players within all relevant governmental and non-governmental institutions, the national, regional and local football community and creation of a network in order to establish a strong relationship and collaboration with these key players in order to successful achieve the stated objectives.
• Jointly with FIFA Competition Management, ensuring the strategy, planning, coordination & implementation of competition area venue readiness is conducted in accordance with FIFA regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Managing all locally based Competition Management staffing – including identification, preparing policies & procedures, training and administration requirements, integration into stadium venue teams - in the lead-up to the FWC 2026
• Together with FIFA Competition Management, responsible to oversee the successful operational coordination and delivery by the locally based Competition Management staffing during the FWC 2026.
• Managing, reviewing, tracking and coordinating the FWC 2026 Competition Management budget including regular reporting to the Executive Director of Operations and FIFA Competition Management in Zurich.
• Representing Competition Management at key and strategic meetings (as required) as well as at site inspections whenever necessary.
• Involved in planning and delivery of competition related events, such as the FIFA InterContinental Play Off Tournament, FIFA test events, the Final Draw, the Team Seminar and Team Workshop as well as the FIFA Refereeing's seminars and workshops, in close collaboration with FIFA Competition Management team.
• Responsible for reporting on a regular basis to the Local Entities' management and ensuring overall efficient communication channels to all other functional areas within the Local Entity as well as to external partners.
• Monitoring all stadium competition areas during any infrastructure works/construction/refurbishment ensuring that is in alignment with FIFA guidelines and requirements – and responsible for all follow up and finalization of checklists and associated requirements.
• Planning & delivery of competition and stadium readiness exercises along with leading in the development of related training materials.
• Collaborating on all stadium and team equipment requirements (ie, Team Materials, Field of Play Equipment, Training Site Equipment) and the subsequent procurement, delivery, placement and working confirmation of such.
• Representing Competition Management at required operational meetings and other relevant activities for competition and match operation matters.
• Supporting and attending the FIFA team inspection visits for FIFA Competition Management requirements
• Representing the Competition Management project at the Main Operation Centre (MOC) during event time to ensure effective communication of competition related issues and updates to the FIFA Head of Competition Management in Zurich and the Executive Director of Operations.
  
  #FWC26
  
  
  
  
  
  Our requirements:
  
• 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
• Ability to hire, develop, coach, appraise and retain highly qualified employees.
• 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.
• Minimum 6 (six) years of experience in football and event management, international experience preferred
• A minimum of 4 (four) 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.
• Be fluent in English (oral and written); any additional language skills (in particular Spanish and French) is a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools
  
  
  
  
  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.
  
  

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