Competition Management FIFA World Cup 26 All Host Cities

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.

FIFA World Cup 26 Skills Framework

ACCOUNTABILITY: Demonstrate commitment to responsibilities and objectively analyze one’s behavior, while assuming consequences of one’s own actions and/or decisions and learning from one’s mistakes.

DECISION MAKING: Ability to identify and swiftly make decisions in critical situations, take initiative and calculated risks, explore alternative solutions, and respond promptly to unforeseen circumstances.

INCLUSIVITY: Achieve shared organizational objectives by sharing information with colleagues across all levels and divisions, tangibly influencing others, and maintaining a network of support contacts.

INITIATIVE:  Capacity to do things on one’s own initiative and to influence the course of events, assume responsibilities, and achieve objectives with a minimum of supervision and control.

INNOVATION: Capacity to break new ground, look for unconventional solutions, and produce fresh ideas.

LEADERSHIP: Ability to lead one’s contacts/colleagues/partners, encourage teamwork, and delegate authority/decision-making power, as needed, to produce the expected results and make efficient use of the team’s skills and talents.

VISION: Ability to perceive the organization's global environmental impact, anticipate decision consequences, grasp organizational missions, and formulate strategic plans.

The Competition Management role is a key component of the FIFA World Cup 26™ operational structure, consolidating responsibilities from Match Coordinators, Venue Competition Coordinators, and Venue Competition Operations Managers into a single evergreen position. This unified role ensures the flawless delivery of match operations, preparation and readiness of competition areas, coordination with stadium teams, and seamless execution of all competition-related activities across all assigned venues. The main responsibilities include:

Match Operations Support

• Support the FIFA Match Director in executing all duties throughout the tournament.
• Coordinate all matchday operations, pre-match checks, arrivals, and countdown activities.
• Assist in the pitch inspection and ensure compliance with technical and operational regulations.
• Support youth programme rehearsals and pre-match ceremony preparations.
• Ensure the orderly organization of the match according to FIFA procedures.
• Understand VIP tribune layout and manage the correct allocation of VIP/FIFA guest tickets for teams.

Competition Area & Stadium Readiness

• Assist with the preparation of all stadium competition areas, including Field of Play, technical areas, benches, goalposts, and match equipment.
• Ensure field markings, lines, goal areas, and technical installations meet FIFA standards.
• Monitor readiness of dressing rooms, technical rooms, meeting spaces, and operational offices.
• Oversee competition equipment distribution and ensure timely delivery to team and referee areas.
• Support the preparation of FTI/VAR test activities with technical teams.

Meetings, Briefings & Team Coordination

• Prepare and attend Team Arrival Meetings and Match Coordination Meetings (MCM).
• Prepare MCM rooms, printouts, reports, and required documentation in cooperation with Match Coordination staff.
• Follow up on team activities including training sessions, media engagements, arrivals, and stadium movements.
• Support familiarisation sessions and ensure all operational requirements are delivered on time.

Venue-Level Competition Operations

• Act as counterpart to the FIFA Match Coordinator at the venue.
• Coordinate with Venue Management, Stadium Authority, Logistics, Pitch Management, Catering, and Transportation to deliver all competition-related requirements.
• Prepare offices and meeting rooms for daily operations—furniture, stationery, equipment, signage, documentation, etc.
• Manage submission of requirements for teams and referees (jacuzzi, cold bath, catering needs, equipment setups).
• Support the delivery and documentation of competition inspections and venue readiness reports.
• Ensure operational efficiency during match turnaround (reset of dressing rooms, equipment, flags, laundry services, etc.).

Operational Planning, Documentation & Inspections

• Attend venue inspection visits and represent Competition Management at venue meetings.
• Draft Site Operational Plans for the venue in line with FIFA requirements.
• Create Competition Operations Guides and related documentation for the assigned venue.
• Maintain follow-up logs ensuring compliance with operational checklists and readiness tasks.
• Manage documentation distribution (match forms, reports, meeting materials, plans).

Volunteer Management & Workforce Coordination

• Manage the competition volunteer assignment and communication process.
• Train volunteers on match procedures, operational flows, and functional responsibilities.
• Supervise volunteer performance and provide venue-level support.

Field of Play & Matchday Oversight

• Oversee all activities on the Field of Play, ensuring adherence to operational plans and timelines.
• Support smooth execution of warm-ups, team entry, match ceremonies, and halftime operations.
• Coordinate with technical teams for any adjustments or issues arising on Matchday.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Team Services, Media, Safety & Security, Transportation, Catering, and other FAs.
• Maintain strong alignment with the Venue Director and Venue Competition Manager.
• Ensure accurate communication and escalation between venue-level operations and FIFA HQ.

General Duties

• Execute any duties assigned or delegated by the Match Director, Venue Competition Manager, or Senior Manager, Competitions.
• Ensure compliance with all FIFA regulations, matchday protocols, and operational safety standards.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Event Operations, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in match operations, competition management, or large-scale sporting events may be accepted.
  
  

Language

• Fluent in English (required)
• Spanish and/or French proficiency is a strong plus
• Additional languages beneficial given the international teams and officials.

Technology

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams, Outlook).
• Comfortable using digital documentation platforms, reporting tools, scheduling systems, and match operations systems.
• Ability to manage shared operational files and digital matchday reports.