Guest Operations Stadiums 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.

This is an evergreen position supporting FIFA World Cup 26™ stadium Guest Operations across official Host Cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Final assignment location(s) will be determined based on operational needs, candidate availability, and tournament requirements. Candidates may be considered for one or multiple Host Cities.

Guest Operations Stadium Manager - Role Description

Reporting organizationally to the Central Stadium Operations team, the Guest Operations Stadium Manager will be a key member of the FIFA26 Guest Operations team. This role works in close collaboration with Safety & Security, Venue Management, Hospitality, Guest Relations, and other key stakeholders responsible for delivering VVIP/VIP operations at the assigned stadium.

The main responsibilities and oversight of the Guest Operations Stadium Manager include:

• Oversee and implement all VVIP/VIP Guest Operations at the stadium during tournament time, maintaining full visibility of daily activities
• Establish and implement Guest Operations policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with national protocols for Heads of State and government officials, where applicable
• Lead the onsite Guest Operations Program (GOP) team through training, guidance, escalation, and reporting to GOP Central
• Act as the local Guest Operations representative, coordinating operational decisions with other functional areas onsite (e.g., security, access control, hospitality, transport, signage, IT, cleaning & waste)
• Provide operational leadership and decision-making authority for all Guest Operations personnel, including tournament staff, venue staff, volunteers, and suppliers, in alignment with FIFA standards
• Ensure readiness of Guest Operations areas (lounges, access control points, signage, wayfinding) prior to the tournament and on a match-by-match basis
• Lead authority pre-visits alongside the Protocol Officer, gathering requirements and coordinating operational needs (e.g., parking, accreditations, entourage passes)
• Implement and follow the Site Operations Plan (SOP) in collaboration with FIFA Guest Operations, communicating details and exceptions to the onsite team as needed
• Communicate anticipated VVIP/VIP guest volumes and high-profile attendees (e.g., legends, dignitaries, celebrities) ahead of each match to Venue Management and Security
• Coordinate logistical requirements across all relevant stakeholders
• Support agreed guest management and protocol service levels across all operational partners
• Monitor, escalate, and support resolution of risks or issues impacting VVIP/VIP operations
• Prepare and deliver daily operational reports to the Central Guest Operations team
• Support post-tournament reporting, debriefs, and after-action reviews, ensuring feedback is captured to support continuous improvement

VVIP Lounge Manager - Role Description

Reporting organizationally to the Guest Operations Stadium Manager, the VVIP Lounge Manager will be a key member of the FIFA26 Guest Operations team. This role works closely with Hospitality, Guest Relations, Venue Management, and other key stakeholders responsible for delivering a world-class VVIP/VIP lounge experience at the assigned stadium.

The main responsibilities and oversight of the VVIP Lounge Manager include:

• Lead the on-site execution of the V/VIP lounge guest experience, including branding, entertainment, staffing, and decor.  
• Oversee guest management and ensure protocol service levels are met a agreed between all stakeholders.  
• Ensure the delivery of exceptional, world-class hospitality service to all guests.  
• Monitor hospitality suppliers to ensure quality, budget compliance, and risk management.  
• Address and escalate queries related to stadium infrastructure and technical aspects of guest areas.  
• Manage VIK sponsor needs and ensure implementation aligns with agreed plans.  
• Support world-class training programs focused on delivering exceptional customer service.  
• Participate in planning meetings, provide updates, and prepare documents to support guest experience initiatives.  
• Fill in the required reports and escalate necessary issues to the central team  
• Ensure successful knowledge sharing and post-event debriefing for Guest Operations

Location
This role supports stadium operations across multiple FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Cities. Not all roles will be required in every Host City.

Current Host Cities include, but are not limited to:
United States: Atlanta, Georgia · Boston, Massachusetts · Dallas, Texas · Houston, Texas · Kansas City, Missouri · Los Angeles, California · Miami, Florida · New York / New Jersey Area · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · San Francisco, California · Seattle, Washington

Mexico: Guadalajara, Jalisco · Mexico City · Monterrey, Nuevo León

Canada: Toronto, Ontario · Vancouver, British Columbia

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sport Management, Business, Hospitality, or Event Management
• Postgraduate education focused on International Organizations or Sport Management preferred, but not required

Work Experience 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Guest Operations, Event Services, or Hospitality, including project management experience
• Extensive knowledge of stadium operations, guest services, hospitality, and large-scale event delivery
• Proven experience managing end-to-end VVIP/VIP hospitality programs at major sporting or international events

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