Communications & Media Operations – FIFA World Cup 26™ (All Host Cities)

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen. At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest sporting event of all time. 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. responsibilities include:Corporate Communications & StorytellingServe as the primary corporate communications liaison between Host City stakeholders and the FIFA/FIFA World Cup 2026™ central communications team. Report to central communications on local events, issues, opportunities, and market-specific storylines. Identify and pitch positive narratives to local, national, international, and broadcast media. Support development and execution of FIFA World Cup 2026™ communications campaigns. Support Tournament-Time PR initiatives, including proactive story placement, media pitching, event communications, and brand narrative amplification. Media Relations ManagementAct as a media relations manager within assigned cities, the IBC, or roving across multiple Host Cities. Manage incoming media requests, briefing journalists, preparing messaging, and aligning responses with FIFA communications guidelines. Pitch key FIFA/FIFA World Cup 2026™ storylines to local, international, broadcast, AFC, CAF, and specialist media outlets. Build and maintain strong relationships with media representatives across print, digital, broadcast, and radio. Support high-risk or high-profile match communications, including elevated coordination with security, stadium operations, and crisis teams. Matchday, Stadium & On-Site Media CoordinationOperate in Host Cities and stadiums on Matchday-1 and Matchday, attending media availabilities as an official FIFA representative. Support media logistics at stadiums, training facilities, and official sites. Provide messaging, briefing materials, and reactive communications support during stadium operations. In IBC roles, engage broadcast media directly and coordinate media servicing for rights-holding broadcasters. Tournament Headquarters & Roving OperationsSupport the central media relations team and Tournament Operations Center (TOC) in Miami. Manage inbound requests to the central press office and support development of official responses. Travel to Host Cities as required to reinforce local Communications & Media Officers. Provide on-the-ground support for crisis communications, leadership visits, and media handling. Issues, Crisis & Reputation ManagementSupport crisis management and rapid-response communications during incidents, operational issues, or sensitive matters. Provide real-time escalation and updates to central communications leadership. Assist in preparing statements, Q&A documents, talking points, and media guidance. Manage sensitive communications for high-risk or high-profile matches, including global media scrutiny. Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional CoordinationLiaise with Host City communications teams, PR agencies, Media Operations, Accreditation, Security, Stadium Operations, and other FAs. Support integration of communications strategy with wider FIFA operations. Facilitate alignment on media logistics, accreditation, media access, and press event planning. Specialized Media Markets (AFC/CAF Focus)Engage directly with AFC and CAF media markets, providing tailored narratives, messaging, and media servicing. Represent FIFA communications interests for AFC/CAF teams and media delegations at the tournament. Pitch storylines that support global reach and strategic priorities. Reporting, Tracking & AnalyticsTrack, monitor, and report media coverage, sentiment, reach, and impact. Provide daily reporting during tournament time to central communications leadership. Prepare city-level, region-level, and subject-matter reports as requested. Support post-event analysis and legacy reporting. QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, Political Science, Sports Management, or related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience in media relations, journalism, or PR accepted. Work ExperienceExperience in media relations, corporate communications, journalism, public relations, or large-scale event communications. Experience working with major media outlets, broadcasters, or global news organizations is highly preferred. Experience supporting high-risk, high-profile, or crisis-related communications scenarios. Experience engaging culturally diverse audiences (AFC/CAF experience is a plus). Experience in sports communications or major event communications preferred. LanguageFluent in English (required)Spanish and/or French proficiency is a strong plusAdditional languages (Mandarin, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, etc.) are highly valuable for global media engagement. TechnologyProficiency with digital media monitoring tools, press-tracking software, and analytics dashboards. Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams). Ability to use newsroom-style systems, accreditation platforms, CRM tools, and communications management systems. Comfortable with digital reporting, real-time updates, and centralized communications workflows. equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibits discrimination of any kind on the basis race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.