The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been nearly a decade in the making and is poised to be the largest sporting event ever staged by most measures. With 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the commercial and operational scale of the tournament is unprecedented. Making it a reality will require coordination across venues, sponsors, governments, media partners and a wide range of vendors over a 40-day competition.
The individuals recognized in this Power Players list are key leaders, advisers and decision-makers responsible for executing that vision. Their selection reflects SBJ’s effort to identify people who will directly influence how every stakeholder experiences the World Cup. Their roles span FIFA leadership, host city organizing committees, federal governments, corporate partners, media, ticketing, hospitality, logistics and legacy.
Alongside a broader network of executives and tens of thousands of volunteers, their work will determine how successfully the tournament is delivered on and off the pitch, and how it is ultimately remembered.
FIFA
Host Countries
Host Cities
Atlanta World Cup Host Committee / Atlanta Sports Council
FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee
New York / New Jersey World Cup Host Committee
North Texas FWC Organizing Committee / Dallas Sports Commission
U.S. Leadership in Soccer
Media
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
