Global Impact, Local Footprint: Hosting the FIFA World Cup

#academics #houston

Working on a major global event is a common goal for anyone interested in the sports industry, but at Rice, these opportunities can often start earlier than expected. I’m Jacob L., Hanszen '27, and over the past year, I worked with the Houston Host City Committee to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s a look at my experience and the lessons I learned while helping to lay the groundwork for the tournament.

First Steps
I set my sights on working at the 2026 FIFA World Cup shortly after arriving at Rice. I was willing to learn everything I could to give myself the best possible chance of securing this opportunity. I began by doing analytical work with the Rice Women’s Soccer team, and then, in Spring 2025, I added a marketing internship with PSP, where I supported the Art of Soccer program. 

In Fall 2025, while going through the Sport Management newsletter, I saw an opportunity to work for the Houston Host City Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although I was nervous about applying due to the high expectations for the internship and my relative lack of experience, I knew I had to take a leap of faith. Once I joined the team, I was ready to do whatever it took to help make Houston the best host city possible. I commuted to the downtown offices via METRO in between my classes. At first, being the youngest person in the office was intimidating, but I quickly grew into my role, becoming comfortable voicing my opinions in meetings and taking ownership of my work for the committee. 

A guy holding a soccer ball, standing on a field with the goal and seats behind him; signs read "Thank you Houston", "We are Houston" and "FIFA World Cup 2026"
I took this photo at the Houston Stadium pitch.
Three people standing behind a booth with various merch on it, stadium seats behind them
My teammates and I manned a FIFA-sponsored booth at an activation event for the Sugar Land Cowboys game.

Tackling Goals
It’s a common misconception that FIFA does most of the heavy lifting to ensure the tournament runs smoothly, when it’s actually the Host City Committee that does most of the legwork. While FIFA sets the rules, it’s up to us to secure funding and build the fan experiences that will give Houstonians a truly memorable World Cup. 

On the committee, I worked under the VP of Corporate Sponsorships. My duties involved supporting our eight Host City Supporters, in addition to numerous other partners in our Houston Impact 2026 program. The work had a “start-up” feel to it since nothing like this had ever been done in Houston before. We had to learn as we went! Projects that seemed simple on paper often turned into days of headaches, but through it all, we managed to succeed. Specifically, in the sponsorship space, I learned the importance of managing client expectations, being straightforward about what can realistically be achieved, while still finding ways to impress and exceed expectations.

My work became reality through my roles in the Aramco Youth Soccer Clinics and Reliant’s Road to the Cup 7v7 tournament. The clinics helped young kids in underserved areas gain access to high-quality training and fun experiences that fostered genuine joy for the game. We visited three schools and provided this experience to over 500 children. The 7v7 tournament featured over 100 teams from the Houston area, ending with the finals played at the Aramco Arena during the FIFA Fan Festival.

Two people handing out merch to a little child from behind a blue-cloth-covered table
I also handed out merchandise at an activation event for the FIFA Store Opening in Sugar Land.
Two people handing out T-shirts to young children inside a school
Me and my teammate working the Aramco Clinic at an Aldine elementary school.

Lessons Learned
My experience with the World Cup has taught me a great deal about the importance of availability. Showing up for every work opportunity — especially on weekends — opens doors to meet new people and learn skills you might never have expected to be part of the job. Being fully immersed in this experience for an entire year has allowed me to develop my professional skills exponentially. I have become highly comfortable navigating high-pressure situations and am ready to ride the highs and lows of putting on a massive event. I look forward to seeing where these experiences take me next, knowing that I am now fully prepared to tackle an event as massive as the World Cup!

-Jacob L., Hanszen ‘27 (Published on 7/21/26)
 

Large crowd of people standing on a soccer field in a stadium, with 3 tiers of seating visible behind them
The entire Host City Committee and Harris County Houston Sports Authority staff at the Houston Stadium pitch!
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