The 2026 FIFA World Cup has provided a unique platform for students from Florida International University (FIU) to gain real-world experience in sports management and hospitality. Across various host cities, these students are making significant contributions while building their professional networks.
With over 1.1 million applicants vying for just 65,000 positions, the competition was fierce. However, FIU students have managed to secure roles that offer them a front-row seat to one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
Sports management students take on key roles
Students from FIU’s College of Arts, Sciences & Education have been actively involved in various aspects of the World Cup, from guest experiences to brand executions. Thomas Arias Mechoulam, a sports management student, secured a volunteer position in Event Transport, a role he describes as a dream come true.
Mechoulam’s responsibilities include directing fans, media, and VIP guests, providing him with a unique perspective on the event. His most memorable moment was encountering popular YouTuber IShowSpeed before a match. “I get to see things that an attending fan does not have access to,” Mechoulam said, highlighting the exclusive insights he gains from his role.
Alejandro Mella’s internship with Octagon
Alejandro Mella, another sports management major, landed an internship with Octagon, the sports marketing agency managing The Home Depot’s FIFA fan activation events. Mella’s role involved ensuring smooth operations for thousands of fans each day, a task that required quick adaptation to challenges like humidity, rainstorms, and technical glitches.
“Being in the middle of a World Cup activation in my own city was surreal,” Mella said. He found that the experience bridged the gap between classroom case studies and real-world execution, providing valuable insights into global sports marketing.
Jefferey Florvil’s brand ambassador role
Jefferey Florvil also secured a role as a brand ambassador for Home Depot’s activation. His duties included engaging with fans and conducting market research on competing brands. Florvil was particularly struck by the interactions between fans from different nations, noting the unique cultural exchange that took place.
“The coolest thing that happened during my internship was seeing fans from different nations interact with each other and swap jerseys,” Florvil said. He also used the opportunity to expand his professional network, connecting with managers and vendors across multiple brands.
Hospitality students showcase their skills
Students and alumni from FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management have also played a crucial role in the World Cup. Samantha Wagner, a double alumnus, served as a senior workforce coordinator in Atlanta, describing the experience as a “dream come true.”
Sendy Reimers, a hospitality student, worked as a venue manager at the Miami FIFA Fan Fest. Her role involved overseeing more than 2,000 volunteers and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of football fans. “Everything that you learn in class, you see right there in front of you,” Reimers said, emphasizing the practical application of her education.
Jake Aylward’s operations role
Jake Aylward, another hospitality student, interned with event company Event Logistics, Inc. As part of the operations team, Aylward gained invaluable experience that he believes will significantly enhance his résumé. “To be a part of FIFA World Cup is just huge. I feel like I’m making a difference,” he said.
Professor Sharifa Wilkinson, who leads the mega events management program, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to work for FIFA. “If you had told 10-year-old me, standing on a soccer field in Toronto, that one day I’d help deliver a FIFA World Cup in the city I call home, I couldn’t have imagined it,” she said, highlighting the personal and professional fulfillment the event has brought.
Seattle students step onto the world stage
In Seattle, students have also been involved in the World Cup, serving as player escorts. This role provides them with a unique opportunity to interact with athletes and gain insights into the inner workings of a major sporting event.
These students, along with their counterparts in Miami and Atlanta, are returning to their studies with enhanced resumes and the confidence to launch careers in the global sports industry. Their experiences at the 2026 FIFA World Cup serve as a testament to the value of experiential learning and the opportunities that arise from hosting such mega events.
