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Writer's pictureAlessandro Gomes

Event management challenges and strategies on a global scale: lessons from the 2026 World Cup


The 2026 FIFA World Cup goes beyond sporting aspects and profoundly impacts the lives of millions of people around the world. It is an event that transcends borders and unites nations around a common passion: football.

More than a sporting competition, it represents the celebration of diversity, culture and global unity.


The World Cup Cup is the most desired object among football players (Franck Fife/AFP)
The World Cup Cup is the most desired object among football players (Franck Fife/AFP)

But, what is the relevance of the 2026 World Cup for event managers?


The 2026 World Cup offers a complete case study for event managers, due to its unique complexities and challenges faced when organizing the event. With 48 teams and thousands of players, officials, fans and members of the press involved, managing the needs and expectations of so many stakeholders across multiple host cities requires meticulous planning and efficient coordination.


One of the main complexities faced by event managers is the scale and magnitude of the event. The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting a global audience passionate about football. Dealing with the organization of so many teams, players and fans requires a strategic approach and adequate resources.


Another challenge faced by event managers is logistics and infrastructure

necessary to carry out an event of this magnitude. It is necessary to guarantee adequate stadiums, sufficient accommodation, efficient transport, reinforced security and support services, such as food and entertainment, to meet the demands of the event. Furthermore, the logistics of transporting teams, players and fans to the different host cities is also an important concern.


International cooperation is another essential aspect for organizing the World Cup. As host cities may be located in different countries, it is necessary to coordinate efforts and ensure compliance with international regulations. Furthermore, overcoming cultural and language barriers is also a significant challenge that event managers must face.


Risk management is a critical area that event managers must consider when organizing a large-scale event like the World Cup. These events are subject to various risks, such as security, public health, natural disasters, transportation problems and even geopolitical issues. Event managers must be prepared to identify, evaluate and mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.


One of the public's biggest expectations regarding the World Cup is the quality of the game. Event managers must ensure that teams have the best conditions to compete and that stadiums offer a world-class experience for fans. In addition, television broadcasting, entertainment and other demands related to the fan experience must also be considered.


It is through analyzing the challenges faced by the organizers of the 2026 World Cup and the strategies adopted to overcome them that event managers can acquire valuable knowledge and practical insights into how to deal with large-scale and complex events. Through this case study, they can learn about best practices in planning, coordination, risk management and public satisfaction.


These insights can be applied to future events, allowing event managers to improve their skills and approaches. The experience gained from dealing with an event as complex as the 2026 World Cup can be invaluable in meeting challenges and ensuring the success of future events.


In short, the 2026 World Cup presents unique complexities that make it a complete case study for event managers. From the scale and magnitude of the event to logistics, infrastructure, international cooperation, risk management and public expectations, there are a series of challenges to be overcome. By analyzing these challenges and the strategies adopted to overcome them, event managers can gain valuable knowledge and practical insights that can be applied to future events. The 2026 World Cup is a learning and growth opportunity for the event management industry.

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