FAU Sport Management Students Gain Global Experience at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami

A cohort of 10 students from Florida Atlantic University’s MBA in Sport Management program gained firsthand experience at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami, contributing to one of the world’s largest sporting events while developing the skills needed to succeed in the global sports industry.

As Miami welcomed fans, teams, and visitors from around the world, FAU students supported tournament operations at Hard Rock Stadium through roles in VIP hospitality, guest services, and event operations. Their responsibilities included assisting premium guests, managing fan experiences, supporting stadium operations, and helping create a seamless experience for thousands of attendees throughout the tournament.

Through these opportunities, students applied classroom concepts in a high-pressure, international environment while strengthening critical skills in leadership, communication, customer experience, and large-scale event management.

“Our program’s vision is for our students to gain real-world experiences in the sports industry through major events, because those experiences are essential for distinguishing themselves in this highly competitive field,” said Daniel Cornely, Ph.D., director of the MBA in Sport Management program in FAU’s College of Business Executive Education programs. “We are proud of this group for representing Florida Atlantic University on a global stage and demonstrating the professionalism, adaptability, and leadership skills that define our students.”

The experience also provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity involved in delivering a global sporting event. From supporting international visitors and coordinating guest experiences to working alongside event professionals, students gained insight into the operational, hospitality, and relationship-building elements required to successfully execute an event of this scale.

For Sveva Brugnoli, serving on the VIP Hospitality team offered a firsthand look at how major sporting events create memorable experiences for guests from around the world.

“Serving on the VIP Hospitality team at the FIFA World Cup has been a truly unique experience,” said Brugnoli. “Being part of an event that brings together people from all over the world has been incredible, and what I loved most was seeing fans from different countries and cultures celebrate together through their shared passion for soccer.”

Gabriele Scussel supported guest experiences at Hard Rock Stadium and saw how the scale and diversity of the tournament created an unmatched professional environment.

“The World Cup was unique; the size of the event, the energy you feel, combined with the mix of cultures from all the competing countries, makes it special,” said Scussel.

For Mark Jansheski, the opportunity extended into leadership as he served as a team lead during the tournament.

“I am proud to reflect on my experiences working the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium as a Team Lead,” said Jansheski. “I’m grateful to be trusted with leading a team and creating memorable experiences at the largest sporting event in the world.”

Other students contributed across hospitality and guest services roles, including assisting fans with stadium navigation, answering questions, supporting premium guest areas, distributing event materials, and helping ensure visitors had a positive experience throughout tournament events.

Jeremy Griff said the most rewarding part of the experience was seeing how small interactions could shape a fan’s memory of the event.

“I worked as part of the hospitality team assisting guests with questions about the stadium, checking tickets, and handing out special gifts,” said Griff. “I particularly enjoyed seeing guests’ reactions as their eyes lit up and they smiled while receiving their gifts. Those moments truly show what makes worldwide events like the World Cup so special.”

The FIFA World Cup experience reflects the MBA in Sport Management program’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for careers in an evolving global sports industry. By participating in events of this scale, students build professional confidence, expand their industry networks, and gain practical experience that translates directly into future opportunities.

-FAU-