The Soccer Industry Insider

Subscribe to the newsletter for industry insights, career advice, updates on key movers, and the Top 5 New Soccer Jobs each week đź’Ś

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

FIFA World Cup 2026 logo

Manager, Catering, Overlay, FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026
Full-time
On-site
Miami, Florida, United States
Manager, Food & Beverage, Hospitality
In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
FIFA World Cup 26 Overview

At FIFA26, our vision is to unite the world through the greatest sporting event of all time. The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams and be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the USA. This new format will redefine excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement among fans and players across North America and all over the world. Now is your time to become a game changer and join the workforce that will plan and deliver this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.  

Main activities and responsibilities
Reporting organisationally to the Senior Catering Manager, the Catering Client Services Manager will be a key member of the FIFA26 Strategy & Planning team, and work in close collaboration with the FIFA Zurich project team and other key individuals responsible for delivering catering efforts for the FIFA World Cup 2026 that for the first time ever, is hosting 48 teams and 1,200+ players across 3 countries and 16 venues. This role will be responsible for planning and executing non-Hospitality operations, ensuring top-quality catering services throughout the tournament. Further, this role will oversee quality assurance of all catering operations for Workforce and Volunteers, Youth Programme, Teams and Officials and Media dining experiences for the FIFA World Cup 2026.  

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Catering Manager for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:  
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive catering plan, Overlay Catering Operations and service standards, to meet the diverse needs of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Workforce, Volunteers, Media, Teams and Officials. 
  • Liaise with relevant parties to ensure compliance with product delivery according to the rights of the official F & B partners within areas of responsibility 
  • Collaborate with the stadium and venue culinary teams to curate menus that reflect regional and international cuisine preferences, ensuring high-quality and culturally relevant dining experiences. 
  • Ensure catering logistics, preparation, and timely delivery to venues, guarantees smooth operations during all operational periods via effective pre-planning and compliance with necessary tournament guidelines for each venue. 
  • Collaborate with all internal customers and functional areas relevant to the catering project to ensure successful delivery of relevant services 
  • Lead the design, construction, and operation of temporary kitchens and catering facilities in non-traditional spaces (parking lots, modular structures, and mobile units) to support FIFA World Cup 2026 operations. 
  • Manage catering operations across four stadium venues and provide project plan support for the International Broadcast Centre (IBC), ensuring all catering deliverables align with tournament timelines and operational requirements.
  • Work closely to Infra team and oversee detailed catering floorplans, including kitchen layouts, storage areas, service lines, and workforce flow to ensure safe, efficient, and high-volume food production.
  • Implement restaurant and kitchen access control systems, including staff/vendor accreditation, security protocols, and delivery access to maintain a safe and organized operational environment.
  • Create and execute a comprehensive catering plan covering menu development, dietary considerations, and service standards for Workforce, Volunteers, Media, Teams, and Officials.
  • Ensure food-safe catering operations across all temporary kitchens and venue facilities, complying with local regulations and FIFA standards.
  • Assess existing venue kitchens and temporary catering environments for suitability and operational readiness, ensuring integration with official F&B partner rights and product delivery requirements.
  • Oversee catering logistics for all venues, including kitchen setup, FFE, equipment installation, meal production, transport, and service delivery to guarantee smooth daily operations.
  • Support crisis management protocols, liaising with suppliers and local authorities in the event of foodborne illness or other critical catering incidents.
  • Collaborate on sustainability initiatives, promoting eco-friendly practices, local sourcing, and waste reduction strategies.
  • Conduct post-tournament evaluations of catering operations, supplier performance, and temporary kitchen infrastructure to identify best practices and improvements for future events.
  • Provide project plan support to the IBC catering operations, ensuring coordination between suppliers, venue teams, and tournament management.
  • Handling and development of all project administration, reporting and briefing. Summarising of tournament daily reporting & statistics relating to the Catering Functional Area.  
  • Prepare post-tournament reports, evaluating catering operations & suppliers, identifying successes and areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for future events. 
  • Compile, provide and deliver high quality training materials relevant to the role of the On-site Catering Coordinators to ensure they are equipped to fulfil the onsite role during tournament time. 

YOUR PROFILE
Education & Qualifications 
  •  Bachelor’s degree or similar level of higher education in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or Food Service Management
  • Intermediate or advanced food hygiene diploma or equivalent qualification 
  • Group Training Certificate or equivalent qualification 
Work Experience 
  •  Minimum of 6 years senior management experience in Catering, Hospitality or Culinary fields (preferably within a Major sporting event or Stadium background
  • Multi-outlet catering management experience is essential
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and ensure smooth catering operations during fast-paced events 
  • Excellent attention to detail  
Languages 
  • Fluent in English. Spanish proficiency is a plus  
Technology 
  • Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools