What are the responsibilities and job description for the Regional Safety and Security Director, FIFA World Cup 2026 position at FIFA World Cup 2026?
The Regional Director of Safety and Security for FIFA26, Inc. will lead the safety and security for all venues (and their respective sites) for a specific region. This will include oversight of all security planning and operations, and the responsibility for the successful and safe delivery of these areas at FIFA World Cup 2026 and its test events. A total of 48 teams, more than six million fans, a workforce and team of volunteers numbering over 200,000 and millions more will take part in FIFA World Cup festivities at official events and venues across the three host countries, creating one of the largest coordinated security operations to date. In addition, this role will support the implementation of the team security strategy and the training of Team Security Liaison Officers.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Safety and Security, this critical role will manage the planning, coordination and implementation of the comprehensive safety and security functions within and between the host cities and non-host cities within a geographic area.
Working closely with FIFA counterparts from the Safety & Security Department, the Regional Director will have oversight of the stadium, non-competition venues, and team safety and security functions across the USA.
The Regional Director will be responsible for implementation of security measures for any FWC2026 ancillary events taking place in the region of responsibility, to include trophy tours, FIFA Fan Fests, and other events.
THE POSITION
The main responsibilities of the Regional Director of Safety and Security for the FIFA World Cup 2026 include:
- Participate on the multi-agency, multi-country Safety and Security Taskforce and serve as the FIFA26 representative on various other working groups and joint coordination groups related to the sites under their scope.
- Support the development and implementation of the safety and security strategy, aligned with the objectives of FIFA26, Inc. and FIFA Zurich.
- Serve as the FIFA26 liaison with, state, and local security agencies to support overall World Cup security planning and coordination and prevent and respond to potential security threats and incidents.
- Develop plans that ensure a coordinated and measured approach that reflects the highest standards of safety, law enforcement, and community engagement.
- Manage a multifaceted team responsible for delivering across a range of safety and security areas, including third parties (suppliers, local security teams, etc.).
- Prepare and manage the safety and security budget for the venues under their responsibility, collaborating with other functional areas and teams, as needed.
- Work closely with other FIFA World Cup 2026 leaders and departments, including Planning & Integration, Host City Management, Facilities, Operations, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Legal to ensure that safety and security considerations are integrated into all planning and execution processes.
- Conduct safety and security assessments of all World Cup venues and sites and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks and ensure safety.
- Work closely with Host City Committees and FIFA26 Venue Teams to incorporate best practices into overall safety and security strategies and decision-making.
- Oversee the implementation of safety and security protocols related to transportation, accommodation, and other services for players, team personnel, key stakeholders, and the community.
- Support the hiring process for the venue security management teams that will operate the venues under their responsibility and scope.
- Train and coordinate the venue security management teams at the venues under their responsibility.
- Implement the FIFA26 Security command, control, communications, and computer networks (C4) strategy, including playing a key role at the command and control structure implemented by the department.
- Prepare regular reports on the status of safety and security operations and its venues (hotels, training sites, team base camps, etc.) and present to the Executive Director of Safety and Security and the Chief Safety and Security Officer as required.
YOUR PROFILE
- Bachelor’s degree or similar education / experience in safety, security, policy development, and event management.
- Minimum 10 years of experience managing safety and security for large, complex organizations, with a focus on large-scale events. FIFA Tournaments experience to be considered a plus.
- Knowledge of sport event safety and security planning and best practices.
- Experience with the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations is a plus.
- Ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Deep understanding of risk management, crisis response, and emergency preparedness.
- Proven track-record in building and/or managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders for a high-profile organization.
- Experience working in multicultural environments.
- Experience in the sports industry is an advantage.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Additional languages are an asset (Spanish, in particular)
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and Project), planning software and online collaboration tools.
- Proficient in Open-Source Intelligence Tools, patron screening technology, biometric identity solutions, enterprise access control technology, and video analytics systems.
About FWC2026
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world. Now is your time to be a game changer and join the workforce that is planning and delivering this unique and unforgettable experience.
EQUAL. DIVERSE. INCLUSIVE.
Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA-Strasse 20, 8044 Zurich
This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world. Now is your time to be a game changer and join the workforce that is planning and delivering this unique and unforgettable experience.
EQUAL. DIVERSE. INCLUSIVE.
Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA-Strasse 20, 8044 Zurich