Comprehensive Checklist to Help Businesses Prepare for Soccer’s 2026 World Cup

Less than two years from now, visitors from around the world will descend on the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, as the three countries jointly host FIFA’s 2026 World Cup – and your business might want to start preparing already. It’s being billed as the largest sporting event in history, with millions of visitors pouring into 16 local markets over the course of five weeks, which means there will be plenty of challenges and opportunities for your business. You might think the event will be meaningless to your organization or that you won’t even feel its impact, but a quick review of our comprehensive checklist will open your eyes to the many facets you need to start thinking about now.

The Details

If you’re not familiar, the world’s best international soccer teams play in a month-long tournament every four years to hoist one of the world’s most desirable trophies.

• The 2026 edition will be the largest ever, with 48 teams (expanded from 32) playing in a total of 104 games (increased from 64).
• The tournament will take place between June 11 and July 19.
• The following 16 cities will host matches (number of matches hosted in parentheses): Dallas (9), NY/NJ (8), Atlanta (8), Los Angeles (8), Houston (7), Boston (7), Miami (7), Philadelphia (6), San Francisco area (6), Kansas City (6), Seattle (6), Toronto (6), Mexico City (5), Vancouver (5), Guadalajara (4), and Monterrey (4).
• The final will take place in NY/NJ on July 19, and the two semifinal matches will be held in Atlanta and Dallas.
• As of now, we know that Mexico will play its three group stage games in Mexico City (2) and Guadalajara; Canada will play in Vancouver (2) and Toronto; and the U.S. will play in Los Angeles (2) and Seattle.
• We will learn where the other countries will play their group stage matches in late 2025.

Comprehensive Checklist of Considerations

As you begin your preparations for the World Cup, here are considerations you should keep in mind – especially if you have operations in any of the host cities.

Staffing Needs

___      What are our projected staffing requirements leading up to and during the World Cup period?

___      Do we need to hire temporary or contingent workers to meet increased demand, and how will we recruit them?

___      Do we need to hire temporary staff with specific foreign language skills? How can we leverage existing multilingual staff to better serve international visitors?

___      What training programs should we implement to prepare staff for an international audience?

___      Do we understand the legal standards in place for whether we can retain unpaid volunteers at our organization?

___      Are our current staff schedules flexible enough to accommodate extended hours or shift changes?

___      What incentives can we offer to attract and retain both temporary and standard employees during this period?

___      How will we manage employee workload to prevent burnout during peak times?

___      Do we have a plan for rapid onboarding of new workers to get them up to speed quickly?

___      What policies do we need to review or update regarding overtime, leave requests, and scheduling?

Business Disruption

___      How will increased traffic and road closures impact our operations and customer access?

___      Do we need to adjust our operating hours to accommodate event schedules and visitor patterns?

___      What logistics plans are in place to ensure timely deliveries and supply chain continuity?

___      How will public transportation changes affect our employees’ ability to get to work?

___      What contingency plans do we have for potential disruptions like power outages or network failures?

___      Are we prepared for fluctuations in demand, both sudden spikes and unexpected lulls?

___      How can we communicate effectively with customers and staff about operational changes?

___      Do we need to arrange alternative parking or transportation options for customers and employees?

___      What strategies can we implement to mitigate the impact of disruptions on our business?

___      How will we monitor and respond to real-time events that could affect our operations?

Wage and Hour Considerations

___      Are we compliant with federal, state, and local minimum wage laws, especially if we plan to adjust pay rates during the World Cup?

___      Have we reviewed the current minimum wage requirements in our jurisdiction, including any scheduled increases?

___      How will increased overtime hours affect our payroll, and are we prepared to compensate employees accordingly?

___      Do we need to reclassify any employees from exempt to non-exempt status (or vice versa) based on their duties during the event?

___      Are we adhering to legal requirements for meal and rest breaks, especially during extended shifts?

___      How will we compensate employees for mandatory training or meetings related to World Cup preparations?

___      Are there specific wage and hour laws applicable to temporary or seasonal workers that we need to consider?

___      Do we need to implement shift differentials or premium pay for night shifts, weekends, or holidays during the event?

___      How will we handle compensation for on-call time or employees waiting to be engaged during peak periods?

___      Are we prepared to comply with regulations regarding maximum working hours – especially with regard to minor workers – to prevent employee fatigue and potential legal issues?

Other Workplace Issues

___      How will we address potential workplace distractions related to the World Cup (such as watching games during work hours)?

___      Should we provide designated areas or times for employees to watch matches?

___      Do we need to update our policies on personal device usage during work hours?

___      Are there legal considerations regarding workplace gambling that we need to address?

___      What is our policy on employees participating in office pools or gambling related to the event? Should we host our own free office pool with company-provided prizes?

___      Do we have procedures for handling increased leave requests during the World Cup period? Do we want to offer company holidays on days of certain key games?

___      How can we balance employee engagement with productivity during the event?

___      How will we manage potential conflicts arising from team rivalries among staff?

___      What support can we offer employees who may be overwhelmed by the increased workload?

___      How can we use the World Cup as an opportunity for team building and employee morale?

Security and Workplace Safety

___      What security measures should we put in place to ensure the safety of customers and employees during the event?

___      Do we need to hire additional security personnel or engage with security firms?

___      How will we manage crowd control within and around our premises?

___      Are our emergency response plans updated and have they been communicated to all staff?

___      What training do employees need for handling potential security incidents or emergencies – with a specific focus on preventing and diffusing altercations between customers?

___      How can we coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services for support?

___      Do we have adequate surveillance systems in place, and are they functioning properly?

___      What protocols are in place for reporting and addressing security concerns?

___      How will we handle lost and found items, especially important documents like passports?

___      Are our facilities compliant with safety regulations, including fire codes and occupancy limits?

Immigration

___      Do we plan to hire foreign workers, and what are the visa requirements for them?

___      What are our obligations if we sponsor foreign employees, including costs and legal responsibilities?

___      How will we verify the work authorization and eligibility of all employees, including temporary and foreign staff?

___      Are we familiar with the process and timeline for obtaining necessary work visas or permits?

___      How do we ensure compliance with immigration laws when working with international contractors and vendors?

___      What policies are in place to manage cross-border travel for our employees during the event?

___      Do we need to provide immigration assistance or resources to foreign staff members?

___      How will potential changes in immigration policy leading up to the event affect our staffing plans?

___      Are our HR staff trained to handle immigration documentation and compliance issues?

___      What contingency plans are in place if a foreign employee’s visa application is delayed or denied?

Data Privacy

___      Which data privacy regulations are applicable to our business during the World Cup (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)?

___      How will we obtain proper consent for data collection from international customers?

___      If we will be transacting business with customers outside the U.S., are modifications necessary to existing privacy policies in order to make them transparent and accessible – especially to non-native speakers?

___      Do we have secure systems in place for cross-border data transfers in compliance with international laws?

___      What measures are we taking to protect personal data from unauthorized access or breaches?

___      Is our data encryption up to industry standards for both data at rest and in transit?

___      How will we handle data subject requests, such as access or deletion requests, from international visitors?

___      Do we need to update our data retention policies in light of increased data collection?

___      Do we need to revisit the application of data minimization principles to increased data collected in connection with the World Cup?

___      What training do employees need regarding data privacy, handling sensitive information, and responding to data subject access requests?

Local Engagement

___      How can we collaborate with World Cup organizers and local partners to enhance our business offerings?

___      Are there sponsorship or partnership opportunities available with local event organizers?

___      Can we participate in or sponsor official fan zones or events to increase our visibility?

___      What local regulations or requirements must we comply with when collaborating with organizers?

___      How can we support community initiatives related to the World Cup?

___      Are there networking events or business forums associated with the event that we should attend?

___      How can we leverage relationships with other local businesses for mutual benefit during the event?

___      What promotional opportunities are available through official World Cup channels?

___      How can we contribute to ensuring a positive experience for visitors in our city?

___      Do we need to coordinate with organizers regarding security, logistics, or other operational aspects?

Enhanced Customer Experiences for Guests, Including International Visitors

___      What services can we offer to cater specifically to international visitors – and especially those from the specific countries whose teams will be playing in our area?

___      Do we need to provide multilingual support or materials in multiple languages?

___      How can we incorporate cultural sensitivity into our customer service practices?

___      Are we prepared to accept various international payment methods?

___      What amenities or facilities can we offer to enhance the guest experience (e.g., Wi-Fi, charging stations)?

___      Can we provide information or assistance regarding local attractions and transportation?

___      Should we consider offering certain complimentary or discounted services for local volunteers or official World Cup workers?

___      Do we have feedback mechanisms in place to quickly address customer concerns or suggestions?

___      What training do staff need to better serve a diverse, global clientele?

___      How can we create memorable experiences that encourage repeat business or positive reviews?

Leveraging Marketing and Promotion

___      What marketing strategies can we implement to capitalize on the World Cup excitement?

___      How can we promote our business without infringing on FIFA’s intellectual property rights?

___      Are we aware of the legal restrictions on using official logos, trademarks, and the term
“World Cup”?

___      Can we create themed promotions or events that align with the spirit of the event legally?

___      How can we use social media to engage with potential customers during the World Cup?

___      Are there opportunities to collaborate with influencers or ambassadors who are connected to the event?

___      What advertising channels will be most effective in reaching both local and international audiences?

___      How can we measure the effectiveness of our marketing efforts during the event?

___      Do we need to adjust our branding or messaging to resonate with a global audience?

___      What partnerships can we form to amplify our marketing reach without violating IP laws?

Supply Chain Demands

___      How will increased demand impact our inventory levels, and how can we prepare accordingly?

___      Are our suppliers capable of scaling up to meet our needs during the World Cup?

___      Do we need to source additional or alternative suppliers to ensure continuity?

___      What logistics plans are in place to handle potential delays or disruptions in the supply chain?

___      Can we implement inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste?

___      How can we collaborate with suppliers to forecast demand more accurately?

___      Are there import/export considerations or tariffs that could affect our supply chain?

___      What contingency plans do we have for critical supply shortages?

___      How will we manage perishable goods or time-sensitive materials during peak periods?

___      Can we negotiate better terms or bulk pricing with suppliers due to increased volume?

Tech Upgrades

___      Do our payment systems support international transactions and multiple currencies?

___      What cybersecurity measures are in place to protect against increased threats during the event?

___      Is our website and online infrastructure capable of handling higher traffic volumes?

___      Do we need to upgrade our point-of-sale systems to be more efficient or user-friendly?

___      How can technology improve our operational efficiency during the World Cup?

___      Are we compliant with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards and other relevant regulations?

___      What IT support will we need to maintain system uptime and address technical issues promptly?

___      Can we leverage technologies like mobile apps or QR codes to enhance customer engagement?

___      How will we back up critical data and ensure business continuity in case of system failures?

___      Do we need to implement or update customer relationship management (CRM) systems for better service?

Accommodating Guests with Special Needs

___      Are our facilities – especially temporary structures and those newly constructed for the event – accessible to guests with disabilities (e.g., wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms)?

___      Do we provide services for guests with visual or hearing impairments (e.g., Braille menus, sign language support)?

___      What training do staff need to assist guests with special needs effectively and respectfully?

___      How can we communicate our accessibility features to potential visitors?

___      Do we comply with all legal requirements regarding accessibility in our region?

___      Can we offer special accommodations or services for elderly guests or those with mobility issues?

___      How will we handle dietary restrictions or food allergies in our offerings?

___      Are there technologies we can implement to improve accessibility (e.g., assistive listening devices)?

___      Have we considered the religious needs for our guests that could make their stay more welcoming (e.g., dietary restrictions, offering services at different times of day or on different days of the week)?

___      How can we go beyond compliance to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests?

Data Analytics/AI for Organizational Decision-Making

___      What data analytics tools can we use to forecast demand and optimize our operations?

___      How can AI help us personalize marketing efforts to different customer segments, especially international guests?

___      Do we have the capability to analyze customer behavior and preferences in real-time?

___      How can data analytics improve our staffing schedules and resource allocation?

___      What metrics will we track to measure performance during the World Cup?

___      Are our data analytics practices compliant with data privacy regulations?

___      Can predictive analytics help us identify and mitigate potential risks?

___      How will we visualize and report data to inform decision-making quickly?

___      Do we need to invest in new technologies or expertise to leverage AI effectively?

___      How can we use insights gained during the World Cup to improve future operations?

Sustainability

___      What sustainable practices can we implement during the World Cup to reduce our environmental impact?

___      Can we source products locally to support the community and act more sustainably?

___      How can we minimize waste through recycling or composting programs?

___      Are there opportunities to use renewable energy sources or improve energy efficiency?

___      How can we communicate our sustainability efforts to customers and stakeholders?

___      Do we need to train staff on sustainable practices and policies?

___      Can we obtain green certifications or partner with environmental organizations?

___      What sustainable products or services can we offer to eco-conscious customers?

___      How will we measure and report on our sustainability performance during the event?

___      What long-term sustainability initiatives can we implement that extend beyond the World Cup?

Capitalizing on Post-Event Opportunities

___      How can we retain new customers gained during the World Cup for future business?

___      What strategies can we implement to maintain the momentum generated by the event?

___      Can we collect customer feedback to improve our products or services post-event?

___      How will we analyze the data gathered during the World Cup to inform future decisions?

___      Are there partnerships or relationships formed during the event that we can continue to develop?

___      What marketing campaigns can we launch to keep our brand top-of-mind after the event?

___      How can we evaluate our performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement?

___      Do we need to adjust our business plans based on insights gained during the World Cup?

___      What lessons learned can be documented to prepare for future large-scale events?

___      How can we continue to engage with the community and visitors after the event concludes?

Conclusion

We will continue to develop resources to support businesses as the World Cup approaches, so we recommend you sign up for our Fisher Phillips Insight Service to ensure you receive direct and timely updates. If you have questions, please contact the authors of this Insight, your Fisher Phillips attorney, or any attorney in our various relevant groups: Sports Industry, PEO/Staffing, Hospitality, Wage and Hour, Workplace Safety, Immigration, International, Privacy and Cyber, Leaves and Accommodations, and AI/Data/Analytics.