What Does Project Management Have to Do with the World Cup? An Insider Explains

For billions of fans, the World Cup is about unforgettable moments on the pitch. For Haris Khan, PMP, volunteering at World Cup 2026 offered a rare opportunity to experience something else entirely: the massive project behind the tournament.

Haris Khan, PMP®, is a Project Management and Accessibility Consultant at Outreach Strategists who earned his PMP certification in 2024, and applied to be a World Cup volunteer in 2025.

While volunteering at the World Cup 2026 in Houston, Haris worked across accommodation, fan experience and hospitality, and saw firsthand how planning, communication, stakeholder engagement, risk management and teamwork come together to create one of the world's largest sporting events.

Project management plays a critical role in delivering the World Cup. Organizers must coordinate thousands of stakeholders, volunteers, vendors, host cities, transportation systems, accessibility requirements, safety plans, communications programs and fan experiences across multiple venues. Effective project management keeps these complex efforts aligned, helping ensure one of the world's largest sporting events is delivered safely, efficiently and successfully.

We spoke with Haris about viewing the World Cup through a project management lens, the personal journey that brought him there, and the lessons he'll carry forward.

Your journey to the World Cup began long before you became a volunteer. What made this experience so meaningful?

My dad introduced me to the World Cup in 1994 when I was a child. He also introduced me to Brazil, and that is where my love for the World Cup really began. My dad passed away in 2022, so on my first day volunteering at the World Cup 2026 in Houston, I felt both excited and emotional.

I kept thinking about him and how proud he would have been. He is no longer here with us, but he is always in my heart. In many ways, this feels like a full circle moment. The little boy who watched the World Cup with his dad in 1994 is now helping support the fan experience at the world's biggest sporting event.

Seeing the World Cup through a project management lens

How has earning your PMP helped you see opportunities like the World Cup differently?

Earning my PMP changed the way I look at major events. When I think about the World Cup, I see more than the matches and excitement. I also think about all the planning happening behind the scenes, with risk management, communication, stakeholder engagement, logistics, accessibility and team responsibilities.

The PMP has trained me to look at the process behind every major deliverable and ask, “What did it take to make this happen?”

Building a career in project management

Tell us about your work. What types of projects do you lead or support?

I work as a Project Management and Accessibility Consultant at Outreach Strategists, a public relations, marketing and community engagement firm in Houston, Texas.

My background is in environmental, and over the years I have also developed experience in public relations, stakeholder engagement, accessibility and people management.

I have led or supported projects in environmental sustainability, healthcare, education, social services, technology, public outreach and event management.

That is one of the things I love about project management. The same core skills of leadership, communication, planning and problem-solving can be applied across many different industries.

What first attracted you to project management as a career?

My introduction to project management came from an unexpected place: stand-up comedy. When I started performing as stand-up comedian, I also began organizing fundraising comedy shows to support local nonprofits. I coordinated performers, venues, promotions, schedules and community partners to bring each event to life.

At the time, I did not realize these were my first projects. It was only later, after learning the PMI definition of a project that I understood I had already been practicing project management.

I have always been a people person, so when I discovered that project management brings together communication, leadership, organization and relationship-building, it felt like a natural fit for me.

You could say project management found me before I knew what to call it.

What lessons from the World Cup will you bring back to your day job?

The experience reminded me of the importance of preparation, clear communication, teamwork and flexibility. You need a strong plan, but you must also be ready to adjust when circumstances change.

It also reminded me that people remember how an experience made them feel. Whether we are serving fans, residents, clients or community partners, project success is not only about completing tasks. It is also about creating a positive and meaningful experience for the people we serve.

Why earn a PMP certification?

Why did you decide to pursue your PMP?

I had already worked in project management, but I wanted to strengthen my knowledge and learn internationally recognized best practices.

I also wanted to challenge myself and demonstrate my commitment to the profession. Earning my PMP in 2024 was an important personal and professional milestone for me.

FAQs

How is project management used in major sporting events?

Project management helps organizers coordinate the many interconnected activities required to deliver a major sporting event. These include schedules, venues, transportation, vendors, volunteers, communications, safety, accessibility, hospitality and the fan experience. Project professionals help keep these efforts aligned with the event’s goals, timeline and operational requirements.

What project management skills are needed for the World Cup?

Delivering the World Cup requires skills in stakeholder engagement, logistics, communications, volunteer management, risk management, accessibility planning, teamwork and problem-solving. These capabilities help organizers coordinate host cities, venues, partners, vendors, volunteers and fans while responding effectively when conditions change.

Can volunteering help build project management experience?

Yes. Volunteering can provide practical experience in planning, scheduling, communication, teamwork, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving. Volunteers may also gain exposure to complex operations and see how project plans are carried out in real-world environments.

How does risk management support major events?

Risk management helps event teams identify potential disruptions, prepare response plans and act quickly when circumstances change. During the World Cup Fan Festival in Houston, for example, operations were paused when a thunderstorm approached, and staff and volunteers followed established shelter and safety procedures. Clear roles and communication helped protect attendees and keep the response coordinated.

How does PMP certification support event management?

PMP certification validates project leadership skills that can be applied to event management, including planning, stakeholder engagement, communications, team leadership, risk management and adapting to change.

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