Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup & 2028 Summer Olympics Are a Federal Opportunity — Not Just Sporting Events

When most people think of the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics, they picture packed stadiums, thrilling victories, and moments of athletic greatness. But behind the scenes, these mega-events mean something much bigger for our country.

Washington should see them not just as sporting spectacles, but as a federal opportunity to invest in communities, strengthen small businesses, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.

The United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup across multiple cities and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Together, these events will draw millions of visitors, billions of dollars in investment, and an intense spotlight on America’s capacity to deliver. But this isn’t just about sports — it’s about infrastructure, security, economic development, and community resilience.

Why Federal Engagement Matters

When global events come to the U.S., it isn’t only host cities that feel the impact. Entire regions — from major hubs to surrounding small towns — experience ripple effects. Federal agencies play crucial roles:

• DHS & FEMA coordinate public safety and emergency response.

• DOT directs transportation funding for airports, highways, and transit.

• SBA expands small business programs and federal contracting opportunities.

• Commerce & State manage visa facilitation, customs, and international tourism promotion.

  
  

And, of course, Congress controls the purse strings, deciding which communities get access to appropriations and grant programs tied to these global events.

Without strong advocacy, however, the voices of small businesses, local governments, sports associations, and state economic boards risk being drowned out by larger players with more resources. That’s why deliberate federal engagement is not optional — it’s essential.

Who Stands to Gain

Small Businesses & Franchises

Imagine a family-owned catering company in Kansas City that lands a federal subcontract to serve meals during the World Cup. Or a minority-owned logistics business in Los Angeles securing an SBA-backed loan to expand capacity before 2028. Federal procurement set-asides and small business programs make these stories possible — but only if local entrepreneurs know how to access them.

Local Governments

From Dallas to Miami to Seattle, cities and counties will lean heavily on federal grants and earmarks to expand transit, upgrade roads, and increase public safety staffing. Without this support, local budgets could be quickly overwhelmed. For example, during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, federal investment helped modernize transit infrastructure that continues to serve the city today.

Looking ahead, Los Angeles County is preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics with ambitious infrastructure projects — from expanding the Metro rail system to modernizing LAX and improving regional highways. Federal appropriations and Department of Transportation funds are expected to be critical in making these upgrades possible, ensuring that millions of visitors can move efficiently while also leaving a long-term legacy for commuters.

Similarly, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, host cities like Kansas City are planning major transportation and public safety investments. Federal funding will be vital for projects such as road expansions, stadium-adjacent transit upgrades, and enhanced law enforcement coordination. These improvements won’t just support a month of international matches — they will benefit residents and local economies for decades.

Sports Associations

National and regional associations have an unprecedented chance to shape policy — whether it’s securing federal funding for youth sports, ensuring Paralympic inclusion, or setting safety standards for athletes. These moments put sports policy in the national spotlight.

For example, the NFL Players Association is uniquely positioned to leverage the visibility of the World Cup and Olympics to advocate on behalf of athletes as workers — raising issues such as health and safety protections, workforce benefits, and equitable access to resources.

The leadership of Sport Associations can also extend beyond the field, championing federal support for youth development programs, community sports initiatives, and pathways that connect professional athletes with broader social impact. By engaging at the federal level, associations like the NFLPA ensure that athletes’ voices contribute to shaping a more equitable and sustainable sports landscape.

State Economic & Tourism Boards

The World Cup and Olympics will attract millions of international visitors. States that engage federally can benefit from streamlined visa processing, international marketing campaigns, and infrastructure dollars that ensure visitors don’t just go to Los Angeles or New York — but also explore other regions. Think about the way Utah leveraged the 2002 Winter Olympics to permanently grow its tourism industry — a playbook states can replicate.

Why I Do This Work

I founded Torres Consulting, LLC because I’ve seen firsthand how federal strategy translates into real outcomes. As a former Policy Advisor on Capitol Hill, I watched communities secure federal funding that transformed local services, and I saw legislation pass that truly changed lives.

Those experiences cemented my belief that advocacy is not just about influencing policy — it’s about improving people’s lives and opening doors for communities that are often left out of the conversation. At Torres Consulting, my mission is rooted in empowering mission-driven voices and bridging the gap between local priorities and federal decision-making.

Nonprofits, local governments, and social impact organizations often know exactly what their communities need — but without skilled representation in Washington, their priorities can be drowned out. My goal is to ensure these voices aren’t just heard, but valued in the policymaking process.

Whether it’s helping a city secure appropriations for infrastructure, guiding a nonprofit through federal grant applications, or ensuring small businesses get their fair share of opportunities, I help clients position themselves for success during these historic events.

For me, this work is personal as well as professional. As a mother, a daughter and as someone with lived experience navigating the challenges of single parenthood, I know how critical it is to ensure federal policy reflects the realities of everyday families. That’s why Torres Consulting is more than a government relations firm — it’s a partner in building a more equitable, inclusive, and impactful policy landscape.

Looking Beyond the Games

The World Cup and Olympics may only last a few weeks — but the legacy impact can last decades.

• A rail line built to connect fans to stadiums can serve commuters for generations.

• Tourism dollars spent by visitors can seed new industries and small business growth.

• Federal investments in public safety and workforce development can leave communities more resilient long after the final whistle blows.
  

If policymakers treat these events as one-time spectacles, we miss the bigger picture. But if we approach them as national opportunities to invest in communities, businesses, and people, we can create long-lasting change.

Let’s Talk

The question isn’t whether the FIFA World Cup and Olympics will shape America’s future — it’s who will benefit from them. My goal is to make sure your organization has a seat at the table as those decisions are made.

If your organization — whether a business, government, or association — is looking to align with federal opportunities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the 2028 Summer Olympics, I’d welcome a conversation.

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