As the world gets set for for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Mundial, the first of its kind to be jointly hosted by three countries – the United States of America, Canada and Mexico, the global soccer body, FIFA, is putting seamless plans in place for the football fiesta.
Though Nigeria failed to qualify for the second consecutive time in a roll for the 48 nations newly expanded soccer tournament. However, some few Nigerians will still play some important roles in different capacities at the world’s biggest soccer showpiece.
Aside a few top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by its former President, Amaju Pinnick, who is a member of the Organising Committee for FIFA competitions, football enthusiast and seasoned journalist, Hilary Damissah, joins a global multi-racial and cultural team of selected 2026 FIFA World Cup Volunteers to assist in key areas of ensuring a smooth and memorable World Cup competition.
After passing different layers of the very rigorous FIFA screening procedures, a thorough background check and online assessment besides other requirements, Hilary Damissah, a versatile multimedia journalist with over 25 years experience in print, broadcast, digital media and public relations practice, was among applicants who made the final quota for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteers.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteer Community is the largest in the history of FIFA. Volunteers will commit to a minimum of eight shifts of at least six hours per schedule.
In return, participants receive an official multi-piece uniform, exclusive event merchandise, certification, and meals during their shifts. Role Assignments are staggered across 23 functional areas, including media operations, hospitality, transportation, and guest services at official sites.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Volunteer Accreditation adds to a litany of international profile. Damissah has built over time with his global experiences at multi-sectorial events which includes strategic partnerships and 9participation at CABSAT 2016, Dubai World Trade Center, United Arab Emirates, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) World, Bangkok Thailand 2013, Samsung African Forum, Cape Town South Africa 2012 and the Ghana-Nigeria Tourism and Culture Showcase, which he coordinated for three editions among other numerous international and local events.
Coincidentally, Hilary will be stationed at the sprawling 72,000 NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, which will host seven matches, including five group games, one round of 32 and another round of 16 games. Interestingly, Nigeria’s Achilles heel and nemesis at the final qualifying rounds Congo DR will play one of her group games at the massive NRG Houston Stadium. Other teams that the arena will play host to include European heavyweights Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Africa debutants Cape Verde, Asian representatives Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.
Projections for the 2026 FIFA World Cup according to The U.S. State Department and Customs and Border Protection reveals that between five to 10 million total travellers, including fans, tournament officials, and media are expected to visit the USA for the world’s most glamorous and biggest soccer showpiece.