With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ less than a month away, the University of Puget Sound has launched a new Faculty Experts page — a resource designed to connect journalists, community members, and organizations with faculty whose scholarship and experience bring depth to the global tournament.
This worldwide event is about more than goals and standings. Puget Sound faculty and staff study the diplomatic stakes of international relations, the public health challenges of large crowds, the labor systems behind stadium operations, and the environmental impact of mega‑events. From an Olympic gold medalist on our coaching staff to political scientists who track Middle Eastern relations, our experts can help the public understand what happens both on and off the pitch.
This summer, Seattle’s Lumen Field will host six matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Australia on June 19. Other nations playing in Seattle include Belgium, Egypt, Qatar, and a playoff winner that includes teams from Italy, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, or Wales. The tournament brings together fans from across the globe — and with them, questions about tourism, transportation, housing, and international relations.
The World Cup Experts page features faculty areas of expertise, sample story ideas, and contact information. The newly launched hub serves as a comprehensive resource for journalists seeking expert commentary, local organizations in need of keynote speakers, and curious community members looking to tap into the university’s deep well of academic knowledge.
