From managing international travel itineraries to helping guests experience one of the world’s biggest sporting events, University of the Pacific alumna Ifla Hayes ’19 took on a global role behind the scenes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As part of the ABInBev Global team, she helped coordinate the logistics and hospitality experiences that connected fans with matches across multiple host cities.

Hayes is an account manager with Octagon, which works with corporate partners at the World Cup. She travelled between New York, Dallas, Miami and Atlanta in her role for the games. 

“Ifla exemplifies the Pacific sport management graduate,” said Associate Professor of Sport Management Pete Schroeder. “She volunteered, interned and studied abroad. She took all of that and blazed her own trail capitalizing on every opportunity at Octagon, working several of the biggest sports events throughout the world. I am both proud and impressed with her growth and thankful that she stayed connected to help the next generation of Pacific sport management students.”

Hayes shares her thoughts on the experience below:

What does your job entail at the World Cup?

My role for the World Cup is a bit different from my day to day. On the ABInBev Global team, I've been managing all guest itineraries, guest intercity travel, guest visa prepaid cards, office management and guest hosting. 

For some context, ABI created a few packages in which guests attend matches in two different cities (ex. Match 56 in NYC and Match 70 in Dallas). I was in charge of booking and managing everything related to these flights. Some of the guest packages also have "free days" in which they have time to experience the host city at their leisure. We provided them with Visa Prepaid cards to pay for food and beverages while they were out on the town and also while they were in the stadiums on match day.

What do you love about it? 

As I previously mentioned, this isn't my everyday role. I'm usually on the Mastercard account doing client services and ambassador (athlete) management. I love having the opportunity to work on something new and flex some skills I don't always have the chance to use. It's a lot of hard work but my team is also amazing, so getting to experience my first World Cup with them has been awesome.

What is one major thing you’re learned from the experience?

Be flexible. There comes a point in which you've exhausted every contingency plan, and you have to move on. As someone who loves a plan, this is something I've had to really work on. Knowing when to pivot, especially while onsite is major. 

How did Pacific prepare you for this role? 

One thing Pacific has done to help me is creative thinking and having a solution-orientated mindset. Knowing when to shift gears is huge but coming to the team with potential solutions instead of just presenting the problem is an absolute game changer. 

What advice do you have for students who want a similar role?

 Be willing to put yourself out there and always do your absolute best with every role you’re given. I was on the ground for the 2024 Paris Olympics; I did my job well and volunteered for any and every task when I had the chance. The director leading the ABI Global team remembered me and my work from 2024 and reached out to my line manager to inquire if I was free for FIFA 2026. This was huge for me because that shows that my work over the past couple of years has been recognized and remembered. 

Additionally, I'd say be open and honest about your goals. I told my line manager very early on that I wanted to work on the global side of Octagon. This led her to put my name down for the Olympics. Last year I was on the ground in London for the Women's Rugby World Cup and this year it's FIFA. Making those connections with your manager is instrumental because they often can advocate for you in spaces you don't have access to. 

Preparing students for careers in sports 

“Pacific’s sport management program is designed to expose students to a variety of careers in the sport industry and help them build their resumes through experiential learning both in and out of classes,” Schroeder said. “Faculty also present different approaches to the current issues in sports. This dynamic approach enables students to develop the confidence to enter the field, but also the nimbleness to adapt and learn as they grow in their careers.”

Learn more about the sports management program.