TMU students go behind the scenes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This summer, 13 Toronto Metropolitan University students stepped behind the scenes of one of the world's largest sporting events through the FIFA Host Broadcast (HB) Intern Programme (external link, opens in new window) . The career-defining experience provided a firsthand look at the scale, energy and technical expertise required to deliver live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 (external link, opens in new window)  to audiences around the globe.

Selected students stepped into the fast-paced world of live sports production, working alongside experienced production professionals and international broadcasters in Toronto. Their days ranged from preparing commentator booths and studios to supporting broadcasters on match days and seeing firsthand how camera feeds, audio, graphics and replays come together to bring each match to audiences around the world. The experience put the skills they developed at TMU to work on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

Jessica Edet-Nankere: A full-circle moment on the world stage

For Media Production student Jessica Edet-Nankere, walking onto the field at Toronto Stadium for the first time brought the significance of the opportunity into focus. The experience highlighted the many career paths available across the media industry. By asking questions, staying curious and embracing unfamiliar challenges, Edet-Nankere left the programme more willing to pursue opportunities, even when they felt intimidating.

“It suddenly hit me that I was helping bring to life the very tournament I had grown up watching as a young Nigerian girl in a football-loving family. In that moment, it felt like I was making my younger self incredibly proud.”

Ali Imam: From TMU control rooms to a World Cup mobile production truck

As the only Production Assistant in Toronto, Sport Media student Ali Imam gained exposure to commentary positions, camera and audio teams, and the production truck. His standout experience came when a match director invited him to sit beside him for an entire World Cup match, giving Imam access to the communications and feeds being used to direct the broadcast in real time.

“TMU gave me far more than technical skills… it taught me how to communicate effectively in a control room, stay composed under pressure, understand every role within a live production, and work as part of a broadcast team.”

Imam credits his classes, student-led productions and Bold Broadcast Crew experience with preparing him to contribute confidently in the fast-paced World Cup environment. His advice to other students is to pursue every opportunity available to them, no matter how small it may initially appear.

Keeley Pepper: Being a team player

Media Production student Keeley Pepper’s most memorable moments came when she entered the stadium bowl and watched the production team’s work pay off during each Toronto match. Surrounded by the energy of fans, commentators and staff, she saw how many different teams must collaborate to deliver an event of this scale.

“It was eye-opening to realize you are a very tiny portion of a big goal, and it was crucial to realize what aspects of the game you are responsible for versus what needs to be done by a supervisor or different department.”

Harsh Kumar: What happens before kick-off

For Journalism student Harsh Kumar, the internship offered a close look at the preparation required long before a match begins. Working alongside media partners and other staff members, he helped prepare media positions around the pitch, ensure commentary booths were ready and coordinate interview logistics involving broadcasters, players and coaches.

“Chances like these come once in a lifetime. Take classes that interest you and develop a background in broadcasting, television and sports, even if it is minimal.”

Cristina Carbonelli: Global connections 

As a Broadcast Liaison Assistant, Sport Media student Cristina Carbonelli worked directly with broadcasters and media professionals from around the world, supporting their needs throughout match operations. Connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds, sometimes communicating across different languages, gave her a firsthand look at the international collaboration required to bring a World Cup broadcast to life.

“There are so many people working behind the scenes whose efforts fans may never see, but each person plays an important role in making everything come together.”

Building experience on a global stage, right in the heart of downtown Toronto

Through the FIFA Host Broadcast (HB) Intern Programme, TMU’s The Creative School students turned classroom learning into hands-on experience at one of the world’s most complex live broadcasts. Facilitated through the support of TMU’s Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre (opens in new window)  and Employer Engagement Specialist Danny Eid, the opportunity reflects the university’s commitment to connecting students with employer partners and experiential learning opportunities that bridge academic learning and industry experience.

Working behind the scenes, students saw firsthand how preparation, communication, teamwork and confidence come together under pressure. The experience also highlighted how volunteering, curricular activities, student productions, industry connections and experiential learning can build momentum over time—preparing students to step up and make an impact when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arrives.