Jon Hodson’s Post

Germany Selects Ideal World Cup Training Base in Prominent US City Where Glory Meets Innovation In an unprecedented move, the 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, marking a first in the tournament’s history. This edition of the World Cup will also see an expansion from 32 to 48 teams, reflecting the growing global interest in the sport. The allure of this event is significant, particularly for Americans who are known for their affinity for innovation. Hosting the tournament not only brings prestige but also promises increased revenue and spectatorship. FIFA, the governing body of football, will grant the host nations considerable freedom to establish fan zones and attractions, further boosting income generation. The question on everyone’s mind is: where will the 2026 World Cup final be held? The USA, being the largest of the host nations and boasting nine of the world’s largest stadiums, was always the likely choice for the championship match. FIFA is set to announce the final venue on February 4, 2026, with MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas being the top contenders. Meanwhile, all 48 teams participating in the World Cup will be accommodated in nearby hotels for training and p... https://lnkd.in/eWi8yE-r

🎉 WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM SPAIN'S VICTORY IN EURO 2024 🎉 First and foremost, a big congratulations to Spain Men's National Football Team for being crowned Champions of Europe! 🏆 It's been a remarkable journey, with Spain conquering European giants like France, Germany and ultimately England. 🇪🇸 This success is highly attributable to LA ROJA's coach, Luis de LA FUENTE, and his hybrid formula of combining young and seasoned players. ⚽ This blend of maturity and experience with talent and flexibility proved to be a winning strategy. The leadership displayed by LA FUENTE, along with experienced players like RODRI, CARVAJAL, and MORATA, helped maximize the potential of their young talents, notably Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. These young players rose to the occasion and met expectations brilliantly. 🌟 This victory showcases how well young players can perform when given the platform to develop their talents and trusted to deliver on the field during national and international competitions. 🌍 Spain's youth academies, notably La MASIA, and many others working behind the scenes, have played a crucial role in this success. 🏅 Their consistent output of young talent is an important investment for their nation's success, both now and in the future. Spain's success in this tournament didn’t come as a surprise to me, considering the incredible young talents they produce each year. I believe this is just the beginning, and more success awaits them if they continue down this path. 🚀 From Spain's journey, we learn that investing in youth is not only a future investment but also a present one when they are trusted and given opportunities. 🌱 At CAFO-FOOTBALL ACADEMY ( Republic of Bénin, West Africa), we are implementing this philosophy in West Africa. 🌍 Our academy specializes not only in talent development but also in personal development. If you want to play a part in helping young West African talents on their journey to professional football success, reach out to me via inbox to discuss how we can collaborate. 🤝 Now, tell me in the comments below: What do you think most helped Spain secure the UEFA Euro champion title this year? The floor is yours! 🗣️

France vs Belgium (EURO 2023-24) The Euro 2024 knockout stages are here and the most exciting draw of the round of 16, on paper at least, is France and Belgium on Monday evening. #Euro2024

Wise Wednesday unique topic - Spain reached the top spot of the podium in the Euros 2024 tournament 🥇 What was their secret formula? 🤔 It's not only about the end result; it's about all the elements and factors needed to reach the top of Europe. Spain's triumphant victory in the Euros 2024 football tournament is a testament to the power of team spirit, focus, and joy. 🤝 While the final whistle marked the end of a thrilling journey, the true story lies in the journey itself. In my opinion here are the biggest learnings from Spain's historic win: 1. Vision and leadership: The team’s clear vision and strategic leadership were instrumental. The management and coaching staff laid down a roadmap that everyone believed in and committed to. 2. Team spirit: Each player, regardless of their role or prominence, played with a unified purpose. The collective determination to win was palpable in every match. 3. Focus on a bigger purpose: The Spanish squad didn't just play to win; they played for a bigger purpose – to bring pride to their nation and inspire future generations. This higher calling fueled their passion and drive. 4. Unique roles and contributions: Every player had a specific role, and they did their best to fulfill it. Even if they could have offered more individually, they prioritized what the team needed from them. This selflessness and dedication to the collective goal were key to their success. 5. Young talents shining bright: Youngsters like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal stepped up magnificently. Despite their youth, they showcased maturity, skill, and leadership that made a significant difference. Their journey is a reminder that with the right opportunity, young talent can thrive and lead. 6. Collective importance: Every player’s contribution was valued. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, the team’s success was a product of collective effort. Each individual’s performance was crucial to the overall victory. 7. Warrior mindset: The team displayed a warrior-like mindset, facing challenges head-on and never backing down. This resilience and mental toughness were key to overcoming tough opponents and critical moments. 8. Winning flow and joy: The team found themselves in the winning flow. When you enjoy something, it doesn’t even feel like work. The joy with which they played was palpable. The smiles, celebrations, and camaraderie on and off the pitch showed that they enjoyed every moment of the journey. Spain’s victory in the Euros 2024 isn’t just a story of winning a tournament; it’s a lesson in vision, teamwork, resilience, and joy. Congratulations to La Roja for teaching us that success is about more than just the end result – it's about the journey and the elements that come together to make it possible.🏆

Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism. Considering how crucial tourism is for Malta, this must be part of Malta’s strategy for socio-economic growth going forward. The UEFA U19 Championship finals last summer has given Malta a great opportunity to gain momentum in terms of exposure showcasing that with a tight-knit team of professionals working relentlessly as a unit, we, as a country, are capable of hosting and living up to such international events. We have to seize this opportunity like a ‘volley’ worthy of Zidane’s volley in the 2002 Champions League final, or Marco Van Basten’s legendary volley in the Euros of 1988. This is a chance to make the shift from quantity tourism over or quality tourism - where the targeted audience would be leaving a little more in the coffers, and also appreciate what’s left of the country, hoping to return someday. These type of events could also be an opportunity for leaving legacies such as upgraded facilities for future generations to benefit from. This could have an infectious effect on our kids. Let’s strike the iron while it’s still hot… #MaltaFootball #SportsTourism #EconomicGrowth #SocialImpact #YouthFootball #MaltaFA

Wise words and balanced perspective- rare these days but vital in inspiring leaders.

The New Zealand government has announced that this year’s FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ delivered a net economic benefit of NZ$109.5m for the country. Over 740,000 tickets were issued across the 29 matches hosted in New Zealand. There were 258,527 unique attendees at matches, comprising 226,270 New Zealanders and 32,257 international visitors. Eden Park, New Zealand hosted nine matches during the Women’s World Cup and attracted 350,000 fans to its matches. Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said: “The legacy, both on and off the field, will be enduring and will be remembered for years to come. I would like to thank our local community for embracing the tournament and supporting our resource consent application to ensure these benefits could be realised.” The event also attracted 27,000 international visitors to New Zealand, generating 312,008 visitor nights, with an average stay of 11.6 nights per person and collectively spending NZ$80.4m. The report noted that not all of the aforementioned 32,257 international match-goers were attracted to New Zealand by the event. Kylie Hawker-Green, New Zealand Major Events manager, said: “While we know the on-field action captivated the nation, with more than 60% of Kiwis watching a match, we’re thrilled the report shows the economic returns were even greater than forecast for New Zealand. “These economic results build on New Zealand’s successful track record of hosting large-scale events and continue to show the benefits both on and off the field of hosting women’s sport events.” She added: “The event adds to the trifecta of successful Women’s World Cups hosted in New Zealand over the past two years, with rugby and cricket in 2022 and now football in 2023. Hosting these three events was a deliberate strategy to elevate and showcase women’s sport in New Zealand. “The knowledge and experience gained from hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has enhanced New Zealand’s major event capacity and capability, and the success of the event will enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a safe and capable host for global events.”

FIFA has shown remarkable confidence in approving the collaborative project of six countries from three different continents to host the 2030 World Cup. This decision reflects FIFA's commitment to promoting football as a as a global sport, capable of transcending national borders and bringing together diverse nations around a common passion. The challenges and opportunities at the heart of the design and organization of this historic event are multiple. Challenges: International Coordination: A major challenge will be to effectively coordinate the six organizing countries, each with their own laws, regulations and infrastructure. Communication and managing cultural differences will be essential. Complex Logistics: Organizing a tournament of this magnitude involves managing huge flows of spectators, players and media. The logistics of transport, accommodation and security must be impeccable. Standards and Regulations: Respecting FIFA standards and regulations while adapting to the specificities of each organizing country will be a major challenge. Coordination of sporting standards, infrastructure and security is crucial. Opportunities : Celebration of Diversity: The joint organization of six countries will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate cultural and geographical diversity, highlighting the richness of football as a global sport. Infrastructure Development: Hosting the World Cup will boost investment in sports and tourism infrastructure, leaving a positive legacy for local communities. International Cooperation: Collaboration between the organizing countries will strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between them, providing opportunities for long-term cooperation. Global Reach: The 2030 World Cup will have global visibility, providing an exceptional platform for the promotion of sport, tourism and culture of the participating countries. The hosting of the 2030 World Cup by six countries from three different continents represents a unique opportunity to address complex challenges while leveraging exceptional opportunities to celebrate football as a universal sport and to drive global development. international scale. It is a testament to the unity that sport can bring to a diverse world. #SportsEquipmentManagement #TerritorialDiagnostics #SportsStandards #Sportevents #SportsMarketing #SportsProjectManagement #SportAndTerritories #DesignSportsSpaces #SportsUsers #Sportsandhobbies #LocalPublicAction #MasterSport #SportStrasbourg #SportsManagement #FIFA #WC2030

An interesting article by Financial Times about the Mega Sporting Events 🌍⚽️🏆 Josh Noble points to a growing trend of ‘host-by-appointment’ due to skyrocketing hosting costs. For example, the 2034 FIFA World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 tournament, both without any competition. The financial burden of these events is immense. As a result, countries are becoming more reluctant to bid. Andrew Zimbalist suggests to chose permanent hosts with existing facilities 🏟️ which could be a game-changer, eliminating the need for costly construction projects #Sports #WorldCup #Olympics #Economics #FIFAWorldCup https://lnkd.in/dzVr87w5