Jill Ellis, the former head coach of the United States Women’s National Team and now FIFA’s chief football officer, spoke recently about her experiences during the 2026 Men’s World Cup, emphasizing the tournament’s global resonance and the collaborative spirit that underpins its success.
A Legacy of Leadership
Ellis guided the U.S. Women’s National Team to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, a record that paved the way for her appointment as FIFA’s chief football officer in December 2024. In that role she seeks to amplify the tournament’s impact by fostering stronger football environments worldwide.
The Power of Collective Effort
She highlighted that the success of the 2026 tournament rests on more than just players, noting the contribution of over 50,000 volunteers, diverse teams, and the shared passion of fans across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Vision for the Future
Ellis outlined a roadmap that includes increasing the number of female coaches, supporting federations in building robust development strategies, and ensuring that the tournament’s legacy translates into a deeper talent pipeline for the sport in the United States.
She also stressed that preparation and relationships are the cornerstones of effective leadership, crediting her time at William & Mary for teaching her time management, collaboration, and performance under pressure.