CultureConnect

World Cup 2026. Media Marketing & Pride

Advertising Research Foundation

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0:00 | 41:05

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a tournament—it is a laboratory for the future of global media, technology, marketing, and fandom. But the true disruption isn't the scale; it's the shift in who holds cultural power. Cross-cultural communities have always been the heartbeat of global football culture. Today, modern media ecosystems and tech infrastructure are finally evolving to meet them where they are. In this episode of CultureConnect, we sit down with industry leaders to unpack how brands are moving past monolithic marketing efforts. We’ll also explore the innovations driving the future of fandom—from localized digital streams and multi-language broadcasting to inclusive merchandise and tech-enabled accessible experiences.

Guests: 

Federico Garza, Senior Vice President of Research Strategy & Insights for NBC Telemundo

Bobby Flood, Senior Director of Agency Partnerships at Vevo

Meghan Bartley, Head of Corporate Engagement with GLAAD