Meet Josh Obregon ’23, Deputy Venue Logistics Manager for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Meet Josh Obregon, a Rice Online MBA alumnus who is now a deputy venue logistics manager for AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX, supporting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

We caught up with Josh to discuss his path from the U.S. Navy to the Rice MBA, how he's assisting FIFA World Cup operations in Dallas, and what he's carrying forward from the MBA@Rice.

Program: MBA@Rice, Class of 2023

Education: B.S. in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from California Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo

What is your role supporting the FIFA World Cup?

I serve as a Dallas deputy venue logistics manager supporting the 2026 FIFA World Cup operations at AT&T Stadium. My role focuses on translating planning into execution across venue logistics, material movement, vendor coordination, site readiness and operational communication. Day to day, I work cross-functionally with FIFA teams, venue stakeholders and logistics partners to ensure resources are deployed effectively and operations remain aligned. The role requires structure, urgency and adaptability in a fast-moving, high-visibility environment.

What’s a behind-the-scenes challenge that highlights the complexity of World Cup logistics? 

Much of the complexity happens before anything is visible to fans. Even straightforward tasks like equipment delivery require coordination across access points, security protocols, timing windows and multiple stakeholders. At this scale, logistics is less about movement and more about sequencing, communication and execution discipline under pressure.

How did this opportunity come about?

This opportunity came through a combination of relationship-building and alignment with my background in large-scale operations. Through conversations within the Rice network and beyond, I identified a strong fit between my experience, particularly leading national deployment efforts at my previous employer and the needs of FIFA’s logistics operations. The role ultimately came together due to my ability to operate in ambiguity, align stakeholders and execute at scale.

What role did the MBA@Rice network play?

The MBA@Rice network played a meaningful role by creating both access and credibility. It opened doors to key conversations and provided a foundation of trust. More importantly, Rice Business prepared me to engage those opportunities with a strategic mindset, strong communication skills and executive presence.

What do you think made you a strong candidate for this role?

I believe my combination of military discipline, MBA-level business training and hands-on operational leadership differentiated me. My experience spans mission-critical environments in the U.S. Navy, technical operations in semiconductor manufacturing and enterprise-scale deployment in the emerging Bluetooth IoT niche within the technology industry. That blend allowed me to bring both structure and adaptability to a highly complex environment.

My background sits at the intersection of operations, logistics and execution under pressure. I have led teams, built scalable processes and executed across varying environments. I am comfortable working in ambiguity and translating strategy into actionable plans, which are capabilities that are critical in an environment like the FIFA World Cup.

How did your MBA@Rice experience prepare you for this opportunity?

Rice strengthened my ability to think strategically, communicate effectively and connect operational decisions to broader business outcomes. The program helped elevate my perspective from execution-focused to enterprise-focused, particularly through coursework in strategy, finance and leadership, as well as my consulting experience working with senior executives.

What advice would you give current students?

Build relationships before you need them and approach the network with authenticity. Be clear on your story and the value you bring. The Rice network is powerful, but it works best when built on genuine connection and consistent engagement.

Briefly, what has this experience meant to you?

Supporting the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to apply my military foundation, operational leadership experience, and MBA training to one of the most complex and globally significant events in the world. As the largest sporting event globally, it offers a unique platform to contribute meaningfully to the execution and overall success of the tournament at scale.

On a personal level, this opportunity carries additional significance. I competed as an NCAA Division I wrestler at Cal Poly, but soccer was my true first passion. At the age of 11, I had the opportunity to live abroad in East London, where I trained and competed across Europe with aspirations of one day playing in the World Cup. While my path ultimately evolved, this role allows me to reconnect with that early ambition in a meaningful way by contributing behind the scenes to an event that once defined my personal goals.

Anything else you would like to add?

I am grateful for the role Rice Business has played in my journey. Each chapter of my career has built on the last, and this opportunity reflects the power of preparation, relationships and staying open to non-linear paths. Long term, I aim to continue building a career in operational leadership and large-scale execution, driving measurable impact and value across organizations.
 

Josh Obregon is an alumnus of the MBA@Rice Class of 2023.