What Does It Take to Run a World Cup Host City? | Brandy Thigpen

How do you lead a World Cup operation when there's no roadmap and your team is working for months away from home?

As Los Angeles host city director for FIFA World Cup 2026, Brandy Thigpen oversaw operations outside the stadium, from transportation and hotels to safety and security. Years of relationships in the city helped her take on the role, but the tournament tested her in ways she hadn't expected.

Brandy talks with Amani Roberts and Mandi Graziano about supporting an exhausted team, working inside an emergency operations center and building trust before a crisis happens. She also shares why she returned to school as a working single mom, the uncertainty of finding her next role and why it took six weeks to feel like herself after the tournament ended.

🔗 Connect with Brandy Thigpen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandythigpen/