Let Us Be Your Guide to Book FIFA World Cup Athlete Speakers in 2026
Athlete Speakers has produced over 10,000 successful events, helping companies and organizations secure professional athletes, coaches, and sports broadcasters for speaking engagements, appearances, virtual presentations, endorsements, and more.
A trusted partner for booking talent for over twenty-five years, we can also help you elevate your event with an athlete appearance that will WOW your audience and create an impactful moment. The 2026 World Cup is set to get underway in North America next summer, and excitement is already building. The United States boasts eleven host cities, bringing the unrivaled passion of the world’s biggest sports stage to Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. This provides a huge opportunity to activate your cause or market your product to leverage the fanfare and interest in the 2026 World Cup.
Whether it's a corporate summit, leadership retreat, motivational keynote, or an exclusive appearance, booking former FIFA World Cup athlete speakers delivers electrifying tales from the most-watched sports tournament on the globe.
Below are some prominent speakers who have shone in years past and can help deliver a message of grit, arduous discipline, and medal glory as the world comes together to celebrate “The Beautiful Game.”
Megan Rapinoe | Renowned winger for the U.S. Women's National Team and OL Reign in the NWSL. A two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winner (2015, 2019), where she earned the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in 2019, Rapinoe also claimed Olympic gold in 2012. She captained the USWNT and was pivotal in the team's equal pay fight. An outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and gender equality, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. Rapinoe retired in 2023 after a storied career and has since pursued media, including voice acting and podcasting with fiancée Sue Bird.
Carli Lloyd | American sports royalty widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in women's soccer history. A two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion (2015, 2019), she scored a legendary hat-trick in the 2015 final, earning the Golden Ball. Lloyd won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012, taking first in both finals, and bronze in 2021. Scoring 134 goals for the USWNT, Lloyd was twice FIFA Player of the Year (2015, 2016). Retiring in 2021, Lloyd was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2025. Post-retirement, she works as a FOX Sports analyst, runs CL10 Soccer Clinics, and participates in events like The Soccer Tournament.
Zinedine Zidane | French football legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever. An elegant attacking midfielder known for vision, technique, and control, he starred for Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1998. His iconic volley secured Madrid's 2002 Champions League title. Internationally, Zidane led France to the 1998 World Cup title and the Euro 2000 victory, earning multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards. As manager, he guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions Leagues (2016-2018) before leaving in 2021.
Jill Ellis | English-American soccer coach and executive, renowned for leading the U.S. Women's National Team to consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, becoming the only coach to achieve back-to-back titles. She coached at Illinois and UCLA, leading her teams to eight NCAA Final Fours. As USWNT head coach (2014–2019), she compiled a 106–7–19 record and earned two FIFA Coach of the Year awards. In December 2024, Ellis became FIFA's Chief Football Officer, overseeing global football strategy.
Related Speaker List: World Cup Speakers
How do I book World Cup athlete speakers for my event?
Consider your audience: Match the athlete whose club, personality, or achievements resonate with your event’s goals. Their popularity, local ties, or cultural significance are huge factors, as well as embodying a character that aligns with your values and the message you’re trying to promote.
Event type and vibe: Athletes are typically available for 1-2 hours and can conduct a simple meet-and-greet and Q&A session, sign party-branded memorabilia, and take photos with attendees.
Venue size and setup: Ensure a setting that is conducive to a genuine experience that attendees can appreciate and enjoy.
Investment level: Determine your budget early to narrow down options, as costs vary widely based on an athlete’s popularity, availability, and travel requirements.
How much does it cost to book a World Cup athlete speaker for my event?
Costs depend on the athlete’s level of fame, event duration, location, and date. Additional fees may include travel, accommodations, and security. Athlete Speakers will work with you to maximize your investment and offer a roster of talent options to meet your needs.
How far in advance should I book a World Cup athlete speaker’s appearance?
We recommend booking 3–6 months in advance for prominent athletes who are currently still in their playing career. Please note that scheduling may be more difficult during the regular season due to training and other commitments. Retired athletes and legends may be available with 1–3 months’ notice. Booking as early as possible helps ensure better availability and better logistics planning. Put in an Online Booking Request NOW.
Unlock your event’s potential by bringing in a World Cup Star Athlete as your keynote speaker! Don’t miss the opportunity to inspire your audience—Contact Athlete Speakers today for more information, or fill out our Online Booking Request Form. Let us leverage our 25 years of industry-leading experience to secure the perfect sports talent for your next event!
