Jul 15, 2026
Hayden Victoria on the field at the Houston World Cup Stadium holding a World Cup soccer ball.

College of the Mainland (COM) Collegiate High School (CHS) alumnus Hayden Victoria checked off a major life goal in 2026 when he joined the FIFA World Cup as a Broadcast Operations Manager, helping support one of the world's largest sporting events.

In December 2025, Victoria wrote down a list of goals he hoped to accomplish in the coming year. The final item on the list, circled and underlined for emphasis, was the FIFA World Cup. What he did not know at the time was that he would soon be working behind the scenes to help bring the global event to life.

“It's been the honor of my life to work the World Cup,” said Victoria. “Looking back, it wasn't one moment that got me here. It was years of hard work, opportunities and relationships that all came together at the right time.”

Victoria's passion for sports and communications began early. At age 11, he created the Houston Youth Hockey Group, a digital platform that eventually grew into a nonprofit serving approximately 1,500 families.

 In 2022, he co-founded Texas Sports Network (TSN), an independent sports media organization focused on covering high school athletics throughout Texas. While attending College of the Mainland in 2023, Victoria continued developing the organization while also serving as a Presidential Ambassador.

 As a Presidential Ambassador, Victoria represented the college at events, campus tours and community functions. He credits the experience and the emphasis COM placed on professional development and networking with helping prepare him for future opportunities.

 “COM taught me how to take advantage of resources, build professional relationships and pursue opportunities with confidence,” said Victoria. “Those lessons stayed with me long after I transferred.”

 After transferring to the University of Texas, Victoria continued growing TSN, expanding coverage beyond high school athletics into collegiate and professional sports. The organization later secured opportunities connected to major events including Super Bowl LX, the NCAA Final Four and the MLS Championship Series, helping further establish Victoria's reputation within the sports media industry.

 The relationships and networking skills he developed throughout his educational and professional journey ultimately led him to his next opportunity. When a friend shared a LinkedIn posting for a Broadcast Operations Manager position with the FIFA World Cup, Victoria immediately recognized the potential and submitted his application.

Despite knowing the position would attract highly qualified candidates from around the world, Victoria believed his combination of leadership experience, sports media expertise and professional relationships made him a strong contender.

He was selected for the role and served as a Broadcast Operations Manager during the FIFA World Cup in Houston. In the position, he worked closely with FIFA and local broadcast teams to support event operations and help ensure seamless communication throughout the tournament.

For Victoria, the experience represented more than a professional milestone. It was the realization of a goal he had set for himself and a reminder of the value of perseverance, preparation and relationships.

 While working one of the world's premier sporting events is an accomplishment many would consider the pinnacle of a career, Victoria remains focused on what comes next. He encourages others to continue setting goals, pursuing opportunities and challenging themselves to grow.

“Don't let the best thing that's happened to you be the best thing that ever happens to you,” said Victoria. “Celebrate your successes, then keep moving forward and challenging yourself to do more.”