Mae Cornes
Photo Courtesy of Ivan Marchenko
With a degree in marketing, not engineering or architecture, Ivan Marchenko took an unlikely path to lead operations for the world’s biggest sporting event. Today, he oversees venue management at 16 stadiums as the venue operations director for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His career path illustrates how a foundation in business and communication can prepare someone for high-level roles in global sports logistics. Marchenko applies the principles he once studied, stakeholder strategy and brand management, to coordinate complex venue systems across continents.
“I never saw stadiums as just structures. They are experiences. Everything has to run like clockwork—because the world is watching,” says Ivan Marchenko.
Where It All Began
Ivan Marchenko first explored the world of major events as a marketing student, analyzing how public perception and brand value intersected in live experiences. That curiosity soon turned practical. In 2009, he contributed to the opening ceremony of the Donbass Arena Stadium in Donetsk, Ukraine, an event that included a grand show, conducted by one of the world’s leading event agencies, and a performance by Beyoncé.
That project launched him into UEFA Euro 2012, where he served as an assistant venue manager. Working alongside international organizers helped him develop the operational fluency needed to move into global tournaments.
Back in Donetsk, Marchenko helped local venues improve their logistics and communications. He introduced better coordination across hospitality, security, and technical teams—skills that later became central to his leadership method.
Climbing Toward Global Tournaments
After the successful delivery of UEFA Euro 2012 in Donetsk, Ivan was offered an opportunity to join the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the organization responsible for overseeing preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. He began his journey as an Operations Coordinator, contributing to the early operational planning and design phases of eight World Cup stadiums. Through his hard work and dedication, Ivan was promoted to Senior Manager, where he played a key role in integrating operational requirements into the design and construction of the purpose-built, state-of-the-art stadiums for the tournament. In parallel, he was also actively involved in delivering test events, taking on various Venue Manager and Operations roles.
Marchenko has also participated in the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 as a FIFA venue manager, leading the match-day operations. Working closely with the local organizing committee, he ensured stadiums met FIFA’s operational standards, gaining experience in managing high-pressure environments on a global stage.
By 2020, Marchenko took the role of senior venue operations manager for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. His work shifted to long-range integration and operational planning. In addition to directing daily functions at one of the primary stadiums at the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, he helped oversee the broader readiness of all eight tournament venues for the 2022 World Cup, guiding the venue management from operational planning to final match delivery.
“Standing on the pitch for the Argentina vs. France final was unforgettable,” says Ivan Marchenko. “It was the culmination of a decade of work, and I was proud of what we achieved.”
Each tournament added a layer of scale and responsibility, setting the stage for Marchenko’s current role leading planning and coordination for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA expanded the tournament format to include a Round of 32 and increased the total number of matches from 64 to 104, creating the largest World Cup in history. The added matches raise the demands of matchday operations, international team travel, and stadium readiness. For Marchenko, it represents the most advanced and wide-reaching project of his career.
He now oversees a team of venue directors and ensures that each stadium aligns with FIFA requirements, sustainability targets, and operational readiness.
He also manages venue management in the preparations and delivery of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The tournament will involve 32 teams and 63 matches across 12 venues, serving as a comprehensive test of systems and workflows designed for 2026.
“Every tournament teaches you something different—about scale, people, and adaptability,” explains Ivan Marchenko. “This one brings it all together.”
Lessons From the Field
Marchenko’s work across Europe, the Middle East, and North America has shaped his methodical approach to venue operations. He developed structured planning models that help stadiums apply FIFA guidelines while working within their logistical and regulatory frameworks.
He often faces the challenge of bridging global expectations with local realities. “You can not copy-paste across countries,” notes Ivan Marchenko. “What works in Doha might not work in New Jersey or Guadalajara. You need structure, trust, and adaptability.”
Marchenko also focuses on aligning multiple stakeholders. He works directly with stadium managers, local governments, and contractors to ensure unified decision-making across every operational phase.
What Comes Next
Expectations for stadiums have changed. Cities and organizers demand smarter designs, better safety planning, and more substantial sustainability commitments. Ivan Marchenko is helping FIFA set a standard for delivering these requirements together.
Even as he contributes to the delivery of global projects, Ivan Marchenko continues to rely on the lessons that shaped his early career.
“Marketing taught me to understand the audience,” explains Ivan Marchenko. “That is what I still do—only now, the audience is the world.”