Telemundo recently announced the launch of “The Playmakers,” a new national event series. The series will be focused on leadership and innovation in sports, with an emphasis on Latino contributions and perspectives. The initiative will kick off with a live event in Washington, D.C., on December 3, preceding the final draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The inaugural edition of “The Playmakers” will feature U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino as the headliner. He will engage in a fireside chat reflecting on his career as a player and coach. “Telemundo’s Playmakers leverages our leadership in the sports industry to advance conversations among visionaries shaping the future of sports in the U.S. and globally,” said Monica Gil, chief administrative and marketing officer at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.
Pochettino, an Argentinian native, assumed the role of head coach for the U.S. team in August 2024, tasked with preparing the squad for the 2026 tournament hosted in the United States. The event will be moderated by Telemundo sports broadcaster Andrés Cantor and will feature additional speakers and panelists from across the soccer and sports industries. Panel participants include CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, and officials from FIFA World Cup 2026 host committees. McKinsey and CNBC will moderate panel discussions focused on governance, infrastructure, grassroots development and the long-term impact of hosting the global tournament.
Future installments of “The Playmakers” are planned for cities across the United States in 2026. Each event will be timed to coincide with major sports moments and will feature programming that addresses leadership, media strategy, technology, athlete entrepreneurship, and access to elite competition. Panels will delve into topics such as the future of soccer in North America, corporate influence in sports media and marketing, digital innovation in fan engagement, and athlete-driven investment and community development. Pochettino previously managed clubs in the English Premier League and France’s Ligue 1, including Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. He has coached high-profile players such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
The series is produced by Telemundo, which holds Spanish-language broadcast rights to the FIFA World Cup 2026, Sunday Night Football, the Olympic Games, the Premier League, and other major sporting events.