Telemundo has announced the launch of “The Playmakers,” a new national event series focused on leadership and innovation in sports, with an emphasis on Latino contributions and perspectives. The initiative kicks 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 experiences as both a player and a coach. Pochettino, originally from Argentina, 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 the soccer and sports industries. Notable participants include CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, and representatives from the FIFA World Cup 2026 host committees. McKinsey and CNBC will moderate panel discussions centered around governance, infrastructure, grassroots development, and the long-term impact of hosting the global tournament.
“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's prior experience includes managing clubs in the English Premier League and France’s Ligue 1, such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. He has coached renowned players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane. Future editions of “The Playmakers” are planned for cities across the United States in 2026. Each event will coincide with major sports moments and will include programming addressing leadership, media strategy, technology, athlete entrepreneurship, and access to elite competition. Panels will delve into topics like 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.
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.