Telemundo has announced the launch of "The Playmakers," a new national event series that will focus on leadership and innovation within the world of sports. A particular emphasis will be placed on the contributions and perspectives of Latino individuals within the industry.
The initiative kicks off with a live event in Washington, D.C., on December 3rd, strategically timed ahead of the final draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This inaugural edition of "The Playmakers" will feature Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, as its headline guest. He will engage in a "fireside chat" reflecting on his extensive career 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 and is actively preparing the squad for the upcoming 2026 tournament, set to be hosted in the United States. Andrés Cantor, a Telemundo sports broadcaster, will moderate the event, which will also include other speakers and panelists representing various sectors of the soccer and sports industries.
Confirmed panelists 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 facilitate panel discussions, focusing on crucial topics such as governance, infrastructure, grassroots development, and the long-term impact of hosting the global tournament. According to Monica Gil, chief administrative and marketing officer at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, "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."
Pochettino's previous experience includes managing clubs in the English Premier League and France’s Ligue 1, such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Throughout his career, he has coached prominent players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
Future editions of "The Playmakers" are planned for various cities across the United States throughout 2026. These events will be strategically scheduled around significant sports moments and will feature programming that addresses topics such as leadership, media strategy, technology, athlete entrepreneurship, and access to elite competition. The panels will delve into subjects 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 a production of Telemundo, which holds the Spanish-language broadcast rights to major sports events including the FIFA World Cup 2026, Sunday Night Football, the Olympic Games, and the Premier League.