"The Global Impact of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup: A Panel Discussion", with Gerard Akindes, Letitia Lyneka Price, and Patrick Barr-Melej.

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup was the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to
feature 48 teams and three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This panel
discussion will feature expert analysis of the global and regional significance of the
tournament, and the role of soccer/football/fútbol in world history.

Dr. Gerard Akindes is a Sports Management Researcher & Consultant and Adjunct
Faculty at New York University & Northwestern University in Qatar. Dr. Patrick Barr is a
Professor in the Department of History at Ohio University. Dr. Letitia Lyneka Price is a
Success Advisor for the College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University.

The CIS Thursday Forum is a weekly series focusing on international research, scholarship and creative activity for the OHIO community.