Title: 2026 World Cup, Its Impact on the Game
Presenter: Dr. Joseph Machnik, FOX Sports Soccer Rules Analyst
Join FOX Sports Soccer Rules Analyst Joseph “Dr. Joe” Machnik for a look at the many nuances of the 2026 World Cup and what they could mean for the future of the game. From the expanded use of VAR and technology to changes in the tournament format, interpretations of the Laws of the Game, and the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks, Machnik will explore how these developments may impact the way soccer is coached and officiated moving forward.
What You’ll Learn:
- How the 2026 World Cup’s use of technology and VAR could influence coaching and officiating
- Key considerations around changes to the tournament format and game environment
- How evolving interpretations of the Laws of the Game may impact coaches and players
- What the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks could mean for the future of the game
About the Presenter:
Joseph “Dr. Joe” Machnik is a FOX Sports Soccer Rules Analyst who has covered Men’s and Women’s World Cups, CONCACAF Gold Cups, MLS, the Bundesliga, and more. A former All-American goalkeeper at Long Island University, Machnik coached his alma mater to the 1966 NCAA Championship Game, served as Referee in Chief of the Major Indoor Soccer League, spent 15 years with MLS, and was an Assistant Coach with the 1990 U.S. World Cup team—the first U.S. team to qualify for the World Cup finals in 40 years. He is also the author of From the Sandlots to the World Cup: Inside Seven Decades of American Soccer.
Webinar link will be sent by email to registrants on September 10th, 2026 from SWilbur@UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.