The FIFA World Cup has always belonged to the world. For Janelle Prieto, bringing it to Miami in 2026 made it personal. As Chief Marketing & Community Officer for the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee, she helped lead the marketing and community engagement efforts behind her hometown’s role on one of sports’ biggest global stages.
A Miami native and proud daughter of Cuban immigrants, Prieto brings more than 16 years of experience across the United States, Latin America and Europe. Her career has spanned global sports, communications and community-focused initiatives, often centered on connecting major organizations with the people and places around them.
That mission came to life at the FIFA Fan Festival Miami at Bayfront Park. Created as a gathering place beyond the stadium, the festival brought fans together for live World Cup broadcasts, music, cultural performances, food and interactive experiences, giving Miami another opportunity to share its multicultural identity with visitors from around the world.
Building Community Through Sports
Before joining the World Cup effort, Prieto led work across corporate communications, public relations and social responsibility at Concacaf. There, she developed and launched Bigger Game, the organization’s social responsibility strategy designed to create positive impact across its 41 member associations.
Earlier, as Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Community Partnerships for the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, Prieto helped shape the campaign surrounding Super Bowl LIV, including community initiatives and the LIVE IT MIAMI campaign.
A Miami Story
The World Cup brought Prieto’s professional journey back to where her own story began. As Miami welcomed the world, her work extended beyond promoting a destination. It was about connecting a global event with the community that calls the city home.
As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, the moment carried particular meaning. The world came to Miami, and Prieto helped her hometown tell its story on a global stage.