World Cup 2026: Hofstra experts on the science, health, and business behind the tournament.

Jun 23, 2026

2 min

Brenda ElseyMartine HackettGenevieve Weber


The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the New York metro area, and Hofstra University is ready. From the training room to the boardroom, Hofstra faculty bring research-backed expertise to the stories journalists are chasing this tournament season.





Featured Topic


The Cultural Game


Why soccer means what it means and what this World Cup moment represents



The World Cup has always been about more than the game. Brenda Elsey, Professor of History, studies soccer as a cultural and political force across the Americas -- from grassroots identity to gender and power. She can speak to what this tournament represents as a historical moment, on and off the field.


Expert

Brenda Elsey - History



Featured Topic


Health and Performance on the World Stage


Expert insight on what it takes to compete and recover at a World Cup.


Competing at this level means managing the body and the mind across weeks of high-stakes matches with almost no recovery time. Hofstra's health and kinesiology faculty are your sources for the stories behind the performance.


Experts

Jayne Ellinger - Athletic Training

Katie Sell - Exercise Physiology

Anna Len - Physical Therapy

Genevieve Weber - Mental Health



Featured Topic


Beyond the Pitch


What the World Cup does to cities, economies, and public health systems


From local business impact and tourism economics to disease surveillance and emergency preparedness - Hofstra faculty are ready to talk.


Experts

Andy M. Forman - Marketing & Tourism

Lauren Hindman - Management

Martine Hackett - Population Health

Meshack Achore - Population Health







Connect with:
Brenda Elsey

Brenda Elsey

Professor of History

Specialist in Popular Culture and Politics, as well as Gender and Sports, in Twentieth Century Latin America.

Latin American CultureLatin American PoliticsSports in Latin AmericaGender Studies
Martine Hackett

Martine Hackett

Associate Professor of Population Health

Dr. Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities.

Public HealthHealth CommunicationResearch MethodsMaternal-Child HealthInfant Injury
Genevieve Weber

Genevieve Weber

Associate Professor of Counseling and Mental Health Professions

Dr. Weber is a licensed mental health counselor, with a specialty in LGBTQ inclusion/cyber-bullying and substance abuse/heroin addiction.

AddictionSubstance AbuseCyberbullyingHomophobiaLGBT Inclusion
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