Senior Manager of Intelligence Rachael Hughen and Intelligence Specialist Ashley Silberman will detail the intelligence structure and preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026 as a new entity within FIFA focused on fan behavior, supporter culture, and geopolitical risk. The presentation will address the complexities of mass event protection from an intelligence perspective, integrating monitoring and communication plans tailored to partners in the private sector, public sector, and sporting environments.
Rachael currently works as the Senior Intelligence Manager at FIFA26, covering geopolitical analysis, monitoring of FIFA26 assets, and football-specific intelligence, produced to inform stakeholders of team and fanbase cultural and security dynamics. Rachael previously worked as the Senior Geopolitical Risk Analyst for American Airlines, managing strategic analysis and contingency planning for high-risk markets such as Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Guayaquil, Ecuador, as well as overflight risk analysis of conflict zones. Other work experience includes high-risk area analysis for Uber, wargaming and strategic simulation work at National Defense University, and in-country security analysis for various Latin America-focused NGOs. Rachael received a B.A. in International Affairs from the George Washington University.
Ashley currently works for the FIFA26 Intelligence Team under Rachael Hughen as an Intelligence Specialist covering football intelligence. Previously, Ashley served as a Senior Intelligence Analyst at Royal Caribbean Group, where she focused on geopolitical analysis and maritime security. She holds an M.A. in International Affairs and a B.A. in Political Science from The George Washington University.