U.S. born prof. available to comment on Canada and U.S.'s contrasting FIFA World Cup 2026 host narratives
Originally from the U.S. and having taught sport management and business at universities in the UK, U.S., Netherlands, Singapore and Japan, School of Human Resource Management Associate Professor Sarah Zipp brings a global perspective to this World Cup. "This tournament is a spectacle of both nationalism and global cooperation. All against a backdrop of dramatic geo-political change and intense negotiations over trade, war and immigration,” says Zipp, program coordinator for the Sport Management program at York University’s Markham Campus.
“It’s a really interesting time where we have three very different leaders hosting this World Cup, with very different contexts for the events, and a very particular moment in terms of FIFA’s role and reputation,” she says. “A lot of things that people are mad or worried about on both sides of the border, gas prices, the Iran war, people will divert their attention to the World Cup, and Trump hopes to be a hero in that. He uses sport as a diversion and a proxy for strength, and for traditional masculine values, in his campaigns and leadership. Carney will also use this event to highlight Canada’s strengths and emerging place in the new global order.”
Zipp is currently writing a book called The Tyranny of Modern Sport where she examines the impact of increasing commodification, politicization, and commercialization of global sport, led by entities like FIFA and the IOC. The book reimagines possibilities of sport for the common good through alternative lenses, including indigenous knowledge, Nordic approaches, and Pope Francis’ integral ecology.
Zipp can comment on:
- How Canada and the U.S. have different approaches to their nation’s World Cup narratives
- Global sport and commercialization, capitalism, and governance
- Legacy impacts on future sport education and development
- Globalization, sport policy, and social issues (e.g. gender equality) in sport
More FIFA interview opportunities:
- York University Schulich School of Business sports marketing expert Vijay Setlur is following Team Canada on their World Cup 2026 journey and can speak to the fan experience, sports marketing, ticket sale and more.
- Former York U Lion Niko Sigur is part of Canada’s World Cup team and his former coach Carmen Isacco (who was also a Team Canada coach) and teammate Daniel Casa from the Lions are available to speak to his time at York and player development. More info here.
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York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for meaningful life and career paths. York's Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, and Markham Campus is home to York’s Sport Management program. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
Media Contacts: Emina Gamulin, York University Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca
