Millions of fans will remember the goals, the celebrations, and the unforgettable moments of the FIFA World Cup. Behind every match, though, is a global team of professionals working tirelessly to bring the tournament to life. Rosen College alumna Risako Karasawa ’21 is one of them. As a VIP Tour Coordinator and Translator, she’s combining hospitality, event management, and international experience on one of the biggest stages in sports. We caught up with Risako to learn what it’s really like behind the scenes.
Can you describe your role with FIFA and what your responsibilities as a VIP Tour Coordinator and Translator involve?
My role was an on-site VIP Tour Coordinator/Translator. I served as the primary point of contact for a VIP government delegation from Japan attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Dallas, Texas. My responsibilities included coordinating transportation and logistics, providing interpretation and translation support, and ensuring a seamless experience throughout the visit.
What’s your favorite part of being a VIP Tour Coordinator for the World Cup?
My favorite part of being a VIP Tour Coordinator is that it brings together everything I love. Combining my passions for sports, entertainment, and hospitality, this opportunity feels like the perfect fit for me. Being part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events was incredibly exciting, and it was rewarding to help create memorable experiences for the VIP guests while gaining amazing work experience.
How has your degree in Entertainment Management prepared you for success in this position?
UCF has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and build meaningful connections through hands-on learning experiences. My Entertainment Management degree provided a strong foundation in event operations, guest experience, and project management. Those experiences gave me confidence and practical skills to adapt quickly, solve problems, and support VIP guests.
Tell me more about your experience working in sports management and marketing in Japan after you graduated.
After graduating from UCF, I worked for three years at a sports creative company in Tokyo, Japan, where I experienced sales & marketing, project management, and merchandising operations for professional, amateur, and collegiate sports teams. Through my work in the Japanese sports industry, I realized that sports are not just entertainment events, but they can bring people together, fostering a sense of unity, shared experiences, and local pride. I was especially drawn to the impact sports have on community development and city branding.
What are you learning about managing guest experiences at a global sporting event of this scale?
I learned that successful guest experiences depend on preparation and flexibility. Even with detailed planning, situations can change quickly, so it’s important to adapt while maintaining a high level of service.
How important are communication, cultural awareness and relationship-building when working with international visitors and stakeholders?
I believe they’re absolutely essential. As an international student from Japan, I’ve experienced what it’s feels like to navigate a different culture, language, and environment. That perspective helps me better understand the needs and expectations of guests from Japan and provide them with a more thoughtful and personalized experience. I also believe that strong communication and relationship-building create trust, which is essential when working with international guests and stakeholders.
What does it mean to represent UCF and Rosen College while working at one of the world’s largest sporting events?
It’s always an honor to represent UCF and Rosen College. As both a UCF alumna and current graduate student, I’m grateful for the education, hands-on experience, and confidence that UCF has given me to pursue opportunities like this. Representing my university at a global event like the FIFA World Cup allows me to demonstrate the quality of the education I received while gaining invaluable experience.
