Florida International University

Two FIU alumni from the School of Communication, Gabriel Gabor and Marisabel Muñoz, are working behind the scenes at the FIFA World Cup 2026, helping shape communications for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

With decades of experience in Major League Soccer, both CARTA graduates are now contributing to the global tournament across North America, showing how FIU talent continues to lead on and off the field at the highest level of international sports.

FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts

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These MLS veterans are working comms for the World Cup Journalism alumni Gabriel Gabor ’88 and Marisabel Muñoz ’02 have decades of experience with Major League Soccer and currently hold positions during the FIFA tournament.

Why do great hammerheads eat other sharks? FIU researchers set out to answer that question and found that the energy-rich meals help sustain these critically endangered predators. Using camera-equipped tags and advanced tracking technology, the team discovered that a single 55-pound shark can keep a 250-pound great hammerhead fed for up to two months.

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Why great hammerhead sharks like to eat other sharks It's really a shark-eat-shark world. Watch the video and learn more.

Everglades wildfires: Will smoke affect the 2026 World Cup?

As wildfires continue burning near the Everglades, FIU expert Dr. Roberto Lucchini explains the health risks of wildfire smoke, who is most vulnerable and why World Cup fans and players are not expected to face significant impacts.

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What are the health implications of the Everglades wildfires, and will World Cup spectators and players be affected? Dr. Roberto Lucchini works with first responders exposed to carcinogens in the World Trade Center attacks. He discusses how airborne toxins from South Florida fires could impact residents, visitors.

FIU researchers are helping uncover how the hidden viral ecosystems inside mosquitoes may influence the spread of disease worldwide. Published in Nature Communications, the global study advances understanding of mosquito-borne illnesses and could inform new strategies for predicting and preventing outbreaks.

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In mosquitos, viruses fight to stand out from the crowd The viruses inside mosquitos may help determine which diseases are spread, according to new research.

FIU research assistant professor Mark Bond has been selected as a lead scientist aboard REV, one of the world's most advanced ocean research vessels. He'll help lead the Heart of the Caribbean expedition, gathering data to support the Atlantic's first multinational marine protected area and advance ocean conservation across the Caribbean.

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FIU professor selected as a lead scientist aboard cutting-edge ocean research vessel Mark Bond has been selected as a lead scientist for the maiden voyage of REV, one of the world's most advanced research vessels dedicated to ocean science and conservation.