One World Cup. Seven Green Knights. Countless Perspectives.

by Tim Doherty '23

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup captures the attention of billions. For one month, the world’s best players compete on soccer’s biggest stage while millions of fans pack the stadiums, countless professionals work behind the scenes, and thousands of public servants ensure every match is safe, secure, and unforgettable.

This summer, Saint Joseph Regional High School found itself uniquely connected to the world’s largest sporting event. Green Knights experienced the World Cup from nearly every perspective imaginable. One alumnus represented the United States on the pitch. Others helped orchestrate the planning and operations behind the tournament. Several played roles during the championship match as part of the security operation. Others experienced the incredible atmosphere from the stands as supporters of the game.

Taken together, their stories reveal something remarkable: not simply that SJR alumni reached the World Cup, but that they experienced the same global event in vastly different ways. From the pitch to the planning room, from law enforcement to lifelong fandom, Green Knights were woven into the fabric of the tournament.

On the Pitch

For any soccer player, representing your country at the FIFA World Cup is the highest honor the sport can offer. For Matt Turner ‘12, that dream became reality once again this summer.

After starting in goal for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) in Qatar in 2022, Turner returned for a second consecutive World Cup in 2026. He competed against the world’s best players as the United States advanced to the Round of 16, further cementing his place among the nation’s premier goalkeepers. 

“I enjoyed every single minute of it, and I couldn’t stop smiling during the tournament,” said Turner. “It’s a reminder of the hard work that led to this opportunity, and I was able to make some lasting memories for myself and my family.”

His journey from the fields of Montvale to soccer’s biggest stage continues to inspire the SJR community and serves as a powerful reminder of what dedication, perseverance, and hard work can lead to.

“Whatever you do, make sure you do it to the best of your ability,” said Turner. “You never know when your number is going to be called. Whether it’s athletics, performing arts, or the classroom, there are certain moments in life that are going to appear, and you’ll need to make the most of them if you want to achieve what you set out to achieve.”

Behind the Scenes

While fans only see ninety minutes of action on the field, years of planning and coordination make an event of this magnitude possible.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the largest sporting event in global history, setting new benchmarks for attendance, broadcast audiences, host cities, teams, and international visitors. Over 39 days, the United States hosted 78 matches (including the Final, Semifinals, and Quarterfinals) across 11 host cities and stadiums.

Andrew Giuliani ‘05 played a key leadership role in bringing this historic event to life as Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup. Giuliani worked with federal agencies, host cities, and tournament partners, guiding the complex planning and logistics required to successfully host the world's biggest sporting event. He emphasized the importance of communication and preparation throughout the process, expressing gratitude for the countless people involved behind the scenes.

“The Task Force worked with over 50 federal departments and agencies, and more than 400 different state and local law enforcement agencies in order to nail this event,” said Giuliani. “To be able to protect and complete an event of this scale in America was amazing, and day after day, so many individuals and groups sacrificed their time to make the tournament a success. Coordinating with them for the World Cup was an honor.”

Supporting those efforts was fellow alumnus John Stirrup ‘75 in his role as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Working alongside federal, state, and local agencies, as well as community partners, Stirrup contributed to the extensive security and operational planning necessary to welcome teams and fans from around the world.

Though their work unfolded behind the television cameras, both alumni played vital roles in ensuring the tournament was delivered safely and securely.

“To say the event was successful is an understatement,” said Stirrup. “It was absolutely fantastic, and I’ve never experienced anything like it. Everyone involved did a tremendous job.”

Protecting the Biggest Stage

For Michael Kelly ‘05, the FIFA World Cup Final offered a perspective that few people ever experience.

Serving as a New Jersey state trooper during the championship match at MetLife Stadium, Kelly worked on the field as part of the security operation protecting players, officials, and tens of thousands of spectators. While the eyes of millions were fixed on the match itself, Kelly’s focus remained on a different responsibility: ensuring that everyone inside the stadium could safely enjoy the historic occasion.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience, but we had a job to do, and we got it done,” said Kelly. “Everybody had a safe time, and nobody got hurt, so it worked out well.”

Shawn McMackin ‘03, a fellow New Jersey state trooper, joined Kelly at the championship game. McMackin had the unique opportunity to work with the United States Secret Service during the match, maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout the Final.

“That was a really cool detail, and it was interesting to see how the Secret Service operated,” said McMackin. “There was a lot of preparation that took place, but it went as flawlessly as possible, and it was a great experience.”

In the Stands

The World Cup is as much about the fans as it is the players. The shared excitement creates an atmosphere unlike anything else in sports.

Chris Donnelly ‘05 experienced that energy firsthand when he traveled to Seattle to watch the USMNT earn a memorable victory over Australia. Surrounded by thousands of fellow supporters, he witnessed the passion, pride, and emotion that define the World Cup.

“There is nothing even remotely comparable to the World Cup experience,” said Donnelly. “It was one of the top five things I’ve done in my life, and seeing that type of energy in person was special.”

Patrick Doherty ‘15 found that same energy at Gillette Stadium, where he attended Norway’s victory over Iraq. Like Donnelly, he experienced the tournament alongside supporters from around the world, joining an international celebration of the game.

“Interacting with other fans was my favorite part,” said Doherty. “Before the match, we ended up at a restaurant taken over by the Norwegian fanbase, and they were incredibly welcoming to a couple of Americans, and they even taught us their chants. An experience like that shows soccer is a universal language that makes the world feel a lot smaller.”

One Tournament. One Brotherhood.

Every Green Knight connected to the World Cup experienced it differently.

One represented his country on the field. Others planned and coordinated the event behind the scenes. Two helped protect the championship match, while others experienced the magic of the tournament as fans.

Despite these different roles, there was a common thread: the foundation they built at Saint Joseph Regional High School.

“No matter where you look in the World Cup, so many of the ideals that showed up were learned at Saint Joe’s with my Green Knight brothers,” said Giuliani. “Those are the guys that taught me the value of never giving up and continuing to run that hill every day. SJR showed me the importance of trusting your brothers, building a team, finding a plan, and executing it until you reach your goal.”

The Green Knight brotherhood extends far beyond graduation. It is reflected wherever alumni pursue excellence, whether in athletics, public service, leadership, law enforcement, or through the passions and communities that shape their lives.

This summer, that brotherhood reached one of the world’s biggest stages. From nearly every angle imaginable, Green Knights helped tell the story of the FIFA World Cup.