Kicking It to 2026 Docuseries Summit: Keeping the Peace Around the 2026 Game with Professor Clifford Stott
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Giovanna Aguilar,
Director and Executive Producer
gaguilar@candescoproductions.com
February 16, 2026 Professor Clifford Stott
New Jersey — A public conversation on crowd psychology, public safety and readiness ahead of the 2026 international soccer tournament will take place Wednesday, April 1. Produced by Kicking It to 2026: The Countdown to the Game, the event will be hosted by Seton Hall University’s Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute with support from sponsor DailyPay.
Lori Tarke, DHSc, executive director of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute at Seton Hall University, said the institute is proud to host crowd psychology expert Clifford Stott and highlighted the strong cultural and academic connection between soccer, the Latino community and the university.
“In the spirit of sport, unity and celebration, we are honored to host world-renowned crowd psychology expert Clifford Stott and help our communities engage with this global moment,” Tarke said.
Keynote speaker Professor Clifford Stott, MBE, Ph.D., will examine preparedness for the 2026 tournament, including public safety, crowd engagement, public trust and coordination among host countries, cities and institutions. A professor of policing research at The Open University in the United Kingdom, Stott is internationally recognized for his work on crowd behavior at major sporting events. His research has influenced public safety planning, law enforcement strategy and event management in multiple countries.
Drawing on more than three decades of research into crowd behavior at major soccer tournaments, protests and large public gatherings, Stott will address misconceptions about crowd risk and share evidence-based approaches that improve safety, reduce disorder and strengthen cooperation between institutions and communities.
“We are grateful for Seton Hall University’s partnership and DailyPay’s support in bringing this conversation into the docuseries. Independent productions, like sports, thrive on community support,” said Meiling Macias-Toro, executive producer of Freedom Studios.
The summit will also explore broader U.S. factors shaping crowd experience, including policing culture, cross-border travel, community engagement and public perceptions of safety during major global events.
“Kicking It to 2026 looks at how communities are preparing for the global tournament, and this summit is a strong launch point, especially with the finals heading to New Jersey,” said Director and Executive Producer Giovanna Aguilar.
Summit Details
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute at Seton Hall University
Additional program details, confirmed speakers and registration information will be announced soon.
About:
Kicking It to 2026: The Countdown to the Game is an independent storytelling docuseries highlighting the energy and anticipation of fans and communities preparing for the 2026 soccer tournament throughout Mexico, the United States and Canada. The project is not affiliated with FIFA or any official tournament organization. The docuseries is produced by Candesco Productions and Freedom Studios, Inc.
Candesco Productions is a boutique creative studio producing multimedia content and events focused on thought leadership, entrepreneurship and social impact.
Freedom Studios, Inc. develops and produces culturally rooted film, television and digital content that amplifies underrepresented voices. Through authentic storytelling, the company creates stories that connect communities across cultures and platforms.
Executive Producers
