Emily Austin, a 25-year-old observant Jewish American with strong ties to Israel, has been appointed as the sole influencer to cover the FIFA World Cup for the international soccer body. Her appointment is partly attributed to her close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whose wife is Lebanese. Austin, raised in a Modern Orthodox household, has combined her sports broadcasting career with vocal advocacy for Israel, becoming a prominent voice against antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. She has previously worked in communications for Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and has interviewed figures like Donald Trump.
Austin's role with FIFA grants her behind-the-scenes access to the expanded 2026 tournament, allowing her to create content that blends sports excitement with cultural and diplomatic insights. Supporters view this as a way to project a modern image of Israel through sports, promoting unity. Austin recounts a personal exchange with Infantino where she identified as being from Israel, and his wife and daughter as being from Lebanon, illustrating how sports can bridge divides even amidst regional tensions. She praised Infantino for his efforts and stressed soccer's potential to transcend politics, encouraging Israelis to ensure their national team qualifies for future tournaments for public diplomacy.
Beyond her FIFA role, Austin's public profile includes conservative politics and pro-Israel advocacy. She recently turned down an invitation from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to co-host a FIFA World Cup event, due to his past statements she felt hurt her community. Austin has interviewed notable figures such as Donald Trump, Anthony Joshua, and Jake Paul, and her career trajectory, including being recognized by The Jerusalem Post for curbing antisemitism, demonstrates her resilience in navigating professional challenges while openly embracing her identity, including wearing a Star of David. She leverages platforms like DAZN, where she reported on a tournament with almost three billion viewers, to promote unity through sports.
