New York, N.Y. – With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off in just a few days, Steven Torres of the Lehman College Athletics Department has stayed busy during the collegiate offseason, overseeing media operations for two high-profile international soccer friendlies in New York and New Jersey.

The New York City native, who has served as the Lightning's Assistant Sports Information Director since 2018, is a veteran at handling international press. Long before arriving at The APEX, Torres managed media operations for elite global organizations, including U.S. Soccer, Concacaf and FIFA.

Torres, who reached 1,000+ overall collegiate athletics games worked this past spring, was recruited to direct media operations for the June 4 match between Guatemala and World Cup-bound Czechia at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J. Leading a dedicated staff of volunteers, his team earned high praise from the international media in attendance.

Following that match, Torres ran the official press conference, sparking a memorable reunion. Guatemala head coach Luis Fernando Tena—a legendary former Mexican international and Olympic gold-winning coach—recognized Torres immediately.

"You were the FIFA Media Officer in Cardiff at Millennium Stadium when Mexico played Switzerland during the 2012 Olympic Games," Tena noted.

Torres confirmed the memory and reminded Tena that he was also on duty at London's historic Wembley Stadium for Mexico's unforgettable gold medal final victory over Brazil. Tena smiled and replied, "I knew that was you. It is great to once again have you running a press conference for me."

Four days later on June 8, Torres assumed similar duties for a highly anticipated match-up between two World Cup-bound teams, the Netherlands and Uzbekistan. The game took place at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island, N.Y., a venue not traditionally used for soccer.

"It was an interesting challenge to work a game at a stadium primarily designed for track and field," Torres said. "However, having managed soccer matches across six continents, it was simply another venue where I could deliver elite media operations assistance. When you want the best, you get the best."