Two MSJC Students Selected for FIFA Club World Cup 2026™ Los Angeles Dream Team
5/14/2026
Two students from Mt. San Jacinto College have been selected for the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup 2026™ Los Angeles Dream Team, earning a rare opportunity to work alongside technology professionals supporting one of the world's largest international sporting events.
James Suzuki and Nathaniel Doromal, both students in MSJC's Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) pathway within the Computer Information Systems networking program, were selected through a competitive process coordinated by Cisco and FIFA.
This year, Cisco Networking Academy and FIFA selected only three qualified Cisco Networking Academy students to participate in the Los Angeles Dream Team experience connected to the FIFA Club World Cup 2026™. MSJC students earned two of those highly competitive spots.
MSJC students James Suzuki (left) and Nathaniel Doromal (right) pose at the Menifee
Valley Campus after being selected for the FIFA Club World Cup 2026™ Los Angeles Dream
Team through the Cisco Networking Academy program.
According to Cisco Networking Academy, the Dream Team initiative allows students to work directly with industry professionals supporting large-scale international events while gaining hands-on networking and infrastructure experience in a live production environment.
As part of the Dream Team, students may assist with a variety of critical IT and networking operations supporting the event, including:
- Labeling and testing CAT5e cabling
- Verifying network labeling, functionality, and connections
- Deploying and testing wireless access points and switches
- Testing Wi-Fi connectivity and roaming performance
- Monitoring wireless network performance during live events
- Collaborating with professional network teams to troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues
The experience provides students with exposure to enterprise-level networking systems and event technology infrastructure while strengthening their technical and professional skills.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students to expand their IT knowledge while learning directly from professionals who support some of the largest major events in the country,” said MSJC instructor Richard Glauser, who nominated the students through the Cisco Networking Academy program.
“It is also a valuable resume-building experience that allows students to showcase their skills as Cisco Networking Academy students.”
James Suzuki, 29, of Romoland, has attended both the Menifee Valley and San Jacinto campuses while pursuing a networking certification through MSJC's Computer Information Systems program.
Suzuki said MSJC has helped him build technical knowledge while providing valuable hands-on experience in networking and server environments.
“MSJC has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about technology and get hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment in the server lab,” Suzuki said. As a returning college student, Suzuki said his experience at MSJC has renewed his motivation and focus.
“This is not my first time as a college student, but as a returning student, I have been much more motivated about my education,” he said. “I have taken every opportunity to learn as much as I can. I'm usually the last student to leave the classroom.”
Suzuki plans to complete his certification in 2026 and hopes to pursue a career in low-voltage technology work before eventually moving into network engineering.
Nathaniel Doromal, 28, of Temecula, attends the Menifee Valley Campus and is majoring in Computer/Information Systems – Networking, with plans to graduate in 2027.
Doromal said MSJC helped him gain confidence and clarity about his future career path in information technology.
“Before attending MSJC, I was still trying to figure out my direction,” Doromal said. “Since then, I've gained a lot more confidence in my abilities, especially when it comes to troubleshooting and problem-solving in IT. I feel more focused and prepared for my career path now.”
He credited the college's hands-on labs, collaborative learning environment, and supportive faculty with helping him grow both personally and professionally.
“This experience has given me the opportunity to really focus on learning and building my skills in IT,” he said. “The hands-on labs and supportive environment have helped me gain practical experience, and I'm especially grateful for my instructors and classmates who have supported my growth along the way.”
Doromal plans to earn his CCNA and CompTIA A+ certifications and hopes to secure an entry-level IT or networking position after graduation.
The selection of two MSJC students for the FIFA Club World Cup 2026™ Los Angeles Dream Team highlights the strength of the college's career education and technology programs in preparing students for workforce opportunities in rapidly growing industries.
Through hands-on instruction, industry-aligned curriculum, and mentorship from faculty, Mt. San Jacinto College continues to provide students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and into real-world professional environments.
For Suzuki and Doromal, the experience will provide an opportunity to apply their technical skills on a global stage while representing both their communities and MSJC at one of the world's premier sporting events.