By: Paul Musser, Katten Muchin Rosenman
The world’s biggest tournament is on American soil for the first time in over 30 years. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken over the summer. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who only tunes in every four years, it’s exciting to watch the best in the world come together and compete.
It got me thinking. A successful turnaround looks a lot like a World Cup run.
Turnaround Is a Team Sport
No nation ever lifted the trophy on the back of a single player. Even Argentina in 2022 didn’t rely on Messi alone. A championship squad needs everyone knowing and executing their roles, bound together by a common purpose that’s bigger than themselves.
The same is true for any successful turnaround. It takes a full team of lenders, lawyers, financial advisors, investment bankers, each bringing something different to the proverbial pitch. Every position matters. Every second counts. Every role is essential. And just like a World Cup squad needs a tournament to compete in — a stage where the best can meet, test themselves, and build something together — our industry needs a platform to shine.
TMA Is the Tournament
That’s where our TMA chapter comes in. TMA Chicago Midwest is the pitch where all these players come together, looking to form their teams. It is the platform to showcase your skills, build or join your squad, and find deals to compete at the highest level. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rising star still looking for your first cap, this is where the action is.
The Big Matches Ahead
We have two marquee fixtures coming up that I want every member to have circled on the calendar:
- Large Cap Symposium — Register Here The most complex, highest-profile matters in the restructuring space, discussed by the professionals who lead them. Expect panel discussions on major pending cases, market trends shaping large-cap restructurings, and direct access to dealmakers driving outcomes. If you work on large-cap engagements, or want to learn more about them, this is your match to attend.
- Joint Annual Workout Lender & Capital Marketplace — Register Here Two of our chapter’s great events now combined into a single marquee occasion. This is where workout lender insights from a panel of veteran professionals will be followed by access to capital providers and the exploration of opportunities. Middle market lenders, borrowers, and intermediaries all on the same field.
Here’s my ask: don’t be a spectator. Show up. Bring your team. The World Cup only comes around once in a generation on home soil. The same could be said for turnaround opportunities like the ones ahead of us this summer.
Let’s make it a championship run. See you on the pitch.
