The United States Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), hosted a special ceremony in Islamabad to launch the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the cultural and economic connections fostered by the global tournament.
The event was hosted by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani, who welcomed chief guest Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Railways, alongside Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, representatives of leading football manufacturing firms, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, diplomats and members of Pakistan’s sporting community. Approximately 150 guests attended the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker said President Donald Trump had described the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to showcase the United States, particularly as the country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4.
Baker stated that the tournament would mark the beginning of an “American Decade of Sport”, with the United States scheduled to host at least ten major international sporting events by 2034, including the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
She said such events would contribute towards stronger economies and deeper cultural ties between nations.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said Pakistan may not have qualified for the World Cup, but enthusiasm across the country for the first-ever 48-team edition of the tournament in North America was rapidly building. He expressed confidence that the United States would prove to be an exemplary host nation for football’s premier global event.
Gilani added that football possessed a unique ability to unite people across borders and cultures. He also praised the United States’ capacity to host international sporting competitions, noting that the FIFA World Cup would be followed by the 2028 Olympics and the 2031 Rugby World Cup.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneNews DeskRead More