ISLAMABAD: The United States Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, Natalie Baker, addressed a special FIFA World Cup 2026 kickoff event held at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on May 19, highlighting the role of sport in strengthening international ties and community engagement.
The event was attended by Pakistan’s Minister Abbasi, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, representatives of the Pakistan Football Federation, diplomats, athletes, and private sector partners.
Baker said it was an honour to host what she described as the first-ever World Cup launch event in Pakistan, calling the tournament a powerful example of how sport connects nations.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you to the U.S. Embassy as the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” she said, adding that football brings “the world a little smaller” through shared excitement and competition.
She thanked the Pakistan Football Federation along with corporate partners including McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Forward Sports for supporting the event, noting their role in contributing to jobs, education, and commercial ties in Pakistan.
Highlighting Pakistan’s contribution to global football manufacturing, Baker praised Forward Sports after visiting its Sialkot facility, where she observed the production of footballs used in international tournaments.
“I saw firsthand the craftsmanship and precision that go into producing world-class footballs,” she said.
Baker also underlined that the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, would be the largest in history, featuring 48 national teams and matches across 16 host cities.
She said the tournament would not only be a sporting event but also an opportunity to strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections.
“Football is the world’s game because it speaks a universal language — one of teamwork, determination, discipline, and hope,” she said.
She added that the United States sees sports diplomacy as a key tool in building international relationships and fostering youth engagement.
Referring to broader US ambitions, Baker noted that the 2026 World Cup marks the beginning of what she called an “American Decade of Sport,” which will include major global events such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
She also quoted US leadership, saying the tournament represents a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to showcase the United States while strengthening global partnerships ahead of the country’s 250th Independence Day celebrations.
The event concluded with a message of appreciation for Pakistan’s participation and continued collaboration in international sporting initiatives.
