United Nations, New York by Ömer Gülbay-
• Qatar formally passed the FIFA World Cup hosting legacy from Qatar 2022 to the 2026 co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino described Qatar 2022 as “the greatest tournament” and emphasized football’s unique ability to unite nations beyond political and cultural differences.
• Representatives from Canada, Mexico, and the United States pledged close cooperation to deliver a successful FIFA World Cup 2026 while creating lasting social, economic, and sporting benefits.
The United Nations Headquarters hosted a special high-level reception titled “From FIFA World Cup 2022 to FIFA World Cup 2026: A Legacy in Motion,” organized by the State of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in partnership with the FIFA World Cup 2026 host nations — Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Diplomats, government officials, and football leaders gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and to look ahead to the historic FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted across North America.
A symbolic handover marked the event as Qatar passed the World Cup hosting legacy to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Discussions centered on how football continues to serve as a powerful platform for international cooperation, cultural exchange, and social development. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the unique role of the sport in bringing people together, stating that football unites the world “better than any diplomacy.” Reflecting on Qatar 2022, he described it as “the greatest tournament we have ever seen,” praising the country’s ability to welcome fans from across the globe and demonstrate that people share far more common ground than divisions.
Speaking on behalf of the former host nation, H.E. Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani highlighted the historic significance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the first tournament held in the Arab world and Middle East. She underscored how Qatar successfully harnessed the power of sport to foster understanding between cultures and nations, creating a lasting legacy that extends far beyond football. The event also featured a cultural and culinary exchange, symbolizing the transition from the previous host nation to the upcoming hosts.
Representatives of the three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries reaffirmed their commitment to delivering an exceptional tournament. Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State for Sport of Canada, Gabriela Cuevas, Representative of Mexico to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026, each highlighted the importance of partnership in staging the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. Discussions focused on investments in grassroots football, infrastructure development, security coordination, and ensuring that the tournament leaves a positive legacy for communities across all three countries.
Adding a personal touch to the proceedings, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz reflected on his own experiences with the sport and joked about Americans calling it “soccer” while much of the world refers to it as “football.” He stressed that the FIFA World Cup is far more than a sporting competition, describing it as a symbol of global unity. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and millions of fans expected to travel across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, speakers agreed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 has the potential to become the largest and most globally connected sporting event in history.
