ISLAMABAD – The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad hosted a prestigious launch ceremony for FIFA World Cup 2026, attended by federal ministers, Pakistan Football Federation officials, diplomats, and prominent figures from the sports community. The event highlighted Pakistan’s growing contribution to global football and emphasised the role of sports in strengthening Pakistan-U.S. relations.
Distinguished guests included Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani, PFF Vice President Hafiz Zaka Ullah, PFF Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar and others. Addressing the gathering, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker described it as a proud moment that Pakistan was hosting its first major FIFA World Cup-related event ahead of the 2026 extravaganza. She expressed satisfaction over the rapid progress of football in Pakistan and emphasised the country’s growing contribution to the global game.
Baker noted that Pakistan continues to manufacture internationally acclaimed footballs used across the world, adding that the upcoming FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, would be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history with 48 participating nations. She said the United States was fully prepared to welcome football fans from every corner of the world for what promises to be a historic sporting celebration. She also stressed the unifying power of sports, particularly football, saying the game serves as a universal language that strengthens friendships, cultural understanding, and cooperation among nations.
In a special video address, FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Pakistan on organising what he called a remarkable and inspiring FIFA World Cup launch ceremony. The FIFA chief praised the enthusiasm surrounding football in Pakistan and expressed confidence that the country possesses the potential to emerge strongly on the international football stage in the years ahead.
Infantino paid special tribute to PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani for spearheading transformative efforts aimed at reviving and promoting football across Pakistan. He acknowledged the progress achieved over the past year and said the reforms and initiatives introduced under Gilani’s leadership had created fresh hope for the future of the sport.
“If this visionary leadership continues, Pakistan football can achieve extraordinary progress,” Infantino said in his message. “The positive developments witnessed during the last year are highly encouraging, and Pakistan’s football future appears increasingly promising.”
Speaking on the occasion, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said football was playing an important role in strengthening people-to-people relations between Pakistan and the United States. He described the FIFA World Cup as one of the most influential sporting events in the world that brings nations together through the spirit of unity, passion, and competition. Gilani highlighted several milestones achieved by Pakistan football in recent months, including the participation of Pakistan women’s football team in a FIFA event for the first time, where the side secured a memorable victory. He termed the achievement a landmark moment for women’s football in the country.
The PFF president also revealed that Pakistan football had appointed a woman manager for the men’s national football team for the first time in history, calling it a significant breakthrough for women empowerment and gender inclusion in sports administration.
He further said Pakistan was proud to be associated with the FIFA World Cup through its football manufacturing industry and growing football culture. Referring to his recent interaction with officials of the U.S. Soccer Federation, Gilani expressed confidence that the United States would host an exceptional FIFA World Cup, adding that even U.S. President Donald Trump has shown special interest in football and the success of the mega event.
Talking to The Nation, Lahore Qalandars owner Atif Rana lauded the spectacular and prestigious launch ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan. He particularly praised the dynamic leadership and great passion for sports shown by Natalie A. Baker, whose deep love for football and commitment to strengthening sports diplomacy transformed the event into a remarkable success. “At a time when football is rapidly gaining immense popularity across Pakistan, initiatives like these play a vital role in connecting people through the universal language of sports,” Atif Rana said. “After cricket, football enjoys one of the largest fan followings in the country, and the historic FIFA World Cup 2026 will undoubtedly be celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm in every corner of Pakistan.” He further extended his heartfelt best wishes to FIFA, the United States, and all the stakeholders involved for the successful organisation of what promises to be one of the grandest and most celebrated editions of the FIFA World Cup in history.
