ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), hosted a special kick-off event at the embassy on Tuesday to mark the start of the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and spotlight the cultural and economic ties created by the global tournament. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker praised Pakistan-made footballs.

Ms Baker and PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani welcomed chief guest Hanif Abbasi, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, representatives of a football manufacturing company, The Coca-Cola Company, McDonald’s, and members of the diplomatic and sports communities.

Around 150 guests attended the event and, besides celebrating the FIFA World Cup-related occasion, also enjoyed a musical performance.

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of an oversized football produced by a manufacturing company based in Sialkot, Punjab. Ms Baker, PFF President Gilani and other guests participated in the unveiling ceremony.

The formal programme concluded with a ceremonial gift exchange and Coca-Cola’s recognition of two female Pakistan national football players, after which guests took part in an informal penalty-kick challenge on the field.

Ms Baker also successfully scored a goal and received applause from the audience to mark the kick-off event.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Baker said that, for the first time, the US embassy was hosting a special kick-off event to mark the start of the FIFA World Cup.

She appreciated Pakistan’s sports industry and said she had recently visited Sialkot, where she was impressed by the quality of footballs being manufactured there.

“President Donald Trump has underscored that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase the beauty and greatness of America, and we are eager to welcome fans to the United States, especially as we get ready to celebrate our 250th birthday on July 4,” Ms Baker said.

She added, “The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the start of an ‘American Decade of Sport’. Between now and 2034, the United States will host at least 10 other major international sporting events, including the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. These events will leave a legacy of stronger economies and deeper cultural connections. We look forward to sharing those experiences with our friends and partners in Pakistan.”

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said sports diplomacy was a way to promote people-to-people contacts. He expressed best wishes for the United States and other host countries organising the global event and said football was a team sport that helped players dream bigger. He also appreciated Pakistan’s sports industry.

Speaking on the occasion, PFF President Gilani said, “It gives us great pleasure to launch this ceremonial event alongside the US Embassy in Pakistan. The Pakistan national team might not have qualified for the World Cup, but there is a wave of excitement in the country for the first-ever 48-team event in North America.”

“The euphoria will reach fever pitch when the World Cup kicks off, with every moment of the biggest football show on earth being celebrated across Pakistan. The United States will prove itself to be an exemplary host as it welcomes the world for a celebration of the sport that we all love,” he added.

Mr Gilani said football united the world and expressed hope that the event would bring people closer. He also praised the United States’ capability to host major sporting events, with the FIFA World Cup to be followed by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the Rugby World Cup in 2031.

He expressed best wishes to the United States in its bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup in partnership with Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica.

Earlier, Gianni Infantino, in a video message, shared his excitement for the upcoming World Cup and appreciated the steps being taken by PFF President Gilani for the promotion of football in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026