New York: HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani hosted a high-level reception at the UN headquarters in New York under the theme “From FIFA World Cup 2022 to FIFA World Cup 2026: A Legacy in Motion” on the occasion of World Football Day.
The event highlighted the legacy and global impact of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first World Cup held in the Arab world and the Middle East, and underscored Qatar’s success in using sport as a platform to unite people and cultures across continents.
As attention turns toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the reception also emphasized football’s growing role in promoting economic development, youth empowerment, and multilateral cooperation.
The event brought together senior international officials, including HE Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN Mike Waltz, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan bin Abdullah Al Thawadi, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 2026 Andrew Giuliani, Mexico’s World Cup 2026 Coordinator Gabriela Cuevas, and Canada’s Minister of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden, alongside UN officials and permanent representatives of member states.
In her remarks, Sheikha Alya described the Qatar-hosted World Cup as a historic milestone that strengthened intercultural dialogue and introduced a sustainable and interconnected model for hosting major sporting events based on innovation, accessibility, and long-term impact.
She noted that the tournament brought together people of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds in celebration of shared human values, citing HH the Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who said Qatar fulfilled its promise of delivering an exceptional tournament that introduced the world to the richness of Arab culture and values.
For his part, Hassan Al Thawadi stressed that the true legacy of Qatar 2022 extends far beyond the matches played, describing the tournament as a transformative moment that showcased football’s power to bridge cultures, challenge stereotypes, and unite humanity.
He added that the success of the World Cup should be measured by its enduring impact on people’s lives and highlighted Qatar’s willingness to share its expertise and institutional knowledge with future host nations and the wider football community.
Al Thawadi also expressed confidence that the 2026 World Cup would continue football’s contribution to development, dialogue, and peace in partnership with the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Meanwhile, Mike Waltz said visitors attending the 2026 World Cup would experience the United States through its people, communities, and culture, emphasizing the role of workers, businesses, and local communities in welcoming global fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described Qatar 2022 as “the best edition ever,” praising the tournament for strengthening Qatar’s global standing and expressing confidence that the upcoming tournament in North America would once again unite the world through football.
Andrew Giuliani highlighted football’s unique ability to bring people together, noting that US President Donald Trump had established strong cooperation with FIFA to showcase American hospitality and celebrate the spirit of global competition.
Mexican official Gabriela Cuevas said Mexico was proud to host the World Cup for a third time and stood ready to welcome the world in a spirit of unity and shared vision, while Adam van Koeverden emphasized Canada’s commitment to advancing a legacy of inclusion, cooperation, and community engagement through sport.
The reception concluded with a special visual display projected onto the facade of the UN Secretariat building, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the FIFA World Cup and its role in promoting international cooperation through the universal language of football.
