PROVINCE REPORT
The United States Embassy Islamabad, in collaboration with the Pakistan Football Federation, hosted a special ceremony to kick off the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and celebrate the cultural and economic connections linked to the global tournament.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani welcomed distinguished guests including Hanif Abbasi, Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, diplomats, athletes, and representatives from Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Forward Sports.
Speaking at the event, Natalie Baker said US President Donald Trump viewed the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and greatness of America.”
She added that the tournament would mark the beginning of an “American Decade of Sport,” with the United States set to host several major international sporting events through 2034, including the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said the World Cup had already generated excitement among football fans in Pakistan despite the national team not qualifying for the tournament, adding that football has the power to unite people across the world.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of an oversized football manufactured in Sialkot by Forward Sports, showcasing Pakistan’s contribution to the global football industry.
