Pakistan hosts first FIFA World Cup launch event at US Embassy in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: A FIFA World Cup-related launch event was held at the United States Embassy in Islamabad, with participants from sports, government and other sectors attending what US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker described as the first special event of its kind in Pakistan linked to the tournament.

Among those present at the ceremony were Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan Football Federation President Mohsen Gilani, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan and Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Atif Rana.

Addressing the gathering, Baker said it was an honour that Pakistan was hosting the first special FIFA World Cup-related event. She said she was encouraged by what she described as positive momentum in the promotion and development of football in Pakistan, and noted that the country was playing an important role in the World Cup ecosystem.

She said Pakistan produces world-class footballs used internationally, while the next FIFA World Cup, to be staged by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the largest edition of the tournament, with 48 teams taking part for the first time. Baker added that the United States was ready to receive supporters from across the world and mark the event on a major scale.

According to Baker, sport — and football in particular — can help build stronger connections and mutual understanding among countries and their people.

Officials highlight football ties

Speaking at the event, PFF President Mohsen Gilani said football was contributing to closer relations between Pakistan and the United States. He described the FIFA World Cup as one of the world’s biggest events and said the game brings countries together on a shared platform.

Gilani said Pakistan’s women’s football team had recently taken part in a FIFA event for the first time and won a match, calling it a landmark moment for the country. He also said Pakistan Football had, for the first time, appointed a woman as manager of the men’s national football team, describing the move as an important development for women’s empowerment in sport.

He said sports help connect people from different countries and added that Pakistan was making its contribution to the FIFA World Cup. Referring to a recent meeting with the president of the US Soccer Federation, Gilani said the United States would be an excellent host for the tournament.

Gilani also said US President Donald Trump had a special interest in football.

The event brought together senior public figures and sports stakeholders as Pakistan and the United States highlighted football as an area of engagement ahead of the expanded FIFA World Cup to be hosted across North America.