Football Diplomacy and the World Cup 2026 at the United Nations
On the occasion of World Football Week, Portugal joined partners at the United Nations to celebrate football’s unique ability to bring people together across borders, cultures and continents. The event, held at UN Headquarters in New York on 22 May, focused on the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, while also looking ahead to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Portugal will co-host together with Spain and Morocco.
UN representatives from across regions highlighted how football continues to serve as a universal language capable of fostering dialogue, inclusion and mutual understanding. In a period marked by geopolitical tensions and global divisions, the event underscored the power of sport to create moments of shared emotion and collective identity on a truly global scale. Participants also paid tribute to Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, which demonstrated how football can connect cultures and bring the world together on and off the pitch.
In his remarks, Ambassador Rui Vinhas noted that football is deeply connected to Portugal’s international identity. From Eusébio and Luís Figo to Cristiano Ronaldo and José Mourinho, Portuguese players and coaches have helped connect Portugal to millions of people around the world through talent, ambition and sporting excellence.
Portugal also highlighted the significance of the 2030 FIFA World Cup as a transcontinental partnership, marking 100 years since the first World Cup. The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be the first in history to span multiple continents, connecting Africa, Europe, and South America. The joint organization of the tournament by Portugal, Spain and Morocco was presented as a strong symbol of cooperation between continents, cultures and peoples, reflecting the same spirit of dialogue and bridge-building that remains central to the work of the United Nations.
As the international community marks World Football Day, Portugal reaffirms its commitment to promoting sport as a tool for peace, friendship and international cooperation. Football remains far more than a game: it is a global platform capable of inspiring unity, creating connections and bringing the world closer together. Portugal also looks forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, whose joint hosting once again reflects football’s extraordinary capacity to unite nations through a shared global celebration.
