Washington, December 05 (QNA) - The Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States, in cooperation with the Kennedy Center, hosted an official dinner in honor of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and members of the FIFA Council, as part of the events surrounding the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The dinner was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE President of the Qatar Football Association Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain. Also in attendance were HE US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, HE President of the Kennedy Center Ambassador Richard Grenell, along with several prominent US officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

The evening featured a symbolic moment marking the handover of the match ball from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to the United States, co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a gesture signifying the transfer of the tournament’s legacy to the next host nation and how Qatar’s experience can support cooperation between both countries in staging the world’s largest sporting event.

The dinner also included discussions on sports diplomacy, ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup, and recognition of the pioneering role played by the State of Qatar in elevating the World Cup into a unique opportunity to enhance dialogue, strengthen connections between nations, and bring different cultures closer together. (QNA)