Doha, December 18 (QNA) - HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani handed over on Sunday evening the hosting mantle of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to HE Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, HE President of the Mexican Football Federation Yon de Luisa Plazas, and HE the US Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in the presence of HE FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The official handover ceremony took place after the final match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday evening.

On this occasion, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed his happiness for the success of the State of Qatar in organizing an exceptional edition of the World Cup for the first time in the Middle East.

He expressed his wishes that Canada, Mexico and the US will organize a successful World Cup edition in 2026.

His Excellency affirmed the readiness of the State of Qatar to present its expertise and experience in hosting the FIFA World Cup, especially in terms of equipment to enhance the role of sport in bringing cultures closer and uniting the peoples of the world. (QNA)