Representatives from Qatar took a moment to highlight the enduring impact of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at a United Nations event in New York. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), led by Managing Director HE Hassan al-Thawadi, participated in a high-level reception held on the occasion of World Football Day, focusing on the legacy of the tournament as the global football community looks ahead to the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The event, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations, carried the theme “From FIFA World Cup 2022 to FIFA World Cup 2026: A Legacy in Motion.” It sought to emphasize the continuity between the recently completed tournament in Qatar and the next World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico during the summer.

In his remarks, al-Thawadi underscored the regional significance of the 2022 World Cup, describing it as a milestone that extended beyond the borders of a single nation. He expressed that the event served as a source of pride for the Arab world and the Middle East, demonstrating that the region could successfully organize a global sporting spectacle on its own terms. According to al-Thawadi, the tournament showed the world a narrative of hospitality, high standards, and regional solidarity.

By connecting the achievements of Qatar 2022 with the preparations underway for the 2026 tournament in North America, the reception highlighted the broader theme of football as a unifying force that transcends national boundaries. The forum also reflected Qatar’s intention to leverage its World Cup experience toward fostering future opportunities in sports diplomacy and international cooperation.

As the global stage shifts focus to the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, the event in New York reaffirmed the lasting impression Qatar’s hosting efforts have made within the international community, symbolizing both a regional breakthrough and a foundation for future tournaments.