FIFA World Cup 2026 Platform To Strengthen Cooperation And Friendship -- Mexico Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more than just a sporting event, serving as a platform to foster international cooperation, strengthen friendships and promote cultural exchanges among nations, said Mexican Ambassador to Malaysia Luis Javier Campuzano.

“For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup is being hosted by three nations: Mexico, the United States (US) and Canada, making it a truly North American World Cup. It represents what cooperation, friendship and inclusion can achieve when nations work together.

“In Mexico, football is not only played, it is lived. It exists in our streets, our plazas and our hearts,” he said in his opening remarks before the kick-off of a friendly match involving representatives from the foreign missions of Mexico, Canada and the US in Malaysia against the Members of Parliament Football Club (MPFC).

Campuzano said the spirit of the tournament was also reflected through events held around the world, including tonight’s friendly football match at Stadium Merdeka.

Also present were Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Malaysia David H. Gamble Jr. and Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia Jodi Robinson.

Campuzano said hosting the World Cup has profound meaning for Mexico as the country proudly becomes the first nation in the world to host the tournament four times.

“For Mexico, this World Cup is also a Mundial Social, a major initiative to extend the spirit, culture and benefits of the tournament beyond the official stadiums into communities across the country,” he said.

He added that, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the initiative uses football as a tool for social inclusion, community development and cultural unity, with the vision that every Mexican has the opportunity to enjoy and experience the mega tournament.

“Among its main components are ‘Mundialitos’, with more than 74 community and school tournaments throughout Mexico, encouraging the participation of millions of young people, public infrastructure projects, free public viewing, including broadcast FIFA Fan Festivals in public spaces, and cultural and educational activities,” he said.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an invitation to the world: come to Canada, to Mexico and the US, celebrate football, discover our cultures, and experience Mexico, a country of extraordinary traditions, hospitality and one of the world's greatest gastronomic heritages,” he added.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, the biggest edition to date, features 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 host cities from June 11 to July 19, an increase from 32 teams and 64 matches in the 2022 edition.

-- BERNAMA