Fifa will next week at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C conduct the group stage draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup which will be played in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Of the 16 venues, 11 will be in the USA across the States of New Jersey, Massachusetts, Missouri, Kansas, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Texas and Washington.
The US government under President Donald Trump is keen on using sports diplomacy to strategically grow relations with the rest of the world.
One particular initiative is leveraging on this first-ever 48-team Fifa World Cup and in that line, the U.S Embassy Kampala and local football body Fufa are on course to craft a partnership.
A Fufa delegation led by executive member Ronnie Kalema, CEO Edgar Watson and competitions director Aisha Nalule held talks to forge a partnership around the world’s biggest football showpiece.
‘This collaboration is a strong testament to the power of football diplomacy and its ability to bring nations together through shared values of football development,’ said Kalema.
The U.S Embassy team was led by culture and education attaché Lana Surface and she was in company of public engagement specialist Veronica Ssempebwa, experiential learning coordinator for public affairs Peter Eriki, American Center director Lydia Nanteza and press coordinator Suhail Mugabi.
It is a crucial bond as the USA will celebrate 250 years of independence on July 4, 2026 – a day which will have two round-of-16 matches at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and the NRG Stadium, Houston.
On a similar day this year, eventual champions English club Chelsea beat Brazilian outfit Palmeiras 2-1 at Lincoln Financial Field in the quarterfinal of the Fifa Club World Cup and the skies were greeted with fireworks.
‘As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, we see this partnership as a timely and strategic platform to further strengthen Uganda and America relations,’ noted Kalema.
The two parties plan to work on improving football in the country both on and off the pitch with planned synergies in technical advancement, youth empowerment and sustainable football development.
‘Fufa remains committed to harnessing such partnerships to grow the game, inspire our communities, and elevate Uganda’s presence on the global football stage,’ added Kalema.
Watson highlighted the urge for technical improvements in areas like sports science encompassing fitness, dieting and nutrition.
The U.S Embassy as well is keen on opening up envoy workshops for student-athletes, schools’ football, Fifa World Cup watch parties and documentary screenings, as well as sessions on mental health.