Affiliate: Meridian International Center

In today’s attention-driven economy, few forces command global interest as powerfully and passionately as sports. As North America prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup across three nations, sports diplomacy offers the continent a unique opportunity to create lasting impact beyond the pitch. How can stakeholders best leverage the unifying power of sports to bridge divides across our continent, challenge preconceptions, and create meaningful connections that transcend borders, cultures, and national differences? How can the economic opportunities that the tournament offers be best harnessed by host cities and communities?