Gianni Infantino tells delegates in Los Angeles the world unites at events like the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games
Says expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 26 will allow everyone to “celebrate together” as United States marks 250th anniversary of independence
FIFA World Cup 26 will feature matches in Philadelphia and Houston on the 4 July 2026 anniversary during the finals
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has highlighted the importance of major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup™, telling the 27th Annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles that they create “a shared emotion” that helps “bring people together from all over the world”.
Along with North American neighbours Canada and Mexico, the United States will co-host the FIFA World Cup 26™, which will be the first expanded to 48 teams. That will provide an unprecedented 104 matches – “104 Super Bowls” as Mr Infantino himself described them – which will engage billions of fans across the planet and serve as a prime example of football’s unique ability to unite the world.
“When people go to a football match, they are all excited about the game, they speak with each other, (and) they live something together: an emotion, a shared emotion,” the FIFA President stated when referring to changing consumption habits of younger generations who have grown as active modern mobile telephone devices. “I think this is what we need to foster. That’s why we need events. That’s why we need to bring people together from all over the world and suddenly people will start to speak to each other, to (get to) know each other and we can see, well, actually this other person from this other part of the world, he’s not so bad or she’s not so bad as described, right? And, this can happen only, I think, in our modern society, when we have a big event – like a big sporting event – the Olympic Games, the (FIFA) World Cup, which really brings millions of people from all over the world.”
The FIFA World Cup 26 will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence. The theme of the session on the final day of the three-day conference was ‘America250: Reinvigorating the American Dream through Sport, Celebration, and Education’, and Mr Infantino highlighted how the tournament is the ideal way to mark the occasion as millions of fans will come to the country and the continent.
“When we learned that in 2026, there is the 250th anniversary of the United States, we thought, well, you know, you have a celebration – we organise a party. So, we will bring between five and ten million people to the United States. We will have four, five, six billion people around the world watching and tuning in to the United States, and during June and July of 2026, the world will come to the United States for the FIFA World Cup, but also to celebrate this beautiful country, to celebrate its 250 years in all 11 host cities in the US,” he explained, noting that Philadelphia, where Thomas Jefferson wrote The Declaration of Independence, would host a game on Independence Day – 4 July 2026.
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“There will be three [host cities] in Mexico and two in Canada as well which are part of the celebration because football unites – soccer unites – we bring everyone together and we celebrate together and it will be unique, because there is no other event that can bring so many people from so many parts of the world to one country to enjoy something”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends Milken Institute Global Conference 2024
Sitting alongside Janet Evans, Chief Athletic Officer of LA 28 (the local organising committee of the 2028 Olympic Games), former champion skier Lindsey Vonn and 250 Committee Chair Rosie Rios, Mr Infantino outlined his ambitions for the future of football in the US where other sports, notably basketball, baseball, ice hockey and American football, are more popular. He stated that football’s growth in the US would be boosted if many American children did not have to pay to play.
“We need to give opportunities to children to play soccer or other sports for free, and to do that, we cannot just ask governments to fund; we have to engage the private sector. This is what happens in Europe when it comes to the soccer teams, to the soccer clubs in every single village,” the FIFA President explained. “And it works because you create a community and you give opportunities, and it’s the most important element.
“You give hope and joy to so many children around the world, and we cannot ask them to [pay]. Then, in a country like this of 350 million people, I mean, the sky is the limit in terms of talent and in terms of opportunities. So, invest (in building a bright future),” the FIFA President concluded, stressing that with a dedicated office in Miami, FIFA will remain in the United States after the FIFA World Cup 26 has been played, and remains committed to help the youth of the United States play football without that opportunity being limited by their financial means.
The Pakistan Blind Men’s Cricket Crew left a mark on the world by winning the 2024 T20 Blind Cricket World Cup on home soil, getting a prevailing 10-wicket triumph against Bangladesh in the last.
A Clinical All-Round Exhibition
Bowling first, the hosts conveyed a restrained execution, limiting Bangladesh to only 139 runs in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s hitters then exhibited their class, pursuing down the objective in just 62 balls, fixing a persuading win and their lady T20 World Cup title.
Conquering Past Heartbreaks
This triumph denotes a great second for Pakistan Blind Cricket, as the group had recently wrapped sprinters up in all past releases of the Visually impaired T20 World Cup. The success closes that streak as well as features the group’s development and versatility on the worldwide stage.
This notable accomplishment concretes Pakistan’s situation as a rising force to be reckoned with in blind cricket, moving people in the future of cricketers the nation over.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a joint effort with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has deferred the leftover two 50-over matches of the continuous Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka A series because of political movement in Islamabad.
Initially booked for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Arena, the matches have been conceded, with the two sheets set to cooperate to choose new dates for finishing the series.
PCB’s Chairman Mohsin Naqvi likewise fills in as the country’s Inside Pastor who is active managing the developing turmoil in the country’s capital making the cricketing circumstance more convoluted.
PCB has not expressed how it will turn the Shaheens and Sri Lanka A series getting dropped during ICC’s impending crisis meeting to decide the destiny of the Heroes Prize one year from now.
Rawalpindi is set to be one of the three host urban communities for the opposition and the ongoing political environment might reinforce BCCI’s offered to remove the facilitating freedoms from Pakistan.
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The Pakistan Shaheens at present lead the series, having gotten a 1-0 triumph in the two-match four-day design and guaranteeing a directing 108-run prevail upon in the initial 50 experience on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was brought into the world on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Experiencing childhood in a modest family, Cristiano Ronaldo was the most youthful of four youngsters. His dad, a pack man, supported his affection for football. At seven years old, Cristiano Ronaldo started playing for Andorinha, a neighborhood club, where his outstanding ability was immediately perceived.
At only 12 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Lisbon to join Donning CP’s childhood institute. This intense choice required huge penances, as Cristiano Ronaldo passed on his family to seek after his fantasy about turning into an expert footballer. His diligent effort and assurance paid off, prompting his presentation for Wearing CP at 17 years old, where Cristiano Ronaldo exhibited the abilities that would before long catch the consideration of top clubs in Europe.
Rise to Stardom: Manchester United
In 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Manchester United after a vital execution in a well disposed match against the club. Under the mentorship of Sir Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo prospered and immediately turned into a central member for the group.
Premier League Titles: Cristiano Ronaldo won three consecutive Premier League titles (2007, 2008, 2009).
FIFA Club World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in securing the club’s victory in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup.
UEFA Champions League: In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in winning the UEFA Champions League, scoring eight goals throughout the tournament.
Individually, Cristiano Ronaldo earned his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, establishing him as one of the world’s best players.
Legendary Status: Real Madrid Era
In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo made a record move to Genuine Madrid for £80 million, denoting a huge new section in his profession. His time at Madrid was portrayed by record-breaking exhibitions and a huge number of prizes.
Achievements at Real Madrid
La Liga Titles: Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid to two La Liga titles in 2012 and 2017.
UEFA Champions League: He played a vital role in winning the UEFA Champions League four times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
Copa del Rey: Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid secure the Copa del Rey twice.
Throughout his time in Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or four more times (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Juventus: Continued Excellence
In 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Juventus for €100 million, turning into the most costly player in the club’s set of experiences. His effect in Italy was prompt, and Cristiano Ronaldo immediately turned into a central member for the group.
Achievements at Juventus
Serie A Titles: Cristiano Ronaldo won two consecutive Serie A titles in 2019 and 2020.
Coppa Italia: He was instrumental in their Coppa Italia victory in 2021.
Supercoppa Italiana: Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the Supercoppa Italiana twice.
During his time in Italy, Cristiano Ronaldo continued to demonstrate his incredible goal-scoring ability, finishing as the league’s top scorer in 2020.
Return to Manchester United
In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo made a hair-raising re-visitation of Manchester Joined together, a move that was met with extraordinary fervor. His subsequent spell saw Cristiano Ronaldo indeed become a central member, albeit the group confronted conflicting outcomes.
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Achievements in His Return
Goals: Cristiano Ronaldo quickly became the team’s top scorer, proving that his talent had not diminished with age. He delivered crucial goals in both domestic and European competitions, reaffirming his status as a top player.
However, after a challenging season, Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways with Manchester United in late 2022, seeking new opportunities.
Al Nassr: A New Adventure
In late 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo endorsed with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, denoting a huge change in his vocation. This move featured the developing allure of football in the Center East and exhibited Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to embrace new difficulties.
Impact in Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the Saudi Pro League attracted global attention. He made an immediate impact, scoring goals and providing leadership to his new team. His arrival not only increased the league’s visibility but also inspired many young players in the region.
International Career: A Legacy with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a storied international career with the Portuguese national team, making his debut in 2003. He became the team’s all-time leading scorer and a crucial figure in major tournaments.
Key Achievements with Portugal
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UEFA European Championship:Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Portugal’s victory at Euro 2016, helping the team secure its first major international trophy.
UEFA Nations League: He was instrumental in winning the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, further enhancing Cristiano Ronaldo’s international legacy.
Ronaldo’s contributions to the national team have solidified his status as one of Portugal’s greatest footballers.
Records and Milestones
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is filled with impressive records and milestones that underscore his impact on the sport:
All-time leading goal scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest goal scorer in UEFA Champions League history and among the top scorers in various leagues he has played in.
Most international goals: He holds the record for the most international goals scored by any male player, surpassing 120 goals for Portugal.
Ballon d’Or Wins: With five Ballon d’Or awards, Cristiano Ronaldo stands among the most decorated players in football history.
Retirement: The Final Chapter Actually 2023, conversations around Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement started to surface. Despite the fact that he kept on performing at an undeniable level with Al Nassr, hypothesis developed in regards to when he could hang up his boots.
Reflection on His Career
At the point when Cristiano Ronaldo in the end resigns, he will abandon a heritage that rises above simple measurements. His hard working attitude, devotion, and energy for the game have motivated millions. Cristiano Ronaldo’s excursion from a young man in Madeira to a worldwide football symbol fills in as a demonstration of what can be accomplished earnestly and ability.
The Impact of His Legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact stretches out past the pitch. He has turned into a worldwide representative for football, utilizing his foundation to move more youthful ages. His altruistic undertakings and obligation to different brings about additional embody his personality and administration.
Conclusion: A Timeless Legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo’s profession is an adventure of accomplishment, determination, and greatness. From his modest starting points in Madeira to becoming one of the best footballers ever, Cristiano Ronaldo’s process is absolutely exceptional. As he moves toward retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo’s effect on the game, his records, and his commitments to football will be associated with ages to come. Whether as a player or a minister for the game, Cristiano Ronaldo’s inheritance will persevere, rousing future stars to go after significance. Altogether, Cristiano Ronaldo has demonstrated consistently that he isn’t simply a player yet an image of what can be accomplished through difficult work and devotion. The world will perpetually commend the commitments of Cristiano Ronaldo to football.