Sisi Welcomes FIFA Delegation in Cairo
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed a FIFA delegation in Cairo. This visit is part of the second leg of the promotional tour for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Notable Figures in Attendance
The FIFA delegation included several prominent figures:
- Fabio Cannavaro, former Italy national team player and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2006.
- Javier Ignacio Sepulveda, FIFA official based in Zurich.
- Sebastian Verio, Director of the World Cup tour.
- Alexandros Kafasilas, Vice President of Coca-Cola’s operations in Nigeria and North Africa.
- Hanna Haddad, General Manager of Coca-Cola in Egypt and Sudan.
Representing Egypt were Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Hani Abou Rida, President of the Egyptian Football Association.
Purpose of the Visit
The FIFA visit is part of a historic global tour. This journey covers 30 countries and 75 stops, showcasing the original World Cup trophy. The initiative celebrates the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup trophy tour in collaboration with Coca-Cola. It serves as a platform to promote the FIFA World Cup 2026.
El-Sisi’s Remarks on the Event
Sambassador Mohamed El-Shanawy, the presidential spokesperson, stated that President El-Sisi expressed gratitude for the FIFA delegation’s visit. He noted that Egypt’s selection as the second stop reflects its significance on the global sports stage. This opportunity aims to promote sports tourism and foster a sporting culture among youth.
Furthermore, the president hopes to expand the public’s engagement with major global sporting events. The FIFA officials praised Egypt’s advanced sports infrastructure and significant organizational experience in hosting international events.
Looking Ahead
President El-Sisi expressed optimism for the upcoming World Cup edition, highlighting its historic scale with a record number of participating teams. He encouraged hopes for a successful performance from the Egyptian national team and expressed aspirations for Egypt to host a future World Cup event.
