Soccer Goes Diplomatic: U.S. Department of State and U.S. Soccer in New Alliance
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Soccer President Cindy Cone have announced a new partnership to elevate soccer as a valuable diplomatic tool both domestically and internationally. The partnership will focus on engaging all members of society, including youth, women, and individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities around the world.
The collaboration comes as the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, along with Canada and Mexico, and as the Federation bids to possibly host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States and Mexico.
The initiative will enhance the State Department's sports diplomacy programs, including the Sports Envoy Program, which sends American athletes abroad to engage underserved youth. Current and former players of U.S. Soccer's National Teams will continue to be part of the program regularly.
Additionally, the partnership will engage in various sports diplomacy initiatives, such as the Sports Visitor Program, International Sports Programming Initiative, and the U.S. Department of State & espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, aimed at promoting leadership development in rising women leaders in sport.
The joint effort aims to use sports to promote shared peace and prosperity globally, with a specific focus on increasing educational access, economic equity, and social inclusion for underserved groups, aligning with broader U.S. foreign policy goals.
U.S. Soccer's partnership is among many professional and amateur sports leagues and organizations that support U.S. sports diplomacy efforts.
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