PASSING THE TORCH: BUILDING THE WORLD CUP LEGACY - Join the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m. ET for a timely discussion on the lessons and legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the historic tournament comes to a close. This conversation will reflect on the lasting impact of the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States and look ahead to the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany the next World Cup.

Featuring the ambassadors of the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-host nations—Morocco, Portugal, and Spain—along with Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and German World Cup player Antonio Rüdiger, the discussion will explore how future host countries can build on the successes and lessons of the 2026 tournament. As global attention turns to 2030, speakers will explore how sports can serve as a powerful platform for diplomacy, development, and international cooperation.

The special event is part of the Atlantic Council’s Power of Sports initiative, which leverages major global events to advance diplomacy and development during the broader US “decade of sports,” as the country hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 2034 Winter Olympics.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE - 07/16/2026