KUALA LUMPUR: Football’s power to unite people was on full display as the embassies of the United States and Mexico and the High Commission of Canada hosted their first joint World Cup watch party in Malaysia, celebrating the sport’s ability to transcend borders and cultures.
With World Cup 2026 jointly hosted by the three North American nations for the first time in the tournament’s history, diplomats and football fans gathered here to share in the excitement.
Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia Jodi Robinson said the watch party reflected how football can bring nations together through friendship and good sportsmanship.
“The tournament belongs to everyone, not just one team. As the world looks at the World Cup, it serves as a reminder to value openness, inclusion and respect,” she said yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of the three host nations, Robinson said extensive efforts had been made to ensure all participating teams could enter the host countries, train and compete smoothly.
Mexico’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Luis Javier Campuzano Pina, said the event was organised to foster inclusivity and solidarity through sport.
“It is a celebration of humanity, where we can co-exist, compete and ultimately overcome our differences,” he said, adding that the 2026 tournament held special significance for Mexico as the first nation to host the World Cup three times.
Meanwhile, US Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Morgan O’Brien described the watch party as an opportunity for the three countries to reciprocate the hospitality they have received from Malaysians.
“You show us hospitality every day when we wake up in this awesome country. Now, it’s our turn to show you what our part of the world has to offer and hopefully inspire more Malaysians to visit our countries,” he said.
O’Brien added that the World Cup was an example of sports diplomacy in action, encouraging greater tourism and people-to-people ties.
Among those who attended was professional footballer Maria Jamila Khan, 35, from Colorado, who currently plays in the Malaysian league.
“In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve seen the great football culture among Malaysians.
“Watching matches here gives me a whole new perspective because you’re sharing the experience with people from all over the world,” she said.
Victor Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez Santiago, 55, an accountant from Mexico who has lived in Malaysia for 14 years, said it was his first multinational World Cup watch party.
“I’ve watched World Cup matches in Malaysia before, but usually at home. It’s great to see people from different countries reacting to the game together,” he said.
