PETALING JAYA: Representatives from the three nations co-hosting this year’s FIFA World Cup are using the tournament to rally supporters here while celebrating their teams’ performances on the global stage.
United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur Charge d’Affaires David H. Gamble described the sporting event as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for his country to showcase its footballing talent.
“Americans love football and are excited about the World Cup,” Gamble said.
The opening weekend saw embassy staff joining officials from Canada and Mexico for a joint World Cup watch party.
“Together with our friends from the Canadian High Commission and the Embassy of Mexico, we hosted a watch party last Saturday and were thrilled to see the United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in its opening match,” an embassy representative said.
For Mexico, the World Cup has served as a platform to bring together both the Mexican community and Malaysian football fans.
Mexico’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Luis Javier Campuzano Pina, said the embassy had supported several viewing events during the opening stages of the tournament.
“The embassy has been pleased to support and promote several opportunities for the Mexican community and friends of Mexico in Malaysia to come together during the World Cup,” he said.
Campuzano said hundreds gathered to watch the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at 3am.
“The viewing party was attended not only by Mexicans but also by many enthusiastic Malaysian supporters.”
The embassy will organise additional gatherings for Mexico’s upcoming matches against South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Campuzano said hosting the tournament carried special significance for Mexico as it became the first nation in the world to have hosted three World Cups.
Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia Jodi Robinson said Canada had already begun engaging local audiences through World Cup-themed activities.
“There was a great turnout from local football fans and it was a good opportunity to build excitement and connect with audiences,” she said.
Canada also celebrated a historic achievement after earning its first-ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Moments like this are helping to build momentum and excitement,” Robinson said.
One of the upcoming highlights will be a friendly football match at Stadium Merdeka on June 24 involving diplomats from Canada, Mexico and the United States against Malaysia’s Members of Parliament Football Club.
“This is a fun but meaningful way to reflect the cooperation among the three host countries while engaging the local community,” she said.
FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the first time in football history that three nations are co-hosting the tournament, which will feature a record-breaking 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
