[Blog] Wishes for the 2026 World Cup

By Rama Valayden, Senior Counsel
I am penning my wishes after the tournament has started. Yes, but do you stop from wishing your friend "Happy New Year!" if it is noon on the first of January? Of course, the answer is in the negative. So my heartfelt wishes for the tournament are:

•    That FIFA keep its promises to launch a 75 million dollar program for Gaza and rebuild the football structure, infrastructure, including 50 mini-pitches, a new 20,000 seat national stadium and a football academy.

It is apposite to note that all sporting facilities of Gaza have been destroyed by the genocidal Israeli army.

•    That the US government of Trump allow the Palestinian flag to be flown in all US stadiums during the 2026 World Cup as promised by Infantino for FIFA.

•    That FIFA support the Palestinian amputees, injured during the genocidal conflicts, who have formed football teams to reclaim their lives and who are defying the physical limitations of their injuries. They train & play football on crutches. They have founded teams like Gaza Al Irada (Will of Gaza). Many girl teams have been formed.

They are clearly proving to the whole world a vital source of resilience, hope and psychological rehabilitation.

It needs more than courage to return to sport after losing limbs. May FIFA help them and may Mauritius help for a mini pitch. Will the pseudo supporters of the Palestinian cause in the government do their duties to mankind? I hope they do!

•    Wish that President Trump and his acolytes are booed everywhere as they have been during the basketball play offs in New York!

•    Wish that all over the world we celebrate unity, passion, sportsmanship!

•    Wish all the teams strength and success!

•    Wish for a memorable tournament with Maradonaesque skill and fair play!

•    Wish that all players play with heart and fight until the final whistle, unlike French players in the South African tournament!

•    Wish for spectacular celebration that brings people together across borders!

•    Wish that all players believe in themselves and turn pressure into success!

May the best team win!

World Cup should be a time for hope rather than just scores.

But please no fire crackers! Donate the money to the poor and not to pollution!