FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C., January 27, 2026— FIFA President Gianni Infantino will serve as guest of honor at the inaugural Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Infantino’s participation underscores FIFA’s commitment to advancing sport as a catalyst for diplomacy, sustainable development, inclusion, and global economic engagement.
The Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum, convened by Meridian International Center, will bring together leaders from government, industry, culture, and the global sports community to examine the intersection of sport, diplomacy, and international cooperation. The event is timed ahead of a landmark decade of major U.S.-hosted global sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games—each representing a shared opportunity to elevate sport’s contribution to global understanding and collaboration.
In his conversation, Infantino will be joined by The Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr., with a focus on soccer’s evolving role in diplomacy, development, and the international economy.
The Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum will be held at Meridian International Center’s historic campus in Washington, D.C. and will feature high-level panels and strategic discussions with policymakers, industry executives, and cultural influencers exploring the role of sport as a driver of economic growth, community development, and global engagement.
"President Infantino’s leadership demonstrates the extraordinary potential of soccer to unite communities and advance international cooperation. We are proud to host him at the inaugural Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum, where global leaders will convene to explore how sport can drive positive social and economic impact worldwide," shared Deborah Lehr, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Meridian International Center.
About Meridian International Center
Meridian is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy that empowers the next era of leaders to advance diplomacy for a better future. The Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum is the inaugural edition of a new series that highlights sport as a strategic tool for diplomacy, economic development, and cultural connectivity.
About FIFA
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is the global governing body of football, committed to the development of the sport, the promotion of diversity and inclusion, and the use of football as a force for positive social impact worldwide.
