As the world gears up for the World Cup in Qatar, the power of soccer to bridge borders and foster diplomacy is more evident than ever. The tournament serves as a platform for countries to showcase their culture, break stereotypes, and foster international relationships through the shared love of the beautiful game.
Qatar’s Global Stature and the World Cup
Hosting the World Cup is a significant event for Qatar, raising its global stature and positioning itself as a key regional actor. Despite facing criticism over the treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ fans, Qatari officials argue that the country is being unfairly singled out and that the tournament is an opportunity to break stereotypes about the region. The World Cup also serves as a testament to Qatar’s resilience, having overcome the “Ramadan blockade” imposed by neighboring countries in 2017.
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia’s recent victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup led to a national holiday declared by King Salman, highlighting the importance of sports in the country. The sports sector is a vital pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, with the Ministry of Sport’s dedication reflected in enhanced facilities and increased citizen participation in sports. Sports industry reforms are driven by three key goals: increasing community engagement in sports by 40 percent by 2030, improving Saudi elite athletes’ performances abroad, and boosting the sports economy. Hosting sporting events in the Kingdom has economic benefits, including increased tourism and hotel spending, while also contributing to job creation, with the sports sector creating more than fourteen thousand jobs in 2020 alone.
Soccer Diplomacy and Soft Power
Sports achievements and fan support are crucial for soft power in terms of international bridge-building and opening up the country to misconceptions about its culture. Soccer diplomacy has the potential to bring countries together, fostering understanding and cooperation through the shared passion for the game. However, this potential has yet to be fully realized in some countries, such as the United States, where soccer is not as popular and does not hold a significant place in the national memory.
American Soccer: Untapped Potential
While soccer is not a popular sport in America, and the US has not achieved significant success in the sport, there is potential for soccer diplomacy to make an impact. Americans tend to watch soccer only during major events like the World Cup, and Major League Soccer is barely on television. However, as the sport continues to grow in popularity and the US invests in its soccer infrastructure, there is an opportunity for soccer diplomacy to play a more significant role in American foreign policy and international relations.
