On July 18, 2026, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council hosted the executive roundtable Beyond the Pitch: Shaping the Future of Sport in the New Global Arena at the Waldorf Astoria New York, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and industry stakeholders from the United States and Saudi Arabia on the eve of the FIFA World Cup Final. The program was held as part of the Council’s Quality of Life Initiative and examined the growing role of sports as a catalyst for economic growth, investment, and bilateral collaboration.
The event featured keynote remarks by The Honorable Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, and H.E. Mohammed Al-Sheikh, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, Member of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Higher Authority for Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Charles Hallab, President and CEO of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, opened the program by highlighting the expanding opportunities for U.S.-Saudi collaboration across the global sports economy.
Discussions reflected on the United States’ experience hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 and explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. Speakers examined how major international sporting events are driving investment across infrastructure, tourism, hospitality, technology, entertainment, and other sectors supporting the broader sports ecosystem.
Prior to the evening reception, attendees were invited to participate in a FIFA World Cup Third Place Match watch party, providing an informal opportunity for networking and engagement among Council members, partners, and invited guests.
The program reflected the Council’s continued efforts to convene senior public and private sector leaders around emerging areas of U.S.-Saudi cooperation. Building on the momentum of the event, the Council plans to expand its programming related to sports and other Quality of Life sectors that support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. The event was supported and made possible by Chairman’s Circle members Hilton, Resecurity, and ServiceNow as Gold Sponsors.
