US Ambassador visits KNVB Campus ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Secretary-General Gijs de Jong welcomed US Ambassador Joe Popolo to the KNVB Campus. - Foto: KNVB Media

With the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico fast approaching, US Ambassador Joe Popolo visited the KNVB Campus in Zeist on Monday 1 June. His visit underscored the importance of the collaboration between the KNVB and the US Embassy in the run-up to the biggest World Cup ever. Ambassador Popolo had the opportunity to meet the KNVB and the colleagues involved in the preparations for the tournament.

Collaboration ahead of the World Cup

In the run-up to the World Cup, the KNVB is working closely with the US Embassy. This collaboration covers issues such as security, travel arrangements, the reception of players, staff, family members and supporters, and the wider organisation of the tournament.

This collaboration forms part of the preparations the KNVB is making with, amongst others, FIFA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various national and international partners.

An introduction to the KNVB Campus

A key part of the visit was a tour of the KNVB Campus. This gave the ambassador a better understanding of the organisation, its facilities and the way in which the KNVB works to develop Dutch football.

For the KNVB, the Campus is where elite sport, training, innovation and community come together. The visit therefore provided a good opportunity to showcase how the association prepares for international tournaments and how football is used as a means of bringing people, communities and countries together.

Kick-off with the project team

During the visit, the ambassador also joined a meeting for colleagues involved in the World Cup project. During this kick-off, the Secretary General of the KNVB, Gijs de Jong, spoke with the ambassador. There was an opportunity to ask questions about the tournament, the cooperation between the United States and international partners, and how the US authorities are preparing to welcome teams and supporters.

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest World Cup ever. It is therefore important for the KNVB to organise the preparations thoroughly and with great care. This applies not only to the sporting side of things, but also to safety, fan affairs, international cooperation and communication.

The meeting highlighted the collaboration between the KNVB and the US Embassy to colleagues working on the World Cup. At the same time, it provided an opportunity to ask questions, share knowledge and further strengthen our joint preparations.

Joint coordination ahead of the World Cup

The ambassador and Gijs de Jong updated the World Cup project team on the joint coordination ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Topics discussed included travel to the United States, the broader tournament organisation, security and the possible organisation of a fan parade.

Best wishes for the Netherlands national team

In addition to the meeting with the project team, there was also a session with the Netherlands national team. The ambassador and Gijs de Jong updated the squad on the partnership and the joint preparations for the 2026 World Cup. They also wished the players and staff every success with their ongoing preparations and participation in the World Cup.

Football as a unifying force

The visit also focused on the broader social value of football. Football is more than just the game itself. It brings people together, fosters a sense of community and provides opportunities to highlight issues such as inclusion, equal opportunities, leadership and community spirit.

At the end of the programme, there was also a brief informal meeting with representatives of the Dutch national team. Ambassador Popolo’s visit to the KNVB Campus further strengthened the partnership. In the coming period, the KNVB will remain in close contact with all parties involved, with the aim of ensuring a safe, welcoming and successful World Cup for the Dutch national team and Dutch supporters.