2026 U.S. Sports Diplomacy Award
2026 U.S. Sports Diplomacy Award
Award Description
The Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA) will recognize the most welcoming 2026 U.S. FIFA World Cup host city/cities or community/communities with a special one-time award which will be conferred at a ceremony in Washington, DC, as well as in the host community and on-line during October 2026.
The PDCA Awards committee will select the winner from among all U.S. host cities and commu-nities based upon the following criteria.
Nomination Criteria
1. Description of host city/community welcome activities.
2. Communications plans around welcome activities that amplified positive messages about America and Americans.
3. Evidence of positive impact on foreign audiences.
4. Evidence of mutual friendships and longer-term linkages created.
Eligibility
The award is restricted to American cities and communities that have rendered service to the entire nation by warmly welcoming foreign visitors and teams and amplifying that message of friendship through effective activities and media outreach, showcasing the best aspects of our people and our culture, while creating mutual bonds of friendship and understanding.
While there were 11 major host cities/communities, some communities from across the nation accommodated teams from across the globe. All the host communities are eligible for this award.
Nominations
Nominations should not exceed two (single spaced) 8 x 11-inch pages, using the three nomina-tion criteria listed above. Nominations must be submitted by September 15, 2026, via email to the following email address: awards@publicdiplomacy.org.
About the Public Diplomacy Council of America
PDCA is a nonprofit association of active and retired diplomats, Civil Service and other practi-tioners, and scholars that promotes excellence in the professional practice, academic study, and advocacy for public diplomacy. Public Diplomacy is among the nation’s “soft power” tools that promote mutual understanding and international cooperation based on respect, trust, and friendship.