Canada proud to host FIFA World Cup with Sialkot-made footballs: Canadian HC

Islamabad: Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan has said that Canada is proud to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring official match balls made in Sialkot, which he described as a centre of manufacturing innovation in Pakistan.

Talking exclusively to Pakistan TV for its documentary, ‘Made in Pakistan: Sialkot to FIFA’, Tarik Ali Khan said this achievement reflected growing Pakistan-Canada relations, as FIFA World Cup 2026 match balls made in Sialkot served as a clear example of international trade and partnership between the two countries.

“FIFA 2026 is about football, but it is also about connection and commerce,” he said.

The Canadian high commissioner said beyond manufacturing, ties between Canada and Pakistan continue to strengthen through education and people-to-people links. 

He pointed to the large Pakistani diaspora in Canada and the thousands of Pakistani students studying there each year as key drivers of long-term connection.

“Over 300,000 Canadians have origins in Pakistan, and every year our universities welcome over 5,000 Pakistani students. These are the future professionals and entrepreneurs who are building ties on both sides of the ocean,” he said.

Tarik Ali Khan said Canada is ready to do more business with Pakistan, adding that partnership between the two countries reflected expanding cooperation, shared opportunity and a deepening economic and cultural relationship.