Prime U.S. diplomat Antony Blinken will attend the World Cup in Qatar, a U.S. official confirmed to POLITICO Monday.
Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, will probably be in Al-Rayyan for the U.S. vs. Wales match on November 21, on day two of probably the most controversial World Cup in a long time. He’s additionally anticipated to carry talks with Qatari leaders.
Qatar has confronted blowback ever because it was awarded the match in 2010. Bribery and corruption allegations dogged the bidding course of, and the nation’s human rights document and its therapy of migrant staff have been slammed by activists, politicians and soccer associations.
Blinken’s attendance is a sign that, regardless of the criticism that has plagued the match, senior diplomatic figures haven’t been delay attending. Qatar has emerged as a key strategic ally for the West on vitality safety, as Russia’s struggle on Ukraine wreaks havoc on Europe’s gasoline provide.
On the identical day because the U.S. takes on Wales, Blinken can even maintain talks with Qatari leaders as a part of an ongoing strategic dialogue with the Center Japanese nation, a former U.S. official advised POLITICO.
U.Ok. International Secretary James Cleverly introduced Monday that he additionally can be attending the match. He advised the British parliament’s international affairs committee that followers touring to Qatar ought to “respect the regulation” whereas they’re within the nation, a remark that drew a pointy rebuke from an LGBTQ+ member of the committee.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Division stated it had no journey plans to announce.
U.S. President Joe Biden just isn’t anticipated to attend any of the occasions, though the U.S. is — together with Canada and Mexico — internet hosting the following males’s World Cup in 2026.
The U.S. can even play England on November 25, and face off towards Iran on November 29, in what is for certain to be a politically charged encounter.