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DOHA: In celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at Building 45, highlighting Pakistan’s globally recognized leadership in football manufacturing.
The pavilion was officially inaugurated by H.E. Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village Foundation, in the presence of H.E. Muhammad Aamer, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the State of Qatar.
Organised by Katara in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan, the pavilion will continue throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026. It serves as a cultural and sporting space celebrating football and highlighting one of Pakistan’s most prominent contributions to the sport through a special display of the Trionda football, the official match ball of FIFA World Cup 2026, showcased at Gallery 45 in Katara.
During the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Muhammad Aamer emphasized Pakistan’s leading position in global football manufacturing, noting that Sialkot is the main hub of this industry, producing around 70 percent of the world’s footballs, including official match balls for several FIFA World Cup editions, up to the Trionda ball for FIFA World Cup 2026.
He explained that this industry reflects decades of craftsmanship, precision, and innovation, having evolved from traditional hand-stitching to advanced modern technologies, which have earned the trust of major international sports organizations.
The Ambassador added that the exhibition goes beyond sports, carrying a cultural message that reflects Pakistan’s continued contribution to the world’s most popular game. He said it also highlights global supply chains behind football production and strengthens friendship and cultural understanding between nations, as well as reinforcing cultural cooperation between Qatar and Pakistan.
The Pakistan Pavilion is located in Building 45, which also hosts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Exhibition. Katara said the initiative reflects its commitment to hosting major international sporting events as platforms for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing its role as a space where culture and sport come together to bring nations closer.