KATHMANDU, JUNE 12 The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has concluded the GOAL! USA 2026 football finals in Kathmandu, bringing together talented young footballers from across the country as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament began with football skills challenges in Biratnagar, Surkhet, Bhairahawa and Pokhara, engaging hundreds of youth participants in activities promoting teamwork and leadership. Outstanding performers from each city advanced to the national finals in Kathmandu. The final event also featured a friendly match involving youth participants, celebrity athletes and U.S. Embassy staff. Speaking before the kickoff, Chargé d'Affaires Scott Urbom said the programme reflected the longstanding friendship between Nepal and the United States. He noted that as the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, the initiative aims to share that excitement with young people in Nepal and strengthen people-to-people ties. According to the embassy, the competition highlighted the role of sports in fostering leadership, teamwork and community engagement. Participants demonstrated discipline, perseverance and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The event was organised under the Freedom 250 campaign, which commemorates 250 years of American independence and promotes values such as leadership, opportunity, teamwork and community service. The Kathmandu finals brought together youth, athletes, alumni, community leaders and supporters from across Nepal. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and the first to be co-hosted by three countries. The United States is scheduled to host 78 of the tournament's 104 matches, including the final stages of the competition.