soccer take Taking center stage at the United Nations on Monday, July 13, as UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock and Egyptian Planning Minister Ahmed Rostom used the 2026 FIFA World Cup to make their point during high-level UNDP meetings.
Speaking to delegates, Burbock comparison Global development efforts into the drama of football’s biggest tournament, referring to Egypt’s match against Argentina. “The last World Cup taught us a very clear lesson: Never give up in the 80th minute,” she said.
“How many games have seemed lost, but then in the 90th minute, or even one minute later, the result turns into a win? One goal at the right moment can change everything.”
When it was his turn to speak, Rustam also touched on the topic of football.
He said: “As the President of the General Assembly pointed out, the lessons of the World Cup confirm that every minute matters. He added: “Let us maintain the momentum until the 79th minute and beyond, while strictly adhering to the rules of the game and fair competition.”
Many took the comments as a reference to Egypt’s dramatic World Cup match with Argentina in 2026. Egypt appeared to be on their way to victory after taking a 2-0 lead and holding it until the 78th minute, before Argentina came back to win 3-2.
The match was surrounded by Controversy After French referee François Letexer disallowed an Egyptian goal, a decision that many Egyptian fans believe could have changed the outcome. The Egyptian Football Association filed a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that the referee made a number of errors, ultimately favoring Argentina.