Congressman Gonzalez and Vela Welcome the Qatar National Soccer Team in Edinburg as They Gear up to Host 2022 World Cup
May 23, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
Washington, DC - This week, the Qatar National Soccer Team will be in Edinburg, Texas to practice at H-E-B Park, the same training facility used as our local Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is actively preparing to welcome the world's best soccer teams and showcase their country to the most widely viewed sporting event in the world. As host, Qatar automatically qualifies for the World Cup and will be the first appearance in the storied tournament. The training session this week in Edinburg will give the Qatar team an opportunity to experience South Texas culture and hone their skills before traveling to Brazil for the 2019 Copa América.
"We are honored to have the National Team of Qatar here for a visit," said Rene Borrego, the Rio Grande Valley FC Toro's CEO. "U.S. Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) had previously made the introduction. A delegation from Qatar had visited H-E-B Park a few months ago as they were looking for a training facility on this continent in preparation for their participation in Copa América held in Brazil." He continued, "With the Congressman's assistance, plans have been made for Qatar's National team to train in the Rio Grande Valley for the next week. We are honored that they have chosen H-E-B Park as their temporary home while they prepare for this major competition."
"We welcome the Qatar National Soccer Team to the Rio Grande Valley as they begin practices at the H-E-B Park in preparation for the 2019 Copa América," Congressman Gonzalez said. "It is our hope that the game of soccer will allow us to continue developing our relationship with Qatar - creating further economic opportunities for both countries and Texas. We are proud to welcome the Qatar National Soccer Team and are confident that they will enjoy their time in South Texas."
"The world is excited about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar," added Congressman Vela. "Congressman Gonzalez and I were honored to host Qatar's Ambassador to the United States, Meshal Al-Thani, last fall during which we visited the beautiful Toros stadium. The visit made such a great impression, that the Ambassador helped orchestrate the National Team of Qatar's visit to South Texas as they prepare for the upcoming Copa América in Brazil."
"The Qatar National Soccer Team's decision to train for the 2019 Copa América in Edinburg, Texas is a testament of the strength of the Qatar-USA relationship, and our pride in our deep ties with the great state of Texas," said Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States. "I thank Congressmen Vela and Gonzalez for their support of this endeavor, and for the opportunity to foster cross cultural understanding amongst the citizens of our nations. The Rio Grande Valley is a beautiful area, and I am glad that the Team will be able to experience the warmth and hospitality of its people first hand."
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