Gonzaga University President Honors Hany Abou Rida Ahead of Belgium Match

Dr. Katya Pasierb, President of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, honored Hany Abou Rida, President of the Egyptian Football Association, by presenting him with a university plaque. This recognition celebrates his arrival in Spokane and acknowledges his role as one of the longest-serving members of the FIFA Council.

In return, Abou Rida presented Dr. Pasierb with a plaque from the Egyptian Football Association and a jersey from the Egyptian national team as a gesture of gratitude for her warm welcome.

Khaled El-Darandly, Vice President of the Football Association and Head of the Egyptian national team delegation, also expressed gratitude to Dr. Pasierb for her kind gesture and her support for the national team.

Dr. Pasierb attended Egypt’s first football training session in preparation for their match against Belgium in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. She delivered a welcoming speech to the team, expressing her happiness at their participation in the tournament.

The Egyptian national team is set to face Belgium in their World Cup opener on Monday, June 15, at Seattle’s stadium. The match will kick off at 3 PM local time and 10 PM Cairo time.