Haiti National Football Team; qualifying for and competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; recognize

2026 Special Session Introduced by Segun Adeyina and 5 co-sponsors

The bill formally recognizes and endorses Haiti’s national football team for qualification and competition in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

House Read and Adopted

Summary of HR 31 (Georgia) – Haiti National Football Team; qualifying for and competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; recognize

Note: This summary reflects the information available from the bill record provided (sponsors, actions, title). It does not include full text details beyond what is stated in the bill’s title and known action history.

Purpose and intent

The bill recognizes and designates official action related to the Haiti national football team’s qualification for and participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The underlying aim appears to be formal acknowledgment and possible state endorsement of Haiti’s national team as it pursues and competes in the 2026 World Cup.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by the title and context)

Recognition of the Haiti national football team in relation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification process.

Authorization or endorsement by the state (Georgia) for Haiti’s team to qualify for and compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as applicable within the jurisdiction of the bill.

The bill may establish formal statements of support by the Georgia General Assembly or designate specific role for state officials in recognizing or facilitating Haiti’s World Cup participation, though exact mechanisms are not disclosed in the provided excerpt.

Who or what would be affected

Haiti national football team: Recognized in relation to World Cup qualification and competition.

Georgia institutions (e.g., the General Assembly, possibly state agencies or officials): May have a formal role in recognition and related actions.

Broader audiences: Georgia residents and the international community may be presented with formal recognition of Haiti’s World Cup bid and participation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status history:

June 22, 2026: House Hopper (introduced and assigned to a committee for consideration).
June 22, 2026: House First Readers (initial formal reading in the House).
June 22, 2026: House Read and Adopted (advancement through the House in a single day, suggesting expedited consideration or a fast-tracked process for this bill).

Co-sponsors: A diverse group of lawmakers including Arlene Beckles, El-Mahdi Holly, Robert Dawson, Segun Adeyina, Rhonda Burnough, and Kim Schofield, indicating bipartisan and cross-district interest.

There is no explicit fiscal appropriation or funding provision described in the provided details; if present, such provisions would appear in the full text.

Potential impact and considerations

Symbolic impact: The bill would publicly acknowledge Haiti’s effort to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially strengthening diplomatic or cultural ties between Georgia and Haiti.

Diplomatic and cultural significance: May be used to highlight Georgia’s support for international football and diaspora communities.

Practical implications: Any procedural steps would depend on the specific language in the full bill (e.g., resolutions, proclamations, or directives to state agencies). If no funding or regulatory changes are included, the impact would primarily be symbolic and political.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., general public, policymakers, constituents) or expand it with a side-by-side comparison to similar recognitions in other states.