The Euro Cranes Tournament 2026 concluded in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with a colourful closing ceremony celebrating sportsmanship, unity, and the growing strength of the Ugandan diaspora across Europe.

The tournament brought together Ugandan diaspora teams from across Europe and the United States under the banner of sports diplomacy, using football as a platform to strengthen friendships, foster national unity, and deepen engagement among Ugandans living abroad.

Team USA emerged champions of the 2026 edition, lifting the coveted Euro Cranes trophy after an impressive campaign. Denmark was officially announced as the host of the next edition of the tournament, scheduled for 2027.

During the closing ceremony, the Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, presented the Best Player of the Tournament award to Peter of Team USA in recognition of his outstanding performances.

Uganda's Ambassador to the Benelux countries and the European Union, H.E. Ambassador Mirjam Blaak, commended all participating teams for demonstrating unity, discipline, and patriotism. She noted that the Euro Cranes Tournament has become an important platform for bringing Ugandans together beyond borders while strengthening ties within the diaspora.

H.E. Ambassador Doreen Amule also joined fellow Ugandan Heads of Mission at the tournament in Amsterdam. She encouraged members of the Ugandan diaspora to remain united, engage with Uganda's diplomatic missions, and continue contributing to Uganda's development through investment, trade, tourism, innovation, and skills transfer.

The closing ceremony reaffirmed the commitment of Uganda's diplomatic missions, the State House Diaspora Unit, and diaspora leaders to promoting sports diplomacy as a means of fostering unity, healthy living, cultural exchange, and stronger ties between Uganda and Ugandans living abroad.