A World Cup For All
The FIFA World Cup is perhaps the most popular sporting event in the world. Held every four years, the soccer tournament brings together the best national teams from across the globe to compete for the title of world champion. Since 1930, the tournament has grown into an international celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and cultural diversity. The significance of the World Cup extends far beyond the game itself. Four billion fans from all over the world become bonded by watch parties, national pride, and opportunities to learn from and respect one another. What makes this year’s Men’s World Cup so engaging is the fact that the United States is one of the host countries which means soccer mania has been shared all across our country.
I join the multitude of soccer fanatics in saying the FIFA World Cup has captivated my enthusiasm. You may remember the USA Women’s Team last won the World Cup in 2019. And although our Men’s team reached historic success by advancing to the round of 16, their painful loss to Belgium will no doubt inspire the USA team towards a brighter future. We are proud of them.
The teams who show up to compete are certainly here to win, yet their diehard fans give us a glimpse into the cultures from where they come. How could you not fall in love with Scotland’s Tartan Army of fun-loving devotees who depleted the beer supply in Boston? Those same enthusiastic fans donated $15,000 of their excess transportation money to a local Boston school fund. And then there’s the Japanese fans who traditionally bring blue plastic bags to each match so they can clear the stadium of trash after each game. Their cultural tradition of respect and reverence for all things translates into a simple wish to not leave a mess. Even the Japanese soccer players place thank you notes in the locker room written in the local language.
And then there’s the Norway’s soccer tradition that has gone viral. “Viking Row” is a synchronized post-win celebration where fans and players sit in longboat formation to “row” with invisible oars to a drumbeat. Imagine ancient Vikings overtaking a modern soccer stadium.
How many American fans have found themselves singing in unison John Denver’s song, “Country Road?” After this world cup experience, I believe the US Soccer world has a new anthem. Over the past several weeks, this song has become an expression of national joy.
As we enter the final week of competition, images of this epic tournament will remain. We saw videos of ginormous watch parties from the other side of the world celebrate when goals are scored. Often, their local time was in the middle of the night. We’ve seen the players beam with pride as they sing their national anthems with bravado before each match. We’ve seen favored teams upset by the underdog, and remarkable come-from-behind victories. I’ll remember my husband sitting on the floor with our grandchildren spinning a globe in search of the lesser-known countries that were playing on our tv. I smile thinking about the image my son shared with me of his five little children huddled on the bed together watching our beloved USA team beat Australia.
As Americans we know there’s plenty that divides us. This World Cup tournament, however, on our home turf has brought us together in such joyous ways. It feels good and right to bind ourselves on common ground as we’ve invited the world into our home. Our gratitude for this opportunity to celebrate with and learn from our global guests will linger for a long time. At least we have one more week to cheer. I’ll be watching.