Soccer? Football? Futbol?

I like it! Who knew?

I was confused on what day the World Cup actually began, so I missed the Mexico v. South Africa as well as some other matches. And I confess, after I figured it out, I haven’t watched all of the other ones (ya gotta sleep at some point) but I have committed to see for myself what all the hoopla is about. I do know that many countries are crazy about the sport.

Now I see why.

Although it frustrates me to no end when there is a draw, where neither team scores any points, However, I grudgingly realize that that just shows that both teams are very skillful and at least in that particular match, seem to be evenly matched. But in my humble opinion, it’s even better when the underdog team scores a goal and pulls out a win with seconds to spare.

I was sad to discover that the players from the country of Haiti haven’t been able to practice in their own country due to the gang violence there. The country of Iran also has its issues. It made me think about how lucky those of us who live in countries where we don’t have to contend with that type of violence and turmoil on a daily basis. Some countries have had to contend with it for YEARS, even DECADES.

I wish that we in America could take a page from how teams from the different countries interact during the matches. And the large, diverse audiences in the United States’ host cities, as well as in Mexico and Canada enjoying themselves have been wonderful to see.

I will say that I could do with a bit less talking by the sports commentators. I don’t mean the actual play-by-play; I mean their opinions during the matches that aren’t about the matches themselves. I prefer to watch without nonstop commentary, especially when it’s not about what’s actually going on. But I say the same thing regarding other sports that I watch. I don’t understand why some sportscasters feel as if they have to fill up each second talking. And they don’t even hide which team they’re rooting for. Are they supposed to do that? It doesn’t seem as if they should be but it gives me even greater satisfaction when the team they’re going on and on about about actually loses. Yeah, I know that might not seem sportsmanlike but neither are they, in my opinion.

All-in-all, I have enjoyed watching the 2026 World Cup matches and learning things that I didn’t know about the different countries participating in them, as well as the players themselves. It makes me feel a little more connected to this large, wacky and wonderful world of ours.

Image Credit: Pixabay