Ok, I believe this is definitely my first time writing about soccer. Yes, I called it soccer that’s what we call it here in the USA! Get over it. I do know in other countries it is more recognized as “football”. However, if we called it “football” here in the United States it would not go over well or last too long. This will not be a deep dive into the history of soccer (football), the stats of any player or teams this is just out of appreciation for all the countries coming together and watching the World Cup cheering on their teams! (USA, USA, USA!) 

First things first, let’s start with a little backstory. I did use to play soccer when I was young and going through school. I used soccer as more of a way to stay in shape for basketball and baseball. However, I did enjoy playing the game and the skills associated really help with your balance and foot speed in basketball and baseball. I did stop playing soccer before my freshman year of high school to focus on basketball and baseball. Fast forward to present day, I will be honest I do not watch soccer all that much. I feel it can be a little long and boring on tv (which is what people say about baseball) but I am familiar with some of the big name players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, etc.. I also catch the highlights on ESPN for all the different leagues around the world, so again I don’t religiously watch soccer but I do have an understanding of the game and what is going on with the major teams and players. 

Phew, I know that was lengthy and a little wordy so let’s jump in on why I am writing this article. Simply, I just want to show respect to the game of soccer (football) and all the players that are playing for their countries, also all of us fans coming together to cheer for one team. If you think about it, that last part does not happen really ever here in the United States. Everybody cheers for different teams all the time UNLESS it’s a year for the Olympics, World Baseball Classic, or the World Cup! I know everyone here is definitely cheering on this USA team and it is so amazing to see. Luckily, this year, the United States is a host country for this year’s World Cup. What does that mean? It means most of the games are played here and all the other countries have to travel to the United States to play, also a HUGE home field advantage for the USA team! The atmosphere in all these stadiums have been incredible no matter which country is playing but when team USA takes the field (pitch, see look at me using real football terms) everything is on a whole other level. The people are all friendly, the outside of the stadium is absolutely slammed with people, and most of all the sound from all the United States fans is so loud you can barely hear the announcers on the tv. When I say it is a beautiful sight, I am not exaggerating, unfortunately I won’t be seeing any games live but being able to witness it on tv is a great privilege. If you have not tuned in to watch a game and you are in the United States you are definitely missing out! To add on to everything, this USA team is so fun to watch. We have youth, speed, and attitude with a very entertaining coach we could win this whole damn thing this year! 

I know, I know time to end this thing. Like I said in the beginning I am purely writing this article to show my appreciation, respect, and all around joy for all the teams, players, coaches, countries, and fans that have made up the 2026 World Cup! I will definitely be watching the rest of this World Cup (even if the USA team loses) and maybe soccer in general going forward. Cheers to you World Cup you have created many “new” soccer (football, I almost used it but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it) fan including this guy right here. Oh yeah, I almost forgot… Let’s go Team USA!! Why not us this year? USA,USA, USA!