The World Cup is here and this past week has already been filled with plenty of drama and action. Much like, as discussed in the previous edition of the newsletter, despite all the controversy and discourse around Donald Trump and the United States hosting, once the game started much of that discourse has taken a back seat to the action on the pitch.
The spectacle of the opening ceremony and the games that have taken place already have quite thoroughly put to bed the ideas that countries like the United States or Mexico are incapable of hosting such a major sporting event. Not only have there not been any acts of violence or major disruption (and hopefully there wouldnt be throughout the competition), all host nations have managed to rise to occasions
Already during the games so far, I have certainly seen some of the greatest stadiums I could have ever imagined to see footbal played in. The sounds of mariachi bands during Mexico’s opening game to the European fans swaming major American cities donning their countries attire has been a spectacel to watch. One of the most charming examples of cultural exchange that has gone viral has beent that of a German tourist touring the United States and documenting his journey across America on his X account.
North America is no stranger to hosting major international events, yet if one paid attention to the coverage on social media, you would think that the continent is completely incapable of hosting such a tournament, particularly against Mexico and the USA. In reality, this is Mexico’s third time hosting the FIFA World Cup having hosted in 1970 and 1986. Likewise, this is the second time the United States has hosted the World Cup as well as hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup twice, in 1999 and 2003. Moreover, the United States holds major domestic sporting events every year with its NBA, NFL, NHL and other leagues that draw major crowds that require extensive logistical planning.
News media and social media often have the effect of amplifying negativity. It is very easy to get caught up in that negativity and develop a generally negative attitude towards such kinds of events and life in general. That’s not to say that genuine concerns should be ignored but being able to discern genuine concern and media sensationalism is vital to navigating our current media ecosystem.
Moreover, like discussed in the previous edition of the newsletter, it is not the duty of every single individual to hyperfixate on every single political drama nor should it prevent people from just enjoying major events, especially a major event such as the World Cup.
For now, it’s football that has taken centre stage, just as it should be.
Across the continent
- The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has resulted in over 800 confirmed cases and over 200 confirmed deaths
- Somaliland has officially opened an embassy in Jerusalem after Israel’s recognition of its independence
- Zimbabwe’s parliament has officially approved a bill to extend the term of Emerson Managagwa’s presidency by two years keeping him in power until 2030.
- At least 11 soldiers and two civilians have been killed in an attack on the aiport of NIger’s capital city Niamey.
Number’s that matter
- Only eight countries have ever won the men’s tournament since its inception in 1930: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, Spain, and England
- The United States participated in every World Cup from 1990 through 2014, but did not qualify for the first time in 2018
- Mexico holds the record for the most World Cup tournament losses (25)
- Brazil is the only nation to have qualified for and played in every single men’s World Cup tournament since 1930.
Recommended Reads
Sports And Politics: A Match Made in Hell – on politics in sports
Why I Still Love the World Cup – on the FIFA World Cup
