I do not consider myself a huge soccer fan, yet it has been wonderful to watch the World Cup this summer.  Matches took place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico—the host nations.  Fans from all over the world came to support their teams.  Forty-eight teams competed in the World Cup this year!  And just in case you missed it, Spain won the World Cup in extra-time no less) on Sunday.

The Tartan Army (cheering for their beloved Scotland) descended upon Boston.  The sound of bagpipes could be heard far and wide!  Team Algeria found a warm welcome in Lawrence, Kansas—a giant Algeria flag was carved into the earth at the University of Kansas.  The tiny nation of Cape Verde went further in the tournament than anyone ever expected.  As the players left the pitch with tears in their eyes, there were many comments that now people would know where Cape Verde is on the map.  Team Mexico had its most successful World Cup in years, and one could find people, dogs, and even a duck donning Mexico kits.  And I could go on and on about the charm of Norway’s Erling Haaland or the beautiful tradition of fans from Japan who bring garbage bags to every game and clean up the stadiums at the conclusion to show respect. 

Sometimes when we look at the news we see only the bad stuff.  We hold onto the negative headlines.  We focus on crime and war.  And of course there are more important matters to attend to than soccer matches.  However, as was shared so beautifully in The New York Times, “One amazing thing about the World Cup being hosted in the U.S.: Every country in the world has its own diaspora in America.  Which meant every team found it already had a fan base that shares its passion and pride for the country they or their ancestors once called home.  Bosnians in St. Louis.  Moroccans in Queens.  Haitians in Miami.  The French in Chicago.  Argentines in Utah.  The list goes on.”*  This beautiful sporting event captured the beautiful diversity of our country, and that is worth celebrating.  The beautiful game indeed.

Grace & Peace,
Rev. Lauren

* Katrin Bennhold, “Delightful World Cup Stories,” July 16, 2026, The New York Times.

Photo by Daniel Norin on Unsplash

The Orange Peal Pastor’s Note 7/22/26