The Magic of the World Cup

I've been in KC for the World Cup for the last few weeks.

Honestly, the only reason I love Ted Lasso is because of Roy Kent and the character development / storyline. Definitely not because of the football.

Live Football / Soccer / Futbol?

Less than interesting.

But the World Cup?

I am SOLD OUT.

I am watching every. single. match.

I am camped out at fan fest for 9pm matches and in downtown Power and Light for the Dutch Onsoranje walk to the stadium.

Insert my current ringtone that you will never get out of your head. I mean how can you watch this ( or be a part of it ) and not be on an instant high?

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joins Dutch fans for iconic “Links, Rechts” chant

In a world where we are more connected than ever before between texting, whatsapp, facetiming, zoom, starlink, emails, phone calls, etc. it seems that our world has become increasingly disconnected.

The National Institute of Health published a report in 2024 referring to it as an official Epidimic of Loneliness . Lonleliness, an official public health concern. Like polio, the measels, or COVID.

Every level of increase in social connection corresponds with a risk reduction across many health conditions.

Further, social connection can be a proactive approach to living a

fulfilled and happy life, enhancing life satisfaction, educational attainment,

and performance in the workplace, as well as contributing to more-connected

communities that are healthier, safer, and more prosperous.

Unsurprisingly, social connection is generally not something we can do alone and

not something that is accessible equitably. That is partially because we need others

to connect with, but also because our society—including our schools, workplaces,

neighborhoods, public policies, and digital environments—plays a role in either

facilitating or hindering social connection - See the entire report here.

One of the solutions to the Loneliness Epidemic? The World Cup.

Every coffee shop, restraunt or store is showing matches 24/7 and has flags in the window.

Every single person in the Power and Light district is wearing a jersey.

There is a VIBE.

And even I - as the most non sports ./ non soccer person ever - get to be a part of it.

Have you heard about the connection between Lawrence, Kansas and the Algerian Team? HOW CAN YOU NOT BE OBSESSED WITH THIS? I CRY WITH EVERY SINGLE UPDATE. It's pure human connection and human goodness.

Honestly, even if someone is wearing a rival jersey - it's not an immideate throw down and fist fight, it's playful banter and ribbing. Becasue at the end of the day, everyone is here to celebrate. To enjoy the game. To appreciate another culture.

It's so unlike the Chiefs / NFL banter that is predmoniant in Kansas City. Where if you dare to wear a Broncos jersey on a Chiefs game day to the grocery store (not even the stadium) you are NOT playfully harassed (not speaking from experience).

There is a unity to the world cup.

A global unity.

Soccer is the game for everyone.

You don't have to wealthy to play it or appreciate it, you don't have to know a long list of rules or have access to expensive equipment and when playing a match you don't have to be good in order to have fun. It's collective efferevesence times ten.

We have so much fun at live concerts and sports games because these events trigger collective effervescence, a psychological state of shared energy and emotional connection that boosts bonding hormones and provides a deep sense of belonging

What is Collective Effervescence?

Collective Effervescence: Coined by sociologist Émile Durkheim and highlighted in recent University at Buffalo research, this shared emotional high occurs when a crowd tunes into the exact same moment-singing, cheering, or moving together. It turns strangers into a community and predicts long-lasting well-being. 

Live events produce oxytocin - the hormone responsible for trust and bonding when our brains register the crowd as a tribe. We have a boost of sensory stimulation unlike other places in our lives. Live events provide an escape - a raw, uncomplicated form of release. An escape from demands when you are socially allowed to just be in the moment. Not respond to text or work emails. Perhaps if you're not into yoga or meditation, live sporting events are your opportunity to be in the moment. (There definitely should be a study on this.)

Large-scale studies indicate that attending live sports and cultural events significantly lowers loneliness, increases social connectivity, and raises overall life satisfaction

My conclusion?

World Cup may not solve the loneliness epidemic on it's own, but it's definitely a good place to start.

So pick a team any team and join in the joy that is the world cup.

!Viva Espaňa and Mexico (and Algeria)!