NADINE ROBINSON: What the World Cup taught us about ourselves

Reminded us that diversity is not something to fear, that kindness and respect are valued, contagious

Article content For a month, the world gathered around a game. Some came for the soccer. Others came for the spectacle.

Like Ted Lasso, many didn’t know what a pitch was, let alone the difference between a yellow and a red card. Somewhere between the victories and heartbreaks, the chants and celebrations, the World Cup reminded us of something much bigger than soccer: we have far more in common than what separates us. Recommended Videos The World Cup isn’t just a tournament.

It’s a giant cultural exchange program disguised as a sporting event. Countries with different languages, religions, political systems and traditions came together through a shared love of the game. People who might never have crossed paths under any other circumstance shared meals, stories, songs, laughter and sometimes tears.

It felt like the best of humanity. In Miami, Argentine fans hosted traditional asado gatherings, sharing their love of slow-roasted meat cooked over open flames. In Dallas, Japanese supporters introduced Texans to the word oishii, meaning delicious, while eagerly embracing Texas barbecue.

People pushed beyond fear and opened themselves up to new experiences and different cultures. One unlikely friendship developed between residents of Lawrence, Kan., and the Algerian national team. Local restaurants created Algerian-inspired menu items, and the University of Kansas marching band learned and performed the Algerian national anthem.

A black and white ball showed us the beauty of diversity. The tournament also highlighted values that transcend borders: respect, responsibility and community. Japanese supporters once again cleaned stadiums after matches, collecting litter before leaving.

Their actions reflected a belief that shared spaces should be left better than they were found. Similarly, the Scottish Tartan Army marched through Boston in kilts, filled Fenway Park with songs and transformed city streets into celebrations. Thousands of Scots celebrated in public spaces (after drinking pubs dry) and yet city workers reported little cleanup was required.

One Scottish fan summed it up simply: “It’s about respect.” These stories resonate because they reflect the best of who we aspire to be and how good it feels to belong to something bigger. The tournament also reminded us that national pride does not have to be aggressive, it can be goofy and harmless.

Fans wrapped themselves in flags, painted their faces, wore elaborate costumes and sang their hearts out. Norway’s supporters transformed escalators and public spaces into imaginary Viking ships through their rowing celebration. Scottish fans placed traffic cones on statues in a harmless prank.

Mexican and South Korean supporters renewed a friendship that began at the 2018 World Cup, sharing food, drinks and spontaneous performances of “Gangnam Style.” The World Cup also challenged our obsession with youth, as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both competed in their sixth World Cups. In a culture often fixated on youth, they demonstrated that experience, wisdom and resilience matter.

Massive outdoor viewing parties made matches accessible to people who could never afford tickets. Public squares filled with families, tourists and residents cheering side by side. If nations can come together to celebrate a game, surely we can find ways to work together on challenges that affect us all: climate change, public health, poverty, human rights, corruption, tyranny and access to clean water.

The world has done it before. Faced with a growing hole in the ozone layer, countries listened to the science and acted together. The result became one of the greatest environmental success stories in modern history.

Today, misinformation, misdirection and division too often stand in the way of similar progress. The World Cup showed us crowds cheering for different teams but sharing the same streets, restaurants, parks and public spaces. It showed us what happens when people approach one another with curiosity instead of suspicion.

Millions of people from different countries, cultures, religions, languages and political systems gathered to celebrate something they loved. At a time when division dominates headlines, that lesson matters. The tournament reminded us that diversity is not something to fear, and that kindness and respect are valued and contagious.

Also, we saw that cooperation and inclusion were not impossible ideals but something people practised fluidly without politicians in the way. For one month, jerseys replaced politics and the world gathered around a soccer ball. The real victory wasn’t who lifted the trophy, it was the reminder that beneath our flags, languages and accents, what connects us remains far more powerful than what divides us.

Nadine Robinson’s op-ed column and travel writing for Postmedia runs Saturdays. You can reach her at the.ink.writer@gmail.com or on Facebook and Instagram @theinkran.