1 QUOTE

“USA is out. So your American dream is over. Next time, call it football, not soccer, okay?”

- Zlatan Ibrahimovic

1 NOTE

If you are like me and my family, you really enjoyed the last 40 days watching the 2026 World Cup. Living in Los Angeles, World Cup buzz began a few years ago. There were rumors SoFi Stadium might land the World Cup final. I wish I would have done a deep dive before the tournament, but I needed personal translators to help me understand and appreciate soccer. More on this idea next week. Here are 7 parting thoughts on the 2026 World Cup tournament:

1. Start Strong (and Cute) - Yamal’s little brother is absolutely adorable. I know of only one little boy on planet earth that is cuter than Yamal’s little brother. (And I am his pastor).

   
   

2. National Pride - I felt a strange emptiness when our family’s three countries (Japan, Korea, Netherlands) were knocked out. Japan and Netherlands were eliminated on the same day. Rough.

   
   

3. The Gen-Z Viking - Erling Haaland stole the show. He looks like a Nephilim (Numbers 13:3). This mythical Norse warrior scores goals with robot efficiency. Erling’s social media slows down the internet. And I will miss the Norwegian row.

   
   

4. The Goal of the Tournament - Cape Verde had Argentina on the ropes. Sidney Lopes Cabral curled one into the right top corner from distance. Given the stakes and difficulty, this goal is an all-timer.

   
   

5. Defense Wins Championships - Through the whole tournament the Spanish defense allowed one goal in eight matches. Spain isn’t sexy but they know how to win. This is a fresh reminder we must use the two defensive weapons in our struggle against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).

   
   

6. The 40-Year Old Goalie - Cape Verde’s goal-keeper Vozinha is 40 years old. He entered the World Cup without a club team. He was in full ‘Unc’ status. Today he is a global star for his performance against Spain. Never stop growing and competing!

   
   

7. Finish Well - So much action and goal-scoring happens at the end of the game. This is a fresh reminder that the best comes last. Anyone can start something. But can we finish (2 Timothy 4:7)?

1 QUESTION

What were your favorite moments from the 2026 World Cup?

Until Next Tuesday,

John