Culture

Sometimes you question whether all this internet was really a good idea to begin with. The misinformation, the death of the Fourth Estate, the social media addiction, the rise in mental illness, the dumbing down of the entire global population, the monopolization of everything by the most uncaring corporations in the history of mankind… it really makes you think.

But then a video like this comes along and you remember why we made the internet in the first place: to occasionally connect the globe with one giant golden thread of joy.

The most powerful sporting moments aren't always during gameplay or even on the field at all — there are moments that are bigger than the sport itself.

Soccer has always been larger than the physical game played on the pitch; it's a way of life, an escape for supporters all over the world to come together and be a part of something bigger than themselves. If you aren't a part of it you wouldn't understand, but being a hardcore fan comes with elevating highs and deep lows. Your daily emotions rely heavily on how it's all going. 

I love Sam Obisanya. I know, he’s a fictional character, but the world could use more footballers like Sam.

I’m pretty used to getting hate mail these days. When you discuss human rights in relation to soccer, people get pretty upset and are not afraid to send anonymous emails spewing hatred toward me, which ironically proves my point more often than not. 

I’ve never gotten as much hate mail as I have this week when I reported on Carli Lloyd refusing to join her teammates in kneeling to protest the ongoing racial inequalities in the U.S. and around the world. 

Earlier this year, I swore off FIFA Ultimate Team. I became sick with the meta of FUT and the feeling of being cheated by the game. But just when I thought I was out, they’re pulling me right back in.

On Friday, Clint Dempsey dropped this little video, announcing he’ll be a part of the FUT Heroes lineup available in FIFA 22 at launch. I will 100 percent buy a game just to play as a fisherman who moonlights as the greatest male soccer player Texas has ever produced. 

Back in 1979, the New York Cosmos set an NASL record for most points in a season, one that would obliterate any Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga or Serie A points record. Led by Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and Carlos Alberto, the Cosmos racked up an unthinkable 216 points in a 30-game season. 

More of that, please.

No game brings people together from around the world like soccer, just like no sandwich is able to unify our global taste buds quite like a PB&J. Millions will find joy in watching the competition in Japan, just like tens of millions enjoy peanuts for their versatility, taste and nutritional value. 

To celebrate the teams that are competing for the highest honor on the women’s side of the tournament, we’re teaming up with the National Peanut Board to examine each country’s passion for the game and love of peanuts.   

Alright, it’s been long enough that we can’t get yelled at for early-scene spoilers: I need to talk about that Tomorrow War soccer scene.

“The Tomorrow War” is one of the summer’s biggest blockbusters, an action-sci-fi movie streaming on Amazon Prime. It opens with a terrifying glimpse into a future where Qatar is actually allowed to host the World Cup next year. Oh, and there are scary aliens too.