Curaçao team are not here to win the World Cup, they’re here for the experience. Do you realize what this means to them? This is what makes the World Cup so special, it’s a lifelong dream for every player, every nation.
For the biggest countries, qualification is expected. For nations like Curaçao, qualification itself is the achievement. Some of these players grew up watching the World Cup on television, imagining what it would feel like to walk out of the tunnel, hear the anthem, and represent millions of people watching back home. Now they’re actually living it.
That’s why World Cup tears hit differently. That’s why injuries before the tournament are heartbreaking. That’s why qualification celebrations look like they just won the trophy. Because for many players, this isn’t just another tournament, it’s the fulfillment of a dream they’ve carried since childhood.
Twenty years from now, nobody on that squad will remember every pass they completed or every tackle they made. What they’ll remember is that they were World Cup players. They stood on the biggest stage in football, carrying the hopes of their country with them.
The World Cup isn’t special because only the giants are there. It’s special because it brings everyone together, the favourites chasing glory, the underdogs chasing history, and the small nations simply grateful to be part of something bigger than themselves. That’s the magic of it.
Clubbing is dead and has been replaced by fitness & wellness.
Ppl used to party to socialize and date but now they do things like HYROX, bathhouses, and running raves.
The death of clubbing is something to be studied:
— US has lost 12% of its nightclubs in the last 24 months
— 25% of US adults didn’t drink at all last year
— Gen Z drinks 30% less than Millennials did at the same age
On the flip side:
— According to Strava, the number of running clubs recorded on the platform increased 3.5x in 2025
— 72% of Gen Z go to run clubs to meet new people
— Sauna and spa market: $11.8B → $22.4B by 2034
The post-alcohol economy is gonna be a massive category.
Mexico and South Africa are about to play the opening match of the World Cup for the second time in history. 16 years apart. Exact same calendar date. Completely reversed host roles. In 2010, Mexico pulled up to Johannesburg to spoil South Africa's party. In 2026, South Africa is pulling up to the Estadio Azteca to return the favor. This is officially the most unique, historic opener we’ve ever seen. Football always finds a way to repeat itself.
This piece by @guardian is a masterclass in why old-school journalism will never die. You could easily lose 3 hours in this and still want more. https://t.co/P6xxOOo518