The FIFA World Cup, just how special is it?

Once every four years, the world gathers together to watch what is arguably the biggest sports event in the world, the prestigious FIFA World Cup. Thirty-two of the world’s best countries send their best players to fight for the biggest trophy any soccer player can dream of winning. The World Cup provides us with jaw dropping moments of pure joy, but it can have moments where your heart is filled with utter disappointment. Only an event so prestige like the World Cup is capable of doing this, so because of that; here are a few reasons on what make the World Cup so prestige.

When I think of the World Cup, I think about the trophy. There have been two trophies that have been awarded for the winner of the tournament. The original trophy was first given out in 1930 to Uruguay for winning the inaugural tournament, and was named the Jules Rimet Trophy, named after the Frenchman who proposed the tournament. The Jules Rimet trophy was awarded up until the 1970 tournament and introduced the current trophy at the 1974 tournament, and it has been the focal point of winning the tournament. For many soccer players, getting the opportunity to hold the trophy and hoist in the sky is a dream for all players, but very few get the chance to do it.

Another key aspect of what makes the World Cup prestigious are the fans. The fans are such a key part to sports in general, but in the World Cup; I feel like there’s no competition of which fans are best. The constant chants, songs, and noises come from the fans to give their players the backing they need to win. In soccer, there are only eleven players on the pitch per team, and the fans represent themselves as the twelfth player. The roar of the crowd as they pour their hearts out as they do whatever they can do give an advantage to their team.

I have never been to a World Cup game, but I do have an opportunity to be there once the World Cup comes to the United States in 2026. By then, I will be able to be a part of the crowd, the chants, take a picture with the cup and hopefully witness the most prestigious sporting event, the World Cup. But for now, I’ll sit at home and watch on tv.