Family Discussion: Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole!
The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 7th grade reading level.
READ
The 2026 World Cup kicks off today.
For the next month (plus extra time), Canada, Mexico, and the United States are hosting the every-four-years fútbol tourney. Teams from 48 countries will go head-to-head in 104 games to see who will hoist the golden trophy. The first whistle blows today in a Mexico v. South Africa matchup in Mexico City, while Team USA plays Paraguay tomorrow in Los Angeles.
This year, France is the big favorite to take the cup, and superstar forward Kylian Mbappé is expected to win the Golden Boot (for the tourney’s top goalscorer). Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and England are also contenders.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has been hosting the World Cup since 1930. This year’s tournament features several firsts, including:
The first time three countries have co-hosted;
The first time 48 teams made the cut (previously, only 32 spots were available);
And the first time the final match will have a Super Bowl-like halftime show.
A hat-trick of musical guests—Madonna, Shakira, and recently reunited BTS—all scored headlining spots for the World Cup Final Halftime Show. They’ll perform July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
See when and where you can watch all the kick-offs, red cards, and PKs here.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Sports can teach us a lot about everyday life—the value of teamwork, perseverance, and even loyalty. Athletes’ commitment and hard work encourage us to press on as we seek to win an “imperishable crown,” while a team’s victory can give us a foretaste of the greatest celebration in history.
REFLECT
What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Sports are temporary. Allegiance to Christ is forever… and far better.
Sports build discipline and character, are a lot of fun, are (usually) good for our bodies, and can help open doors to opportunities like college scholarships or travel. But they can also become an idol or source of identity all too easily.
Remember that all things—even sports—are worthless compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-9). Athletes and parents alike should seek to glorify God as they practice, compete, cheer from the stands… and even chug Gatorade.
How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
By practicing good sportsmanship.
Competition can bring out the best and worst in us. It’s also an incredibly tangible way for us to demonstrate love for our enemies competitors. When Christian athletes choose to rise above jeers from rowdy crowds, continue trying their hardest when the scoreboard isn’t in their favor, and win with grace and dignity, they show our loving Savior to the watching world. When Christian sports fans choose not to say something unkind about the opposing team, celebrate victories mercifully, and mourn defeats humbly, they do the same.
RESPOND
Discuss: Has there been a time when you were tempted to be a sore loser (or winner)? How did you respond? Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
Memorize Philippians 3:7, “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ” (CSB).
Pray that you and your family would hold Christ more highly than anything else in your lives: God our Creator, thank you for sports. They’re just games… but You delight in discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the comeback. You made us to do hard, beautiful things. Help me enjoy sports without giving them my heart. You are the only victor worthy of my affection; Your team has earned my wholehearted loyalty; and Your mission deserves my undivided focus. Use sports and athleticism to train me so I’m fit for Your eternal kingdom. As I marvel at athletes’ commitment to their craft, teach me what it looks like to press on; to practice even when it’s boring; to endure even when it’s painstaking; to win the imperishable crown. As I celebrate wins alongside other fans, create in me a hunger for history’s greatest victory feast, where Your people from all nations will gather to shout for joy. Amen.
Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole!" June 11, 2026.