Family Discussion: Football is Finished…for Now
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
Spain is the king of the soccer world.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time (aka overtime) Sunday in New Jersey for their second-ever World Cup win. It was the most-watched soccer game of all time, with ~60M combined English and Spanish viewers.
After 105 minutes, Ferran Torres finally got a goal past Argentina’s brick wall goalkeeper (watch here). The white and sky blue’s keeper, Emiliano Martínez, set a World Cup final record with 11 saves. Meanwhile, Spain’s defense didn’t allow Argentina to get any shots on goal. And Lionel Messi (sometimes called the GOAT) lost his last World Cup match ever (probably).
The World Cup’s first-ever halftime show featured Shakira, a hallelujahin’ Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Ted Lasso, and the Muppets.
After 104 games of real-life foosball across North America, Spain wasn’t the only winner. France’s Kylian Mbappé walked away with the Golden Boot for the tournament’s most goals (10) and the record for most combined World Cup goals ever (22). And the co-hosting Stars and Stripes won the hearts of many international fans. Road-tripping travelers celebrated American convenience stores, national parks, and… ranch dressing.
REFLECT
What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Sports can teach us so much about life in God’s world. Sports can teach us the line between stewarding our bodies well and destroying them out of pride. They teach us about camaraderie and hospitality as communities come together to enjoy a unifying moment. They teach us the beauty of discipline and working at something even when it's hard. They teach us how to handle victory and failure. And most of all, they teach us that a win will only bring temporary happiness. If we want true joy, we have to find it in something deeper and eternal: Jesus Christ.
How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
By keeping the big things big and the small things small. Wins (or losses) in sports can feel monumental, especially when the stage is big. It’s okay for these eternally insignificant things to be compelling for a season, but don’t let them ruin your week, puff up your pride, or consume your conversations and thoughts. Fix your eyes on the God of the Universe and allow Him to win your affections (Colossians 3:1-3). Remember that Spain’s win won’t change your Monday morning, but Christ’s sacrifice has changed your entire life. That’s the kind of hope worth living for.
RESPOND
Discuss: How are you tempted to react when you’re losing or when you’re winning a game? How can you give glory to Christ in moments as small as playing a game of Monopoly or flag football?
Memorize: 1 Corinthians 9:25, “Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown” (CSB).
Pray that you and your family would cheer first and foremost for Christ and his victory: Dear God, thank You for making us! When we play or watch sports, help us remember that we don't have to be the best player on the field to be on Your team. You don't pick us because we are famous or super talented. You love us when we are weak, when we make mistakes, and when we need Your help. Holy Spirit, while we have fun playing games, help us keep our eyes on Jesus. He has already won the biggest victory of all, and He will always be our champion forever and ever. Amen.
Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "World Cup Wrapped" July 23, 2026.