May 14, 2026
By Serenity Mendoza
Staff Writer
This article is part of a three-part in-depth reporting series about the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Three countries, 16 stadiums, 48 teams, 104 matches and billions of fans. Watching the 23rd FIFA World Cup will be the highlight of my summer.
Having grown up in a Latin American household, I hold watching soccer close to my heart.
One of my fondest memories is watching Perú play in the 2018 World Cup. I was only 9 years old, but seeing my country represented globally gave me a strong sense of pride.
That summer, my dad’s side of the family gathered to watch all three of Perú’s matches. Although the team did not make it to the finals, I will never forget that time spent with my family.
I especially loved seeing the joy in my father and three uncles’ faces as they cheered for their team. With my family’s love of soccer pouring into me, I became a fan of club soccer, frequently tuning in to La Liga matches to support the Spanish soccer club FC Barcelona.
By the 2022 World Cup, which took place when I was in eighth grade, I had a better understanding of the sport and was looking forward to watching every game.
For the first time in history, the tournament took place in the winter, meaning that matches were held while I was in school. Luckily, my peers and teachers shared my excitement. Teachers would often broadcast live matches in class or allow students to stream them on their Chromebooks, and Lyndhurst Middle School even aired them on a screen in the cafeteria.
Although Brazil did not win, I was happy the team made it to the quarterfinals.
After school, I would go home to my mother, who was equally eager to spectate.
We cheered for Brazil because Perú had not qualified. I decided to stand with fellow South Americans and quickly fell in love with the team’s playing style. Although Brazil did not win, I was happy the team made it to the quarterfinals.
This year, I will be rooting for the Brazilian team again. After observing its skill in 2022, I am curious to see how it has improved. I would love to see a big win, but no matter what, I’ll stick around to spectate.
The World Cup will begin on June 11, coinciding with the Music Department trip to Boston. I am hoping my peers will share my excitement as they did in 2022, so we can cheer our favorite teams on together.
Even if I cannot view the first few matches in real time, I am excited to go back and watch the recordings. It is safe to say that I am more than ready for the World Cup.
