What the 2026 World Cup Teaches About Hope, Resilience, and Recovery

The 2026 World Cup has begun, and as many of my followers and fellow colleagues know, I love soccer—also known as football around much of the world.

Sports psychologists have long noted that watching the World Cup can have a positive effect on mental health. As the world's most popular sport, soccer has a unique way of bringing people together, strengthening social connections, and even helping reduce stress. Cheering for your favorite team or country creates moments of excitement and joy that can brighten even the toughest days.

Personally, soccer has helped me through many moments when I simply wasn't feeling great about life. My team can go from trailing to taking the lead in the blink of an eye, and suddenly I'm on my feet, cheering with a smile I didn't have just moments before.

Amazing how one small moment can change your entire outlook.

Watching soccer has been a lifelong passion of mine. After recovering from cancer, I remember watching Diego Maradona's unforgettable performances during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico as he helped put Argentina on the world stage.

During a recent meeting with my writing group, someone wondered aloud whether Jesus would have played soccer. I quickly chimed in that He would have been the ultimate playmaker—leading the league in assists while teaching humility, perseverance, and teamwork. Soon everyone was imagining famous historical figures on the pitch. Winston Churchill, a samurai, and Jerry Seinfeld all entered the conversation, and we couldn't stop laughing.

If I could be compared to any player, I'd hope to be like Lionel Messi—always striving for the goal while remaining humble. Cancer has a way of teaching you that humility.

Modern soccer is truly a global sport. For 90-plus minutes, it unites people across cultures, languages, and borders. Looking back to my years after cancer, I realize that running and watching soccer awakened the competitor within me. The same qualities that help athletes succeed—mental endurance, discipline, physical stamina, and perseverance—are the very qualities needed during recovery.

Watching the World Cup this week has also sparked my creativity. My thoughts have been overflowing with new story ideas—about my cancer journey, the larger-than-life personalities I've encountered, and the importance of making every moment count. In many ways, that spirit mirrors soccer itself, where the clock never stops and anything can happen until the final whistle.

Soccer: The Game

Whistle blows
game is on
the battle for the ball began
a bad giveaway from an easy pass
a flick of pain denying to stop me
opponent goes for the impossible shot
off the post in the blink of an eye
the match now really comes alive
at halftime I refocus on my mistakes
first breakaway—I feel it
a magical pass that was Messi-like
down a man, down a goal
only minutes left, game in hand
I elude one midfielder, then two
now within striking distance
I am there
strike hard to the corner net
the ball bends around the goalkeeper
a score—and then a jubilant slide
that's the game sorted
my day is done

So this month, even if you don't normally watch soccer, give the 2026 World Cup a try.

Let it be a welcome break from the stress and demands of everyday life. The world's best players are competing on the biggest stage as the United States, Mexico, and Canada host this historic tournament. Pick a team, enjoy the matches, and have fun cheering your favorite country on to victory.

Go USA!

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