When I was just 16, I remember crying tears of joy in my mother’s arms on my couch as I watched Peru qualify for the FIFA World Cup tournament for the first time since 1982.
The World Cup begins today. Yes, here, today, now, even in Concord. We are on the precipice of one of the biggest sporting events ever.
That goal by Jefferson Farfan against New Zealand in the intercontinental playoff ended a long drought for Peru, one of my two home countries.
It was a dream come true that united a nation. I was overjoyed with emotion. The president declared a national holiday the next day.
My passion for the sport began as a second-grade student living in Peru during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I would arrive at class, and my teacher would play the current game on the small box TV in the corner of the room.
Soccer was a way of life and a social catalyst there. It was one of only a few sports offered at schools. Swimming, basketball, volleyball and field hockey were the only other options, but none stacked up in popularity.
Everybody played it on the streets, public parks and even the beach. It was inescapable. I played it my whole life, and I still play in an adult league down in Tyngsborough, Mass.
For a country like Peru and many other countries that have qualified to this year’s edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico, this is their Super Bowl — with added layers of national pride.
Three host countries, 16 host cities, 104 matches, 39 days, 48 nations participating … and only one will emerge as the world champion. Each match is like a Super Bowl for millions of people, because one slip could cost their chances for survival in the tournament.
The sport has only continued to grow here in New Hampshire and the country at large. It hasn’t quite taken over with such feverish passion as other sports here yet, though.
I’m extremely proud of the large variety of sports options we have here, and I’m a Boston fan through and through. My family is from New Hampshire, and we love the big four sports. It helps that Boston has done nothing but win throughout my lifetime.
I remember that 2013 Red Sox postseason vividly, that Shane Victorino grand slam. I remember watching — nervously from the edge of my seat — the replays of Julian Edelman’s catch against the Falcons in the 28-3 Super Bowl LI comeback.
The World Cup, and its ability to unite us all around one thing, is even more special than that.
Soccer gets a bad rap sometimes. It’s not tough enough, players flop or it’s too foreign. Those stigmas have waned, and I would be remiss not to mention how good the U.S. women’s national team’s success has been in changing that.
The sport never stuck quite like others, though. I think this World Cup could elevate it to new heights.
When the U.S. hosted the global tournament in 1994, it led to the creation of Major League Soccer and an explosion in youth participation.
The average age of this U.S. World Cup squad is 26.4 years, lining up with that increase in popularity. This year’s tournament could also be the most successful run by the U.S. men’s national team if head coach Mauricio Pochettino plays his cards right with home-field advantage.
The team represents the rich mix of nationalities and immigrant groups that make up the fabric of America. It’s also one of our most talented groups of players ever, with many succeeding for their clubs in Europe.
I have met many people who love the sport, and I know there are passionate players from my time here covering soccer in the Concord area. I also recognize Concord isn’t the biggest soccer-crazy city.
I urge you to give the World Cup a chance.
Any given game will teach you something, even just a fun fact about a country you may have never heard of. You’ll see what it means for the fans in the stands. You could cheer on UNH men’s soccer alumnus Moise Bombito, part of Canada’s squad, too.
Of course, you can always root for the USMNT as it tries to make us proud on home soil.
You may not have a moment where you cry tears of joy while singing your anthem or get a day off for a big win. But you might find that this tournament is both a window to the world and a lens through which the world is looking at us.
The people of the world is watching us with hope in their hearts for their compatriots and to feel how sports can unite us all.
I’ve kept tabs on a few watch parties around the state.
Friday night at The Barley House for the USMNT’s debut against Paraguay at 9 p.m. (21+ event). Also nearby, the Tap House Grille in Hooksett is hosting The New Hampshire Gathering of the Scottish Clans (NHSCOT) to cheer on Scotland and the Tartan Army against Brazil on June 24.
On the Seacoast, Portsmouth’s Loaded Question Brewing and The New Hampshire Soccer Project will have an all-day watch party for three consecutive matches on Sunday. Also in Portsmouth, Liars Bench Beer Co. is hosting its own in partnership with NH Soccer Project on a big screen outside for USA vs. Paraguay.
Up in Bethlehem, Rek-Lis Brewing Co is having its own for the USMNT against Australia on June 19 for all ages.
The Boston host committee is hosting some FIFA Fan Festival Boston City Hall Plaza watch parties, but good luck getting tickets; they are flying off the shelves, from what I’ve heard.
If you just stay home, there’s no shame in that. I’ll be watching many from home, especially the West Coast 10 p.m. games. Invite some friends, sit back, watch some soccer and take it all in.