World Cup: The Ability to Unite

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Stephanie Trussell
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For one month every four years, the World Cup is broadcast live across the world, including the U.S., where we have been slow to adapt to the sporting phenomenon that has such a huge following in Europe and beyond. But it seems like the enthusiasm this year for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa has certainly spiraled – if the USA-England match on Saturday was any indication – as it was the fifth most-viewed soccer telecast in ABC history. It seemed that the U.S. did get lucky with a tie, but it certainly was fun to watch the game on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

But one thing that has struck me about the World Cup this year is how football, or soccer as we say, has truly become a globally-uniting game. I was not in New York City on Saturday, but the quick glimpses the cameras provided of people – of all ethnicities and ages, packed together on the streets and in bars watching the game – was incredible. All brought together by a soccer game being played halfway around the world. Even if you are not a soccer fan, I bet that you will tune into at least one game over the next month. It’s a nice change from too much negative press these days – sports not only make us feel better but instill a sense of pride, enthusiasm and camaraderie in people – especially when you see fans from all over the world come together in harmony (even if it is just temporary).

I’ve also noted the use of social media in these games. Joseph Blatter, the president of FIFA, set up a Twitter account a few days before the World Cup started and told fans to send him comments and questions about football or FIFA’s work – and that he would answer as many inquiries as he could. While I am not sure he was ready for the uproar from fans wanting the vuvuzela banned from games, he did attach a human face and personality to the World Cup and this is sure to ring well among fans. @FIFAcom was also created to bring direct updates from South Africa. The response has been tremendous and it’s fascinating to see how fans are not only coming together in-person but online as well. If you happen to be at work during a game, you can watch the coverage online or you can follow a specific hashtag for your favorite team to get minute-by-minute, play-by-play updates – it’s almost like you’re at the game! It’s pretty spectacular if you think about how many different ethnicities and time zones are driving these conversations that so many are following.

Lastly, the visibility inside the South African culture provided by the World Cup is really the most important aspect of this event. Less than 20 years ago, South Africa was banned from the World Cup because of apartheid, so to see a nation that has bonded together for the better is truly amazing. Even though Nelson Mandela was not able to make the opening ceremony due to the loss of his great-granddaughter, it was clear that South Africans are extremely proud of how far their country has come and were thrilled to host the World Cup games.

If you didn’t get to see Saturday’s game, tune in this Friday at 10 a.m. ET to see the U.S. face off against Slovenia. Go USA!!!