As soon as we set foot in 2026, our hearts entered the field. And, every day, they hit harder: lineup made, Neymar in, figures repeated and June 13th almost here. Everyone ready to see the stars put on a show.
But it’s not just professional players who get the ball rolling. The largest number of left-wingers are at Wednesday’s match with friends. It’s a democratic space: it doesn’t matter who you pray to before bed, your height (Romário won’t let us lie) or the car in which you arrived at the camp. When the group steps on the grass (synthetic or not) or the court (concrete or sand) the problems go beyond the fence. It is true that matches, in addition to promoting friendships, can also generate enmity. It’s not a problem: any difference on the field ends after a sausage and a cold beer.
A side effect of fut for 40+ people is injuries. Mature ligaments were not made for dribbling inspired by Ronaldinho Gaúcho. Broken knees and ankles make orthopedists rich and fill physiotherapy offices.
But not all football lovers are kicking the ball around on Wednesdays. Some are getting hoarse in the stadium, rooting for their favorite team. Others are sitting in front of a TV (at home or in a bar), listening to the announcer narrate their team’s antics and, at the moment the goal is scored, jumping like Cristiano Ronaldo. In all these situations, there is no way around it, someone will come out happy, someone will come out sad (or so…). And the judge, inevitably, has a hot ear.
In Brazil, the love for pelota starts early. In fact, the first word of many Brazilians is “ball”. As she flies, our hearts take flight. Our dreams go further.
The fact is that, in 2026, it won’t matter who threw you a cart in a fight, who wiped out your team in the championship final or whether your best friend turned his back. In the World Cup, all Brazilians are on the same team, regardless of Wednesday’s shirt. Because the most beautiful shirt will always be the green and yellow one.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
