The 2026 World Cup recreated some special memories.
Because just like I remember 2002, when Robby Worrell and I would play soccer in the backyard, pretending we were Ronaldinho and Ronaldo…
I’ll remember playing soccer in the backyard throughout this summer with Charlie and Jack, pretending we were Messi, Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal.
And just like I remember 2006, when I spent the mornings playing FIFA and afternoons watching Zidane and a young Cristiano Ronaldo…
I’ll remember this summer when the kids spent their mornings making World Cup crafts before we spent our afternoons in downtown West Chester watching Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland.
Just as I remember blasting “Wavin’ Flag” in the car during the summer of 2010…
I’ll cherish the memory of Jordan and me blasting “Wavin’ Flag” in our minivan all summer long.
Just like I remember leaping into Justin Orton’s arms when Landon Donovan scored his legendary goal against Algeria…
I’ll remember leaping into Jordan’s arms when Malik Tillman scored his legendary goal against Bosnia.
Just as I remember the highs and lows of watching Team USA with my fellow Camp ACAC counselors at Stadium Grill in 2010, and with my Conshy friends at the Boathouse in 2014…
I’ll remember experiencing those same USA highs and lows with the Minutillos throughout this summer.
Just as I remember the blast I had watching the 2022 Final at Kildare’s…
I’ll remember the slightly different, but still awesome watch party we had for this 2026 Final.
And just as I remember marveling with my parents at Messi’s magical moments through the years…
I hope my kids remember marveling at Messi’s magical moments with their parents.
There was one thing, though, that made this World Cup different from every one before it.
I got to attend a World Cup match.
And I’ll never forget the day Mikey and I spent dancing, chanting, laughing, cheering, and making friends at Croatia vs. Ghana in Philadelphia.
A big thank you to Danielle for generously hooking us up with the hospitality experience.
Maybe when the World Cup heads to Portugal and Spain in 2030, we’ll find a way to be there again.
But until then, I’ll be holding onto these memories.
And I hope these World Cup memories will do for my kids what those earlier World Cups did for me.
I hope they remember the soccer we played in the backyard.
The legendary players.
The songs we blasted in the car and the friends and family we cheered alongside.
Maybe this is the beginning of their own collection of World Cup memories and their own love for the game.
Because 32 years from now, I hope they’re telling stories about the summer of 2026…
And recreating these memories with their own kids.
The Janiec Reflection 