Lessons from Watching the FIFA Worldcup

  •   Sun, Jul 19 2026
  •   By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ
July 19, 2026
 
Once upon a time, TGIF stood for Thank God It’s Friday, but now, during the FIFA World Cup, I came up with a new acronym: TGFO, which stands for Thank God Football’s Over.  While I did steal the concept, I must say I enjoyed every minute of it; however, it is a relief to see it come to an end.  What are the lessons the World Cup taught me? 
 
Self Comes Last
 
You can’t win tournaments without the best players. A beautiful goal is a direct result of a team effort where the player is passing the ball to the player, who is also encouraging and helping him in the same way that day to accomplish that beautiful goal. 
 
Preparation Over Reputation 
 
When the World Cup is about to start, there were favorite teams and then there were other teams that have little chance of winning. But then the favorites are out of the tournament, while the less-known teams may reach the final. In this season, known teams are in final. 
 
Failure Is Not the End
 
The tournament consists of missed penalty kicks, surprise defeats, and emotional exits, but the best teams learn from the experiences, regroup, and come back stronger than before. Similarly, life has setbacks. One setback does not determine our future unless we let it.
 
Discipline Wins Championships
 
The goals we see in news reports are a result of years of practice. Success grows from a consistent training routine before being achieved during an amazing moment. Regardless of our profession, disciplined work is essential to being successful.
 
Everything Has Its Season
 
The final lesson is perhaps the most important. Every tournament ends. Stadiums fall silent, celebrations fade, and the trophy finds its place in a cabinet. Life moves on.
 
That is why I can now happily say, TGFO—Thank God Football's Over! Not because I disliked it, but because it reminds me to return to the more important game called life. There are people to love, responsibilities to fulfil, dreams to pursue, and God to seek.
 
Football gave us excitement, unforgettable memories, and moments of inspiration. But its greatest gift may be this reminder: enjoy every game, celebrate every victory, learn from every defeat—and when the final whistle blows, step back into life with renewed purpose.
 
 
By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ
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Comment on this article

  • Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ, Puttur/Bangalore

    Sun, Jul 19 2026

    Yes, LIFE is more important than Football. Having enjoyed FIFA World Cup so far, now it is time time to turn to LIFE more seriously and responsibly. LIFE should go on. Thank you Fr Ajay D'Silva for this message. Congratulations.


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