World Cup watched without TV underscores humanity’s need for sport

A columnist reflects on the FIFA World Cup, describing how watching the tournament with the television turned off still provides a sense of purpose and community. The piece links the event to broader themes of capitalism, nationalism, and the human search for meaning, suggesting that the simple act of playing or following football can “heal” and give hope amid societal turmoil.

The author cites personal memories of playing football after long work days and uses the World Cup as a metaphor for resilience, arguing that the sport offers a continuity of spirit even when other institutions fail.