It is painfully obvious, most people stop reading my blog after the first few sentences.
Honestly… I don’t blame them!
Why would they read about travel or retiring an EXPAT if that is not in the plans?
We also all consume different content these days. Some like cooking, car shows, fishing etc content instead of travel!
I would also rather watch or listen instead of reading so, I am trying different avenues.
I added YouTube and a podcast to my website in addition to the blogs.
The podcast link can be found on the homepage in a couple places!
Here is the YouTube version of this blog!
Here is the blog version:
I have to admit, I was never much of a soccer—football to most of the world—fan.
But with the 2026 World Cup being hosted by my three home countries—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—I’m genuinely trying to get into it and cheer them all on.
I even had a little help along the way.
Between ChatGPT and borrowing a few observations from the television commentators, I can almost sound like I know what I’m talking about!
The more I watch, the more I appreciate just how passionate the rest of the world is about this sport.
Will I ever become a die-hard soccer fan?
Probably not.
But I have to admit, watching World Cup matches with thousands of passionate fans—especially in Mexico—has been a pretty amazing experience.
So, for the next few weeks, you’ll find me cheering for Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
And if I accidentally sound like a soccer expert…
Just remember where I got my coaching!
I Watched Three Full Soccer Games… and Somehow Enjoyed It, kinda!
Anyone who knows me knows I can barely sit through a full soccer game.
Yesterday was different.
I watched three complete World Cup matches.
I guess miracles do happen!
Canada vs. Switzerland
I’ve followed the progress of the Canadian men’s team for several years now, and I knew the entire country would be tuned in.
One of Canada’s biggest stars, Alphonso Davies, is from my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, which makes it even easier to cheer them on.
Canada lost the match, but they sure made it exciting at the end after conceding an unfortunate go-ahead goal earlier in the game.
The good news is they’ll be playing their Round of 32 match in Los Angeles, and Davies is expected to return from injury soon to give the team a huge boost.
Just reaching the Round of 32 is another milestone for Canadian soccer.
It almost sounds like I know what I’m talking about.
Truth be told, I’m mostly repeating what the television commentators told me!
Brazil vs. Scotland
Brazil was up next.
Whenever Brazil plays, they’re usually the favorite, so I figured it was worth watching.
They won 3–0, and after watching them play, I completely understand why they’re considered one of the world’s best.
Their pace, skill, and ball movement were on another level.
Mexico vs. Czechia
This was the game I was looking forward to the most.
After all, I was in Mexico.
You could feel the excitement all over town.
People were wearing jerseys everywhere, and the atmosphere was electric.
Of course, I never need much of an excuse to head down to my favorite local watering hole.
Watching Mexico play while sitting beside the ocean with an ice-cold Indio in my hand sounded like a pretty good way to spend the evening.
I’ll admit it…
The first half reminded me why I don’t usually watch soccer.
Nil-nil.
Not much happening.
Then the second half started.
Mexico came out flying.
You could almost feel the energy from the home crowd in Guadalajara pushing them forward.
Before long, Mexico scored.
Then they scored again.
Final score…
Mexico 2.
Czechia 0.
USA vs. Turkey
This game is today (the next day)
Sorry, no sorry but, I do not need to hear about the miracle on ice again this year!
Somehow, they find a way to slide it into every single game no matter the sport.
The Knockout Stage Awaits
Canada.
The United States.
And Mexico.
All three of my home countries have advanced to the Round of 32.
The excitement keeps building as they continue their World Cup journey while doing an incredible job hosting the tournament.
Canada’s next match will be in Los Angeles.
Naturally, I checked ticket prices.
The cheapest single ticket I found was close to $2,000 USD.
I think I’ll remain a television fan!
Then I checked a neutral-site match in Mexico.
Using my Volaris annual flight pass, I could fly to Guadalajara or Mexico City for under $100 USD each way.
Now that’s a little more tempting.
Honestly, I’m not even sure I need a ticket to the game.
Just being outside the stadium, surrounded by thousands of passionate fans during a World Cup knockout match, would probably be an unforgettable experience.
We’ll see.
There’s a small chance I make it happen.
If I do…
You’ll definitely read about it here first.
Until then…
Let’s go Canada, USA, and Mexico!
You’re making all three of your countries proud especially where my heart is, Canada.
They appear to be slight favorite going into the match! 🇨🇦
