You may notice that I do not criticize individual countries, political parties, or individuals on this blog (unless there is a direct connection to Christianity). That is not its purpose. The blog is intended to be completely non-political and to be devoted to the teaching ministry of the Church. That does not mean that I cannot praise countries, political parties, or individuals.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup games there have been many
positive things: great attendance and enthusiasm, the attendees seriously enjoying
themselves, pleasantly surprised positive reactions to actually experiencing
the United States, and highly competitive game play with no obviously
overmatched teams.
Something not directly related to soccer (aka football) has
stood out to me. At the end of all of their games, the Japanese fans have handed
out plastic bags and cleaned up all the trash from the stands! What else needs
to be said?