At last, four years later, the most beautiful game in the world returns to pit the best football players against each other and crown the nation that gets to lift the coveted golden trophy at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

This time the treasured tournament takes place on American soil, in the age of unprecedented technological innovation, President Trump’s second term, conflict in the Middle East and an immigration crisis which has sparked much debate recently especially in South Africa.

This year the World Cup is described as the largest tournament in history featuring 48 teams, however, much controversy has tainted the hype and joy the tournament is meant to bring to millions across the globe.

News reports have highlighted the insane costs of flight tickets, hotel accommodation, transport, visa barriers, security crackdowns all of which are compounded by the rising inflation rates and petrol prices that shows no sign of slowing down in the midst of the Iran war.

And despite our financial challenges, each World Cup that arrives carries breathless and iconic moments where homes, bars, are filled with friends and families who congregate on match days despite a busy week.

Through the ages, you’ll see the late nights, the snacks and beer bottles adorning the tables while fans shout at the top of their lungs upon hearing the net crack after a last-minute goal when all hope seemed lost.

Its wonderous to see sports’ profound effects to galvanise and pacify a crowd as if the players are the conductor and the fans are the orchestra, like our heartstrings are being plucked by every tackle, unfair referee call, skill or career-shattering injury.

Let’s not forget the poetry of the commentators who narrate and breathe life into these matches and immortalise moments as deftly as renowned broadcaster Peter Drury did when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the World Cup opener in 2010 and said: “goal for South Africa! Goal for all Africa! Bafana Bafana have popped the first cork! Sip Tshabalala!”

In 2022 Drury said this moment “transcended sport and meant so much for the world that this humble boy from Soweto scored the goal of his dreams”.

I can still recall the carnival fever that hummed in the air during the 2010 World Cup that graced our shores.

Shakira’s Waka Waka and Tkzee’s Bafana anthem serenaded the Cape those years.

I was in Grade 11 that time and recall fond moments debating with school friends about who we thought would conquer the cup and which players would make history.

Those years Spain’s first eleven seemed as impervious as Spartan troops whilst I supported Netherlands in the final, watching sadly in my bright orange top as Spain clearly outclassed the Dutch and escaped a red card, which could have been horrific injury for Xabi Alonso.

You’ll often hear excitement speaking with South Africans who recalled what it felt like travelling to games during the 2010 World Cup.

And yet these iconic moments of sheer entertainment still reverberate years later.

I can remember watching in disbelief, the greatest World Cup final in 2022 when Argentina and France battled it out till penalties and Lionel Messi finally silenced the critics and lifted the trophy in Qatar.

This tournament was also drenched in scandal and tragedy as many of the builders were enduring harsh working and living conditions and many died whilst constructing the stadiums.

Sadly it seems there’s always a dark cloud of mistreatment, violence and corruption blanketing each World Cup.

Recently a Somalian referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry to the US and prevented from officiating at the World Cup.

Research shows Somalia is one of 12 countries on a travel ban list introduced by America’s president Donald Trump last year.

Still I hope this year’s World Cup can still be a source of hope and community with different races, cultures and religions who can still appreciate a great match of football no matter which team we support or anthem we sing.

ALSO READ: ‘No man is an island, every man is a piece of the continent,’ poet, John Donne.