Something Worth Cheering For
I have a confession to make: I'm not a huge soccer fan. In fact, I'm probably in the minority of people who never played youth soccer growing up.
With that said, I love sports in general and every four years I find myself drawn into the World Cup. And this year, with the tournament taking place in North America, it felt like the perfect opportunity to cross something off my sports bucket list.
On our way home from Huatulco, Mexico, my son Ajay and I spent two extra nights in Dallas so we could attend the Egypt vs. Australia Round of 32 match. The game itself was great, an exciting game that ended in penalty kicks after the score was still tied at the end of extra time. But what left the biggest impression on me was everything happening around the game.
Hours before kickoff, thousands of fans filled the streets singing, chanting, waving flags, and proudly wearing their country's colors. Complete strangers hugged after goals. Drinks were sprayed into the air after goals were scored. And every chant echoed throughout the stadium. The energy was contagious and amplified our experience up to that point.
Watching a World Cup game in Dallas with Ajay
Earlier in the trip, we had watched Mexico win its opening match while we were in Huatulco and celebrated alongside local fans. We watched Americans embrace a sport that many (like me) only pay attention to every four years. We even found ourselves cheering for our friendly Canadian neighbors.
After the match in Dallas, something happened that perfectly captured the spirit of the tournament. On our flight home that evening, a group of Egyptian fans gathered around a few phone screens to watch the next match and find out who their team would play. Before long, others joined them, cheering and rooting as Cape Verde almost upset Argentina. Even one of the flight attendants stopped for a few minutes to watch.
It reminded me that enthusiasm is one of the most contagious forces in the world. And as leaders, we often underestimate it. How we show up and the experiences we create for our teams are among the most important parts of our roles.
The best leaders create moments people want to be part of. Moments that generate excitement, pride, and a sense of belonging. Because when people are genuinely enthusiastic about what they're doing, they naturally invite others into that enthusiasm.
I left Dallas thinking very little about the final score and more about what the World Cup represents to the people around the world. Different countries, different languages, different backgrounds. United by something they cared deeply about.
Great culture is built when people feel like they're part of something worth cheering for. So what are the people on your team excited to rally around? Is there a vision that inspires them? A goal they’re eager to chase? A mission that reminds them their work matters?
As the 2026 World Cup comes to an end on Saturday, I’m going to miss watching the games and all the excitement around this tournament. But I’ll continue to be reminded that people long to be part of something bigger than themselves. My hope is that organizations we lead become places that inspire the same kind of pride, enthusiasm, and belonging.
