​The New York Knicks and Las Vegas Knights are world champions in their respective sports, after the NBA and NHL finals that were both thrilling and lived up to the hype. Now, with those events behind us, what do avid sports fans and even the casual observer have to do during the long, hot summer months?Thankfully, the soccer – oops, I meant fútbol! – gods have given us the 2026 World Cup. Enthusiasts around the world stop to watch the same spectacle, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches over 39 days across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs an American sports fan, this tournament can be a little uncomfortable. First, the sport itself, while growing in popularity in the U.S., is not typically top of mind. We can also be pretty fickle about sports that we don’t dominate. Granted, the U.S. women’s team has won the Women’s World Cup four times. However, the U.S. men’s team, while competing valiantly on the World Cup stage, has never won the title.This year, under the direction of Coach Pochettino, the USMNT finished first place in Group D and defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout-out stage. The team was then bounced out of the tournament after a lackluster performance in the Round of 16 against Belgium.Their tournament was not without drama, as Folarin Balogun received a red card suspension and was supposed to sit out the match against Belgium. After a call from President Trump, FIFA overturned the decision and the U.S. striker was reinstated. Overall, the USMNT made us proud and gave the country players to cheer for and moments to remember.So, with the U.S. team gone, can Americans still appreciate what my childhood fútbol hero, Brazilian legend Pelé, described as the “beautiful game”? The artistry and global passion for the sport are unsurpassed.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn Nashville, we are fortunate to have several professional sports teams, and Nashville SC is one of my favorite experiences. The fan base is diverse and represents all of the city. The games burst with energy. Two hours of rhythmic drumming and cheering fuel the team. The enthusiasm is infectious.Opinion: This legislation can fix the US’s soccer talent pipeline We live in a dangerous world where bad people are looking to enrich themselves and subject their will on others. But the World Cup gives us an opportunity to focus on what is good about human nature. We can compete without killing each other. We can witness greatness. These are truly some of the best athletes on the planet, and they are representing their countries with great pride and dignity.No matter which team wins, the world is better off competing on the field (oops, did it again, I meant pitch) than on the battlefield. We need more soccer and less war.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd even though Team USA is no longer playing, there is still plenty to cheer about.Defending champion Argentina features Lionel Messi, who