I’ll admit it.
I’m not really a soccer (or football!) fan.
Unless Ted Lasso counts.
But over the past month, something unexpected happened.
I found myself cheering.
First for Team Canada.
Then, somehow, wholeheartedly for Norway.
Because the FIFA World Cup isn’t really just about football. It’s about something every traveller understands: pursuing extraordinary experiences requires extraordinary commitment.
This year’s tournament featured 48 nations, more teams than ever before, competing across Canada, the United States, and Mexico in the largest FIFA World Cup in history. Just qualifying is an achievement. Reaching the knockout rounds means years—often decades—of discipline, sacrifice, resilience, and belief. (FIFA)
Canada’s journey made me incredibly proud.
The professionalism.
The integrity.
The passion.
The way they represented our country on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Yes, Canada’s remarkable run ended against Morocco.
And that’s sport.
Mexico battled before falling to England.
The United States lost to Belgium.
Portugal was eliminated by Spain.
Egypt’s dream ended against Argentina.
Colombia fell to Switzerland.
Brazil’s tournament ended at the hands of Norway.
And who wasn’t cheering for Norway this year? ❤️
Their fearless style, humility, and determination won fans well beyond Scandinavia before England finally brought their inspiring run to an end.
Now only four nations remain.
France vs Spain on July 14.
England vs Argentina on July 15.
The winners will meet in the World Cup Final on July 19. (Al Jazeera)
Watching the tournament also reminded me that sport and travel are inseparable.
Every team carries the spirit of home with them.
France makes me think of elegant river cruises along the Seine, Rhône and Bordeaux.
Spain? Small ship voyages through the Mediterranean and the spectacular coastlines of Andalucía.
England is the gateway to luxury ocean cruises and timeless journeys through the British Isles.
Argentina calls to mind Patagonia, expedition cruises, and Antarctica.
Norway? Home to HX Expeditions, dramatic fjords, and the birthplace of Viking.
Switzerland, Belgium and Portugal are all wonderful river cruise destinations.
Egypt offers unforgettable Nile sailings.
Colombia has just welcomed a brand-new chapter in river cruising along the Magdalena River.
Even Brazil—despite its heartbreaking exit—still promises one of the world’s greatest adventures: Carnival in Rio, the Amazon, the Pantanal, and remarkable expedition experiences.
Perhaps that’s what I loved most about this World Cup.
Every match became an invitation to dream about somewhere new.
So this week, get your adventure on.
Watch the semifinals.
Cheer loudly.
And when the final whistle blows, perhaps let that passion inspire your next journey—because the world’s greatest adventures don’t just happen on the pitch. Sometimes they begin the moment you decide it’s finally time to go. ❤️