The World Cup is for...

…the biggest players on the biggest stages.

…groundbreaking activations and historic corporate partnerships.

…Jake, 25, who has never seen a soccer game before but just received his first trust fund payment.

…enhanced security courtesy of the DHS.

…iconic goals.

…cross-cultural connection.

…the official FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace.

…sportswashing.

…breakout stars.

…The Trump Organization.

…paid watch parties.

…nervy penalty shootouts.

…being distracted at work.

…spending $2,000 on Panini albums. 

…relationism versus positionism debates.

…letting your 8-year-old stay up late to watch the end of the game.

…a soccer jersey for your dog, courtesy of Purina, the official pet care partner of U.S. Soccer.

…calling your relatives in another country.

…a landmark World Cup Final halftime show co-headlined by BTS, Shakira, and Madonna.

…targeted ads.

…revoked visas.

…torn ACLs.

…comeback stories.

…a man accused of raping someone in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.

…making the most of taxpayer funds.

…drinking cold beers out of a Miller Time MVP Matchball.

…camaraderie with the person sitting next to you on the bus, watching the game on their phone.

…the two people of color in Fox Sports’ 26-person match broadcast crew.

…ads during cooling breaks.

…filling out a bracket.

…Jason Sudeikis.

…NFL has-beens that need broadcasting jobs.

…walking to East Rutherford, New Jersey.

…seeing old friends.

…experiencing moments that will be burned into your mind for the rest of your life.

…referees, as long as they’re not Somali.

…fans, as long as they have the right passport.

…national team support staff, as long as they pass the mandatory 10-hour TSA screening.

…those with $2,108 to spend on a ticket in section 341.

…setting aside “politics.”

…ignoring pride month.  

…paying for a ticket, then getting a completely different one.

…receiving an email from mpochettino@ussoccer.com letting you know you didn’t make the cut.

…having your reusable water bottle confiscated.

…having to listen to the insufferable ramblings of Alexi Lalas.

…the catharsis of an unlikely triumph.

…sharing this month with billions of other people.

…finding new favorites.

…hearing an entire city cheer through your window.

…everyone, despite Gianni Infantino’s best efforts.