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Why Everyone Cares About This World Cup

Explore episode Jun 29, 2026
Society & Culture
The Diaspora World Cup: You Can Be Two Things

Why Everyone Cares About This World Cup · Jun 29, 2026 Society & Culture

Tarek Panja met Farouk, a Jordanian immigrant who has lived in the US for 46 years and was heading to Dallas to watch Jordan play Lionel Messi. He beamed about what America gave him, then said 'Jordan is my love.' The World Cup is proving you don't have to lash yourself to one flag.

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The Diaspora World Cup: Farouk and Being Two Things at Once

At 13:10 · chapter starts 12:40

As the World Cup unfolds alongside America's 250th anniversary celebrations — many of which have become tied to and contentious around President Trump — Tarek Panja points to the tournament as a parallel, less divisive expression of American identity. This country is a patchwork of people, built on everybody, he says. The World Cup's entire diaspora dimension is proof. He meets Farouk, a Jordanian immigrant who moved to the US 46 years ago and is heading to Dallas to watch Jordan play Lionel Messi. Farouk beams about everything America gave him — opportunities, children, a life — then says quietly: 'Jordan, it's my love.' He calls watching Jordan play at the World Cup 'the proudest moment of my life.' You can have that duality, Tarek concludes. You don't have to lash yourself to one flag.

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