Where this was said
The Diaspora World Cup: Farouk and Being Two Things at Once
At 14:30 · 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.
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.
Iran is playing World Cup matches in Los Angeles while in active military conflict with the United States. This is the first time in the tournament's history that a team has been in military conflict with a host nation. The Iranian players had to stay in Tijuana, restricted to entering the US for one day at a time.
