FIFA, Pride, and the Gift of Another Day

If you've known me for any length of time, you probably know two things about me: I love people, and I am proudly Congolese.

This year's FIFA World Cup has been one of the most emotional sporting events I have ever experienced. For many people, it's "just soccer." But for those of us who grew up in countries where football is woven into the fabric of everyday life, it is much more than a game. It is identity. It is hope. It is a community.

This year was especially meaningful because the Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time in decades. The last time our nation appeared on the world's biggest stage was in 1974, when our country was known as Zaire.

That is over fifty years.

For many Congolese—including me—this wasn't simply about making the tournament. It represented perseverance. It reminded us that sometimes dreams take decades, but they are still worth pursuing.

As long as you are breathing, there is still an opportunity to change your story.

Whether your goal is healing from trauma, strengthening your marriage, pursuing your education, starting a business, restoring your faith, or becoming the person God has called you to be, don't let the passing of time convince you that it's too late.

Keep going.

Make each day count.

One thing I love about the World Cup is how it unites people. During Congo's matches, I watched families gather around televisions, restaurants fill with cheering fans, social media explode with pride, and people wear our beautiful colors and celebrate our music, food, and culture.

I can't speak for every Congolese person in the world, but I can honestly say I saw something beautiful. Everywhere I looked, people were expressing the same thing:

"I'm Congolese, and I'm proud."

I know this because I felt it myself. Then I opened social media and found thousands of others expressing the exact same joy, excitement, and pride. For a brief moment, we weren't divided by where we lived or what language we spoke—we were simply one people celebrating together.

That kind of unity is a gift.

Sports also remind us that joy and heartbreak often live side by side.

When your team wins, it feels like you're on top of the world. When they lose, the disappointment can be surprisingly real. As a therapist, I find this fascinating. I still don't fully understand the science behind why we become so emotionally invested in sports, but I know it's real. If you're someone who understands the psychology behind sports fandom, I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts.

Today, I'm grieving because my country has been eliminated from the tournament.

I'm sad.

But I'm also grateful.

Grateful that, for a few unforgettable weeks, something beautiful united millions of Congolese people around the world. We laughed together. We celebrated together. We dreamed together.

Some of my favorite memories from this tournament will stay with me for years.

The first was hearing the Spanish commentator on Peacock enthusiastically yell, "GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLL!" every time someone scored. I don't know how they hold that note for so long, but I'm impressed every single time.

The second was celebrating Congo's victory over Uzbekistan with my brother. We jumped up, gave each other high-fives, and celebrated like children. It was one of those simple moments that becomes a lifelong memory.

Those are the moments that matter.

As I continue reflecting on what 2026 has been for me personally, I'm choosing to embrace the good, the difficult, and everything in between. Life is rarely all joy or all sorrow. More often, it's both at the same time.

The World Cup reminded me that disappointment doesn't erase gratitude.

Loss doesn't erase hope.

And endings often prepare us for new beginnings.

So here's my encouragement to you.

Find the things that bring people together.

Find the things that make you laugh.

Find the things that remind you who you are.

Find the things that help you use your voice.

Celebrate your culture.

Celebrate your family.

Celebrate your progress.

And remember that every new sunrise is another opportunity to become the person you were created to be.

To my fellow Congolese: thank you for reminding the world who we are.

To every soccer fan: thank you for showing us how deeply hope can unite people.

And to everyone reading this: whatever season you're in today, don't stop believing that change is possible.

As long as you are breathing, your story is still being written.

With gratitude,

Fani Mwasiti, MSW, LCSW-A

Founder, Grace Therapy PLLC

www.gracetherapists.com