For a professional athlete, the day of a World Cup starts with the team gathering in the dining area at the predetermined time for breakfast. A nutritionist decides the buffet offerings, specifying the types and amounts of food each player can consume. Morning routines typically include training sessions on the field, often conducted within the team’s lodging facilities.
Afterward, lunch is tailored to meet each player’s unique physiological requirements. The afternoon is reserved for gym workouts and, if needed, recovery massages, alongside strategic meetings led by the coaching staff and video reviews of upcoming opponents. Evenings involve shared dinners, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for conversations and games like cards and dominoes. Finally, a light snack concludes the day before players recharge for the next, and the next, and the next.
Occasionally, the daily agenda includes varied responsibilities such as press conferences, exclusive interviews, and content creation for FIFA. Matchdays involve taking the bus to the stadium, playing the game—possibly followed by mixed-zone interviews—and returning to the team base, with flights added to accommodate games in different cities.
Reflecting on my experience at the 2022 World Cup, I continue to cherish those memories while yearning for another opportunity. However, I must emphasize that the World Cup demands every bit of dedication and focus a person can muster. With such a packed schedule, it can be challenging to truly immerse oneself in the “World Cup atmosphere.”
The travel to airports, the drives through city streets to the stadiums, the hours spent close to fans inside the arena, and witnessing hundreds of supporters from around the globe waiting for interviews profoundly shape a player’s understanding of the World Cup’s significance. Moreover, social media offers glimpses of fellow countrymen gathering to support the national team. When you consider the pre-tournament preparations, it means enduring countless days of strict schedules, where every moment is accounted for. But I am not one to complain.
I am not suggesting that the life of a professional athlete is filled with constant hardship. Being part of a national team during the World Cup is a remarkable and unforgettable experience. It’s crucial to recognize the privilege that comes with such an opportunity. Yet, this privilege does not come without its challenges. Achieving the necessary level of performance—regardless of club, division, or national team—requires a daily battle against the temptation for prolonged rest and relaxation. When the body leans toward laziness, the mind must steer it back. If the mind strays, the body must remain steadfast. Should both succumb to complacency, faith becomes essential in maintaining the mindset and attitudes that drive success.
This year, as I undergo treatment for my right knee, I have experienced the competition from a different perspective, noticing aspects I previously overlooked. The United States has become a focal point for global football events in recent years and will likely continue to be. The 2024 Copa América and the 2025 Club World Cup are set to take place in the US, and much of this World Cup is occurring here. With the 2028 Olympic Games also scheduled, the country is poised to host yet another Copa América.
While I am in the United States for the World Cup, anyone traversing through cities and commercial districts will observe that engagement with the matches often exists in isolated pockets of excitement: vibrant celebrations within the stadiums, a buzz in the immediate vicinity, and visiting fans flocking to popular tourist attractions.
Conversely, life outside these energetic hubs remains largely unchanged for many Americans. The hours of operation for shops, museums, and other locales have mostly stayed the same. There is no widespread excitement surrounding the World Cup. I do not imply that this is inherently good or bad; rather, it is simply a different experience for us Brazilians, for whom the World Cup is an occasion for grand celebration, extraordinary moments, and a reaffirmation of our identity.
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