All you need is a ball.
No matter where you’re from, soccer is the same wherever you go. The World Cup brings the shared language of the sport to the biggest stage every four years. Over one billion viewers – roughly 15 percent of the world – saw the 2026 finals.
Sam (right), a resident at Gabriel Homes, saw nearly half of the 104 matches played in the 2026 World Cup. At the beginning of the tournament, Sam was glued to the TV for the afternoon contests. Reuben Sidifall, a senior residential counselor at Gabriel Homes, put the games on when his shifts started. Residents tended to unwind alone when they came home from their jobs or programs. Only Sam added the tournament to his evening ritual.
“Team USA was great this year, and all the players were fun to watch. I started cheering for Spain once the U.S. lost. The game against France was very exciting.”
Shared Interest in the 2026 World Cup
Throughout the year, Reuben (left) often turns on soccer when residents get home from work. After moving to the United States from Liberia, Reuben brought his adoration of soccer to Gabriel Homes.
“Soccer is the most popular sport back home. The rules are simple and the game is easy to understand. Soccer is growing in the U.S., so I like seeing residents like Sam enjoy something I’m passionate about.”
Team USA at Home
Many residents and staff took pride in Team USA’s 2026 World Cup victories on home turf. Sam especially enjoy seeing Team USA play in stadiums he knew from watching the Washington Commanders. When he learned that the finals would take place at MetLife Stadium, only a few hours away from his home in Reston, Sam summed it up in one word: “Wow.”
Four Years Until the Next One
Sam is still excited to watch more soccer following the World Cup, although he doesn’t root for any team or player. For him, the best matches have lots of goals.
“I’m a little sad the World Cup is over,” Sam said. “The next one will be fun, but we’ll need to wait four years. I’ll be the first to watch the next World Cup!”