I normally review books here, but sometimes the world hands children a lesson that doesn’t come from a page. This is one of those times.

When do world wide events enter the consciousness of children in the early years and what impact can it have on their view of themselves, the world around them, culture and justice?

Canada is one of the host countries of the FIFA 2026 World Cup and the City of Vancouver is a host city.  For many months now children in the Lower Mainland have been immersed in the excitement of the upcoming festivities, from the banners on the streets, to the buses with soccer ball “noses” and to our beloved Science World being turned into a massive football, the signs have been everywhere.  Also, for some children this is nothing more than a dream come true, the world’s biggest sporting event being played in their own neighbourhood, the potential of soccer superstars being right on their doorstep, the dreams of young Canadian children to one day play on this biggest of stages – It’s all right there, within their reach.

So, what is it about this game, these players that are so appealing?  I can’t and won’t speak to the organization FIFA, that doesn’t enter the children’s realm aside from the understanding that this is the FIFA World Cup and perhaps some knowledge of the video game.

 What attracts the children? Is it because their parents are interested, that they root for a particular team because of their heritage? Is it the simplicity of the game and how easy it is to pick up a ball, gather some people and play a game?  Is it because they know these players, Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, and now perhaps Eustaquio? Do they perhaps see something of themselves in them?  

I think that one of the things that has been most prevalent so far in this World Cup is the coming together of people.  People are filling the streets, waving their flags, singing their songs, being proud of their heritage and they are being joined by people from other nations doing exactly the same thing, and showing love for each other in the process. Our children are  recognizing the joy of celebrating heritage without being at odds with someone else because of theirs.  They are witnessing and recognizing that celebrating one’s heritage and identity  does not diminish another’s.  They have a front row seat to thousands of people celebrating different cultures side by side. 

Or am I being too idealistic?  And what does this mean in the long run? Does it perhaps mean that children can begin to understand that I can think differently than you, I can look differently than you, I can eat differently than you, but you are just as important as me.  Your opinions, perspective, religion and country may not be mine, but they are just as valuable and important as mine in the world. Can our children perhaps learn that a difference in opinion and perspective does not need to be a conflict, that if we consider another’s perspective and perhaps be willing to make some concessions that maybe the outcome would be better?

Many may think that young children do not yet have the capacity to comprehend the elements of social justice at play here, that they are not yet capable of distinguishing the elements of fairness and identity.  But I believe that they are noticing and questioning and they need capable and brave adults to walk alongside them, hear their voices and honestly engage in their dialogue.  When children wonder about the rules of a game, why the adults playing the game are not playing by the rules, how are we prepared to answer those questions? Are we willing to engage in conversations about passion and drive but also fairness.  When a child asks why everyone can’t win, are we ready to speak about skills, rules and perhaps even the luck of the day?  Are we prepared to enter into the difficult conversations about losing and validate  the feelings of sorrow and disappointment and are we ready and able to relate these concepts to our own lives?  I think we need to, I think that is how we are vulnerable and real for our children.

I can acknowledge that global events such as the World Cup do not come without controversy and that there may be very many valid arguments for and against such things, but I do wonder if we can allow this event to be one which is a celebration of connectedness and belonging.  My hope is that at the end of the World Cup, that our children will remember that fairness matters, identity is important to all and that differences are something to celebrate rather than fear.

Author – Jayne Bucknell, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada