Thoughts about the World Cup

I am a Japanese-Brazilian person.

If you think this is an odd way to start this text, let me explain: today, 29 June 2026, is the World Cup match between Brazil and Japan.

I don't really care much about football (also known by some peoples as "soccer") myself, so I haven't been paying much attention to how the competition is unfolding.

It's true that I casually want Brazil to win. I'm a Brazilian after all, and this should be a no-brainer. However my belief is simply, "whoever plays best should win". Additionally, if Brazil wins, this means they get to play more, and every day Brazil plays is a free day from work.

Anyway, there are no "easy games" in the World Cup: while some countries have a longer tradition in the sport than others, I think it's wise not to underestimate your opponents, whoever they are.

However, I dread the amount of "casual" racism I'll experience in real life and over the internet. Football can bring out the worst in some people, and while they believe it's all just a funny joke, I really don't think so.

For starters, this is a sports match; I don't need to be randomly reminded of the war crimes committed by Japan. First, because I'm literally living in Brazil and work a job and pay the taxes like any other Brazilian. Second, because there are proper places to address these serious matters, and a football match is NOT this place. And finally, because that's just racist.

Root for your favorite team and cheer when they score a goal, but be respectful and sportsmanlike. I'm literally not responsible for a whole country's political mistakes, nor I think that jokes about my appearance and upbringing are funny.