This Thursday, June 14, all eyes will be on Russia and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Every four years the world comes together (or separate) to celebrate the most popular sport in the world. Naturally, I will root for the Colombian national futbol team. It was four years ago at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, that I cried that very moment pictured above.
It was in 2014 when Colombia advanced the farthest in their history at the World Cup; they paced 5th during the Quarter Final in Brazil 2014.
Well here we are four years later and while tensions may be high politically, we can only expect the best from the World Cup.
According to FIFA.com:
The 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony will have a slightly different format compared to previous editions of the tournament. This time, the ceremony will focus on musical acts and will take place much closer to kick-off, just half an hour before the start of the match, which is scheduled for 18:00 (local time). One thing will remain the same, however: the underlying theme of celebrating not only football but also the host country, this time with a touching performance by one of Russia’s most acclaimed young voices, Aida Garifullina.
Here are some fun statistics about the World Cup:
- South America has hosted five World Cups (Uruguay hosted the first competition in 1930)
- North America has hosted three World Cups (with Mexico hosting twice)
- Brazil has the most World Cup wins at five, followed by Germany and Italy at four
- Only European or South American teams have won the world cup so far
- Only United States and Turkey are the only teams (outside Europe and South America) to have finished 3rd in world cups
If you’d like to get deeper into statistics, BBC.com has provided these seven charts which may or may not help you predict a winner.
Who are you rooting for?!
(Image Source: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images South America)
The Professional Latino 
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