The Theatre of the World Cup
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Watching the World Cup reminded me how sports can bring strangers together. For a few weeks, Los Angeles felt friendlier, conversations came easily, and a sense of community emerged—until the final whistle reminded me that even the best moments of camaraderie don't always last.
How the World Cup turned Los Angeles into a friendlier place
The television in the dubbing studio kitchen. The young man standing in line at Burger Lounge. The mammoth screens on either end of Magnolia Boulevard.
Everyone in Los Angeles has been watching the World Cup.
I've watched quite a few games myself.
These past few weeks have changed the feeling of this city. A camaraderie has emerged. It feels as if Los Angeles has become one big theatre lobby, where strangers can't wait to talk about what they've just seen.
During this World Cup, I found myself having conversations with strangers about whatever match happened to be on. At one of the dubbing studios I frequent, I got to know a few directors and engineers I'd never really spoken with before. Even when we were rooting for opposing teams and watching France lose to Spain, there was friendliness and openness.
People in Los Angeles are cordial, but there isn't much small talk. Community can be hard to find.
It made me wonder what our world would look like if every day felt a little like the World Cup.
What if people treated one another with that same respect?
Theatre Where You Least Expect It
I watched the final between Argentina and Spain. Even though the teams seemed evenly matched, Spain proved to be the stronger side.
I was a little sad the World Cup was over.
Then I watched Argentina pick a fight with Spain afterwards
For a brief few weeks, it felt like the world had remembered how to get along.
I guess that was asking a little too much.
Pilar Uribe is a bilingual actor and voice talent, delivering dramatic & nuanced performances across animation, feature films, television, streaming, and radio. Follow on Instagram and YouTube for more...