July 2, 2026

How Is the World Cup Similar to What We Do?

By Liliana De Lima
IAHPC Executive Director

Many of you know that the FIFA World Cup is currently taking place. Held once every four years, this edition is hosted by not one but three countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It is also different from previous tournaments: for the first time, 48 teams are participating, more than ever before.

For those who have watched matches, clips, or highlights, the images are powerful: thousands of fans cheering for their teams, singing, celebrating, and bringing their cultures and traditions to a global stage.

I am not a die-hard fan. I know many (like my husband) who are, and I admire their dedication and knowledge. Some days, they can spend endless hours watching soccer matches: they can remember names, scores, and current standings. But I do enjoy the spirit and enthusiasm that the event generates every four years. 

As a fan of football (or soccer, as it is known in the US), I recently found myself thinking: How is the IAHPC similar to the FIFA World Cup? Of course, I am not directly comparing IAHPC with the International Football Federation which is a huge, very wealthy organization. I am comparing the spirit and ethos of the World Cup to our work to alleviate serious-health related suffering.

At first glance, they may seem to have little in common, but there are some similarities. Both the IAHPC and the World Cup bring together people from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds around a shared purpose. Just as the World Cup unites nations through the universal language of football, the IAHPC connects healthcare professionals, organizations, advocates, patients, and caregivers through a common commitment to advancing hospice and palliative care worldwide. In both, we come together as members of a global community striving toward something that we feel very passionate about.

The World Cup is about teamwork, collaboration, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in the field. Similarly, the IAHPC fosters international cooperation, knowledge sharing, networking, and advocacy for palliative care integration. Through our work, people learn from one another, exchange ideas and best practices, celebrate achievements, and build relationships that transcend borders.

Perhaps most importantly, both the World Cup and the IAHPC remind us that despite our differences, we share common values and aspirations. Whether through sport or through palliative care, a sense of belonging is created, inspiring hope, and strengthening connections among people around the world.