WOW. It’s been a whooole lotta football. I may never say “soccer” again. Every match reminded me of somewhere I've wandered, wondered about, or hope to set foot someday.

It seems like eons ago the 48 countries began the first 72 matches. I’ve watched a ton of them and every game has felt like an opera of triumph and tragedy, complete with riveting backstories, human drama, and full-on stadium engagement consistently delivering pure electric energy.

Usually, in any/every sport, I root for the offense. But this World Cup, I’m tracking my bracket with advancement predictions based on my nicest travel experiences. My personal favorites don't always match the standings...but there was plenty of overlap. Of the 32 teams that advanced to the Knockout Stage, 23 were on my “Knocked Me Out” traveler list – for an accuracy rate of 72%. Not too bad.

Knock Outs that Knocked Me OUT

Mexico: I declared 2026 the year of Mexico and its delivering, on the earth and on the playing field.

El Chepe railway through the Copper Canyon (five times the size of the Grand Canyon!) Hermosillo (Doggos!) and Mexico City (the Zocalo, curanderas,  Danza de los Voladores, archeological treasures, and Frida Kahlo forever.) Oaxaca (the most culturally Indigenous of all Mexico’s 32 states, street opera, even a fellow fire dancer on the cathedral plaza.)

Past visits to Isla Mujeres (working with the Bead Ladies Cooperative), Cozumel (meeting life-inspiring friends), Cancun (surprisingly awesome plus an incredible Mayan museum), Rocky Point (so many visits with Mom and family) and Nogales just down the road round out the memories behind this top pick.

Netherlands:  I have a humongous crush on the Dutch and now, even moreso.
Beyond the canals, art, and architecture, what I remember most is opening my big paper map on a street and, from the corner of my eye, watching multiple Dutch residents make eye contact with each other, wordlessly deciding who would help me. I could open that map and watch the Dutch turn toward me like magnets, then one would ALWAYS step over to assist.

Switzerland: Swiss splurges and sweet views.
For the forever-remembered chunk of Swiss cheese eaten as slowly as possible while gazing at that majestic landscape through a train window. (A never-regretted splurge for a 20-something solo traveler on a ridiculously tight budget.)

Brazil: A 50th Friendaversary
For a 2023 celebration of a 50-year friendship in Rio and Iguazu Falls. My travel companion and I had been best friends since we were four years old. Those iconic mosaic sidewalks and on the last day, finally hearing Girl From Ipanema!

Germany: The Wall Came Tumbling Down
1989. The wall had just come down and small, graffiti-covered pieces of it were for sale on tarps everywhere. Nearby, a crane was hoisting celebratory bungee jumpers. I’d never had the chance before, and didn’t know when/if I would again,  so I spent an entire week’s food budget for a jump – my first and last.

Belgium: Edible Art and Reflections Perfections
For the artful shell-shaped chocolates, streetside seafood and fresh food displays on ice (like walking through a market art gallery). For the easy calm quiet of Bruges (blue skies and still canals perfectly reflecting picturesque rowhomes).

Spain: Spain and Spain Again and Again
For Barcelona. A city I visited every week or so in the summer of 1992 (for it’s hostel with a hot egg for breakfast, free laundry and rooftop clothesline). For GAUDI oh my rods and cones GAUDI I am so excited to see his masterpiece park once again, later this year on an Abraham Hicks Law of Attraction trip.

France: Towering Architecture and Revered Rockstars
For Paris, (a place I visited “every other day” with Berlin alternating, because of the perfectly timed overnight sleep opportunity on the train between the two). For carrying a piece of paper and a peeled crayon in my jacket pocket for weeks to make a rubbing of Jim Morrison’s gravestone.

Argentina: I Fell for the Falls
For their view of the Iguazu Falls, (so unbelievably different from Brazil’s). That’s the extent of my Argentina, and I’m so glad to have experienced one of the world’s greatest natural wonders from both perspectives.

Colombia: Community, Creativity and Connections
Ohhhhhhhhh Medallin. A visit with my collegiate and lifetime Bestie on our way home from the Galapagos. Perfection. For Comuna 13 (its colors, history, transformation to present and prosperous future). Unbelievable. For the cable cars, Botero sculpture and for meeting Marisol and Alonzo (and hopefully visiting them in Bogota next year!)

England: Merry and OLD, Indeed.
For London 1989 with your tiny streets, Lee Ho Fooks (accidentally rediscovered under a new name, in 2025!), and everything seeming SO SO OLD, highlighted by my hilarious travel companion and love, continually identifying everything in terms of BC and AD. “Christ drove that Peugeot!” That line is forever in my memory.

United States: Hospitality Over Headlines
I’m celebrating the hospitality the towns and cities have shown to visiting World Cup teams and fans. I’m incredibly grateful for the healing beyond the headlines thanks to US citizens and visitors from around the world making meaningful connections that transcend politics. It’s been an amazing respite and breath of fresh global air.

The 12 Advancing as “Group Runners-Up"

Canada: My Second Favorite (and also beloved) Neighbor
My first international trip, hosted by the Toronto family of my first college love. We visited galleries, parks, Casa Loma, the family cabin where my opal ring disappeared – only to be found two days later tucked into a tiny mouse nest lined with soft threads, a silver jack, shiny gum wrappers and a few cat food kibbles I still picture that clever Canadian mouse snatching it from my bedside table and carrying it down the hall to hide in the couch. So fun.

Morocco: So Glad for 2017 and See You Again in October!
Oh Morocco I love you for as many reasons as there are polished lamps in the medina. For wandering for hours every night through Jemaa el-Fnaa. For memorizing in advance, then dancing traditional dances with the transgender performers to their great surprise. For the 11 or 12 year old girl I danced and danced with, and I taught how to Monkey Walk as we strolled through the square. For the moment when, at the end of our first dance, her delight bubbled over and she picked me up off my feet and spun around and around. I could hear her laughter blending with the swirling sounds of drum circles, singing, calls of vendors. The lights wooshed by, blurred and distorted by tears filling my eyes because I was HERE AND NOW.  More than ever before, 100% fully PRESENT IN THE MOMENT. 

Japan: My Deepest Bow of Appreciation
Oh Japan, for your societal harmony. For knowing I was a blundering bull in a china shop but you gracefully welcomed me everywhere. For Amerikamura. For my dear friend Yuko, (a superfan of my silver smith mentor Alex Streeter). For our many adventures together here (Tucson) and there (across Japan). For Kyoto’s accidental 50-foot Buddha. And for the onsen culture forever!

Egypt: There are no words (or, alternately, there are a lotta words.)
Sherif! My companion and guide through Cairo, the Pyramids and Alexandria – a 1:1 experience in 2021, thanks to Covid clearing his schedule. We played “Law of Attraction” to such success and so many little miracles we were both shaking our heads. Alhamdulillah!

We explored the National Museum nearly alone. We ducked and dodged through the city taking every form of transport (including his first subway ride with a tourist and his surprise tuk tuk – we positively careened through those narrow arched alleyways!) We tracked down every snacks and foods on my list and shared hookah overlooking the Mediterranean sea in his favorite lounge (serendipitously HIS first visit with the lounge OPEN in over a year of Covid.

I always book a hotel with a rooftop view and I try to time my trips with a full moon (unless it’s a northern lights or stargazing adventure). Watching the moon reflect on the Nile is burned into my memory forever. Right up there with random travel moments was popping over to the Four Seasons where my friends Elizabeth and Jamie were staying for a little “Oh let’s meet in Cairo shall we?” ridiculous serendipity! Interestingly enough, Sherif’s son has moved to Tucson! Welcoming and helping him settle in a bit was a great privilege to repay a fraction of the hospitality from Sherif.

While I was there I saw firsthand the country’s (and Sherifs!) passion for their very own Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s superstar. I’ll be watching the Egypt matches wearing Mo jersey I brought home with my Egyptian treasure trove.

Norway: Midnight Sun and Modern Art
For the long, long train to the Midnight Sun. I intentionally bought a copy of The New York Times so I’d always remember reading a newspaper outside at midnight. I’m so glad I did. Oslo knocked me out too - particularly Vigeland Sculpture Park. So modern, so different to see an exultation to all stages of modern human life. (Photos framed and on my walls for 30+ years.)

Austria: What's in a name?
My visit here felt like a homecoming, I’ll always claim Andreas Hofer as an ancestor - a legendary folk hero famous for rallying peasant militias against occupying forces. Hofer is a marvelous name, meaning someone with a small farmstead, which is exactly how a grew up. A synchronous life right down to my name, coming full circle in Austria.

Portugal: 30+ Years in the Making
Portugal is a sneaky addition because I’m super duper excited to finally see it in 2026 as my “Country of the Year.” Now that I’ve caught up to my age in countries, I can savor re-visits and take in at least one new one and hold steady! I’m so glad now that I oddly missed it in the summer of 1992 during my European whirlwind. I cant wait to try salt cod, pastel de nata, and vinho verde (green wine) while listening to Fado! The checkmark will be part of another Law of Attraction workshop trip.

Croatia: Shhhhhhhh... Croa-shhhhhh-a!
What a shocker this country was. No wonder it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets. So gorgeous, easy to explore and filled to the gills with sights and tastes (including squid ink risotto which may or may not be tried again) luring me back.

The remaining four are places I’ve not yet visited but hey, for a complete report and to give these teams credit for earning their spots in the World Cup....

South Africa’s Kruger Park has been on my short list since Kenya (wow those flights are high though). I’ve always planned to snorkel the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (again, $$$ flights!) As for the Ivory Coast and Cape Verde, neither was on my radar - but I think the world is now officially aware of (and in love with) Cape Verde, the little country with a huge heart!

Best Third-Place (8) 
Sometimes just sneaking through is enough. Travel has taught me the same thing. This group of 8 includes countries that barely advanced and places I'd happily revisit tomorrow.

Ecuador: Darwin's Dream
For the Galapagos. So much, but particularly snorkeling with my college bestie with two seals twirling and swirling between, under, above and around us will never leave me. Swimming with hammerheads, seeing rare giant tortoises with unbelievably long necks, and meeting Santi, my forever friend and collaborator on A Nice World’s Galapagos pendant raising funds for animal rescue on San Cristobal island.

Paraguay: Un cafe con leche por favor!
My memory of Paraguay cracks me up because it’s truly ONE memory. Our driver/guide on the Brazil 50 Year Friendaversary trip was aware that I am a flag chaser and surprised us with a “pop in” to the country for a coffee and famous pastries at “My Grandmas House” café. Too cool. Coffee in Paraguay? Don’t mind if I do.

Sweden: It's a Small World After All
I loved Sweden but my favorite moment happened on a side street in Stockholm. For some reason, throughout the summer in Europe, I’d heard my name called, but always in my imagination. But this time when I heard my name from far away, it hit differently. “HOF! Jill! Jill Hofer!” This time it was REAL.  It was Dezzi. Chris Desmond. My friend from college – the inspiration for my summer. When he said he was going to travel it rang a bell – if this guy from small town Midwest USA can do it – maybe I can too! And there he was, completely unplanned. Not the Roman Coliseum. Not the Eiffel Tower, but a side street in Stockholm. SMALL WORLD. A

Not yet visited from the Best Third Place Group…

Every traveler needs a few blank pages left in the passport and I love imagining these future stamps in mine.

Ghana is high on my list because it inspired my first custom country pendant (complete with indigenous stones and hand-carved rivers), donated to a Diaspora fundraiser.  As for Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo and Bosnia and Herzegovina – all fun to watch and even more fun to consider these offbeat (for me) travel possibilities!

As for the countries I picked that didn’t make it…

South Korea for your street food markets and for pulling yourselves together so QUICKLY after martial law was declared, 4 days before my arrival. What I thought would be a simple stop en route home from after Japan turned into a miracle-at-the-buzzer and an odyssey of temples, cuisine and so many moments of kindness.

Turkey: Thank You Turkish Airlines!
For the serendipity of the Turkish Airlines two-day Layover program (on the way home from Kenya and Tanzania) and the incredible sights all in crazy easy walking distance. For your cats and the friendly hospitality at every turn. For the blue head scarf that made its way to me magically after I wanted one so badly. For intentionally starting to eat a traditional (Simit) street pastry in Asia, eating it slowwwwly while crossing a suspension bridge to finish it in Europe. What a fun way to remember a street treat!

Panama: A Walk Across Another Bridge
Another miraculous pop-in. When bad offshore weather in Costa Rica turned the snorkeling murky, my guide and now forever What'sApp pal Karla pulled a rabbit out of a hat. Thanks to a long-running strike ending THE VERY DAY prior, we were able to whisk off to Bocas del Toro for some of the best shallow water snorkeling of my life. Clutch win for a Panamanian passport stamp!

Scotland: A Someday Second Home? 
Oh Scotland. A thousand words could be written about Edinburg, my thrifted silver Doc Martens, the ease and friendliness, the lucky moments and being in the Abraham Hicks hot seat at a Law of Attraction seminar. Your Tartan Army has won over the country and I hope that benefits you but doesn’t price me out of the market if I ever make good on my threat to make Edinburg home. Until then, Eliza House forever!

The World Cup has wild cards. So does travel. 

I can’t wait to see how the brackets (and the rest of my 2026 travels) unfold.

Gosh I just never want it to end. Alas though, tomorrow I’m heading out to explore a more familiar part of the world: a heart shaped journey through the Midwest US for a trip down Besties Memory Lane.

First stop: Pittsburgh to see Tim and Bonny for the first time since 2012 and meet their son who is the EXACT age as Tim was when we met. That’s a trip. Then on to Cleveland for Rick and Mindy with a side of Craig, Yazz and Rude Brad for Kent nostalgia from my MBA days which included a zillion amazing concerts. I have a secret stash of custom made T-shirts for Rick’s new band the Drecking Crew and I hope he doesn’t read this blog before I surprise him!

Next comes Cincinnati to family and besties Jack (since Ball State in 1989) and Constance, a dream of a pal and his wife what a bonus,  plus seeing their kid whom I love and is now the age Jack was when WE met. Time is too weird. Then the impetus for the entire trip, a Tennessee-bound convoy to a cabin in the woods to be wrapped in the arms of family as we celebrate my first nephew’s return from the Army after many many many tours. We are so incredibly lucky.

I’m so grateful that travelling the world has taught me to appreciate a Midwestern toodle to friends and family as mush as exploring the side streets of Osaka or the safari trails of Kenya. Because while places are so amazing, it always comes down to the people.

While there I’ll be catching snips and bits of the World Cup along the way, but my days of having every match playing on Telemundo while I multitask are behind me. Somewhere along the way the tournament became less about football and more a celebration of travel, culture, and the unforgettable moments and friendships collected around the globe.

As much as I've enjoyed the competitions, I realized my bracket was never really about football. It was about people. The ones who offered directions without being asked. The special locals and fellow travelers who became lifelong friends. The girl who spun me around a square in Morocco, shared tea and hookah in Egypt, surprised me with pastries in Paraguay, and the many pals I’m messaging on Facebook, Instagram and What’sApp with our excitement over their teams in play. These are the victories I keep track of. And in the great big game of world travel, everybody definitely wins.