20/07/2026
The FIFA Men’s World Cup is over, and we’re super happy to say ¡Felicidades, España! to the very deserving winners. But what can we learn from the last five and a half weeks?
Whether you’re about to start your student journey at ESCP or you’re already well into your career, there are lessons for everyone…
Be open to new cultural experiences. While football is a huge part of life for co-host Mexico and somewhat popular in Canada, for the USA it was far more of an unknown. For the curious who embraced the tournament for the first time, it opened a whole new world of sport to enjoy - not to mention the cultural connections from hosting fans!
Be sure to step out of your comfort zone when you can, because the unknown may become the best discovery of your life!
Norway qualified for the first time in 28 years and made it all the way to the Quarter Finals. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you have belief, faith and support. Ro! Ro! Ro!
But success is NEVER just about merit. The World Cup reminds us that not every team starts from the same place. Countries compete with vastly different histories, resources, and opportunities. The same is true in education and professional life. Recognising unequal starting points should not diminish achievement - it should encourage empathy, humility, and a commitment to creating fairer opportunities for everyone.
But Cabo Verde reminds us that even on an unequal playing field, anything is possible.
After every match, the Japanese fans picked up all the rubbish around the stadium seating. Whether it’s on the micro level (doing the same after class or in the student lounge) or the macro (your environmental impact as you go through life), be more Japanese.
Rules should apply equally to everyone. The controversy surrounding political intervention in a FIFA disciplinary decision is a reminder that institutions earn trust when they are seen as fair and independent. Whether in sport, business, or academia, credibility depends on decisions being based on principles rather than influence.
And if you find yourself in an unfair situation, try to approach it with resilience.
Celebrate milestones until you reach your goal. Th