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Description

How can the World Cup contribute to international peace and understanding?

Young people will explore how sport can bring people together across countries, cultures and backgrounds, and consider both the positives and limitations of international sporting events.

Resources

* World map (or projected image)
* Football (optional)
* Sticky notes or small pieces of paper
* Pens

Instructions

# Introduction (3 minutes)

Hold up a football and ask:

> "How many countries compete in the FIFA World Cup?"

(Answer: over 200 countries attempt to qualify.)

Then ask:

* What countries can you name that have played in a World Cup?
* Have you ever supported a country other than England?
* Why do millions of people around the world watch the World Cup?

Explain:

> The World Cup is one of the few events that almost every country on Earth knows about. For a few weeks, people from different nations are all talking about the same thing.

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# Activity: Finding Connections (5 minutes)

Place a world map in the middle.

Ask each young person to write down:

* A country they have visited
* A country where they have family
* A country whose football team they like
* A country they would like to visit

One answer per person is enough.

Have them place their notes on the map.

Discuss:

* How many different countries are represented?
* Do we have connections all over the world?
* What might happen when people meet supporters from those countries during a World Cup?

Key point:

> The World Cup reminds us that people from different countries often have more in common than we realise.

---

# Small Group Discussion (7 minutes)

Split into patrols or small groups.

Give them the question:

### "How can the World Cup help create peace and understanding?"

Ask them to come up with as many ideas as possible.

Possible answers:

* People learn about other countries.
* Different cultures are celebrated.
* Fans meet people from around the world.
* Countries compete without fighting.
* Players from different backgrounds work together.
* Shared experiences create friendships.
* Sport provides common ground despite political differences.

After 3–4 minutes, gather ideas.

Then challenge them:

### "Can the World Cup ever cause problems?"

Possible answers:

* Rivalries can become hostile.
* Racism and discrimination sometimes occur.
* Political disputes can continue during tournaments.
* Hosting events can be controversial.

Explain:

> Sport does not solve every problem, but it can create opportunities for people to meet, understand one another and build respect.

---

# Reflection Activity (3 minutes)

Ask everyone to stand in a circle.

Say:

> Imagine you are meeting a supporter from another country at the World Cup.

Go round the circle and ask each person to share:

**One thing they would ask them about their country or culture.**

Examples:

* What's school like where you live?
* What food do you eat?
* What sports are popular there?
* What traditions do you have?

Explain:

> Peace often starts with curiosity. When we ask questions and listen to others, we begin to understand them better.

---

# Closing Thought (2 minutes)

Read:

> The World Cup is a competition, but it is also a reminder that people from every corner of the world can come together peacefully, celebrate what makes them different, and enjoy what they have in common.
>
> Winning a trophy lasts a moment. Understanding another person can last a lifetime.

### Take Away Question

> If you could invite one young person from any country in the world to join your Scout troop for a day, where would they come from, and what would you like to learn from them?

Tags

• Football World Cup
• peace
• Scout Values

Badge Links

• Global Issues - Sporting Event
• World - Values