I Believe That We Will Win

By John Kass

June 28, 20264

Those old wives know many things, from truths like “breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck”  or “if your left palm itches, you will lose money” and some that are certifiably true, like “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks””

I am an old dog, having just turned 70 years old. But  I have a new song. It’s a great song song written in 1998 by a young midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, future Navy pilot Jay Rodriguez. It is simple and direct and overwhelmingly positive. It is the American song sung by millions and millions of American soccer fans at the 2026 World Cup:

I believe that we will win. It’s our song.

It is only six words long. That’s it.

We are not an old soccer nation in decline like the United Kingdom, desperately clinging to an HBO promoted belief in knights in armor and fantasy fire-breathing dragons ridden by blonde women warrior queens. The Britons are overwhelmed by anti-Christian colonists coming from the third world, as rape gangs assault their daughters and their own leftist government puts Englishmen in prison for daring to complain.

No. We don’t want that. We are a young soccer nation looking to the future and those six words carry us forward.

I suppose I could have written on other red meat topics as I try rehabilitating my body and mind. , like the one starring pinhead Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson blaming white racism for all of his administrative  failures, or the Democrats devouring their own party, swarming their leaders and the Constitution like carnivorous ants running downhill to grab a chunk of meat out of a living victim. And Sen. Charles Schumer whimpering at his loss of power and wondering why Barack Obama won’t save him from the communists that Barack has unleashed.

How does that one end?  The 1984 film “The Killing Fields” explains it and what awaits us. I promise you won’t like it.

Or the loss of American patriotism in a nation where we allow our children to be educated by the AWFLS, angry female leftists who hate America.

Remember that George Orwell understood these women, writing in his classic novel  “1984” that:

“It was always the women, and above all the young ones, who were the most bigoted adherents of the Party, the swallowers of slogans, the amateur spies and nosers-out of unorthodoxy.”

These are sad songs by people who’ve lost their way, weaklings like Senate Republicans, afraid of the Bolsheviks, and others who’ve been knocked down and won’t get back up to fight. That is not remotely American.

But I believe that we will win.

I am also loving all the world soccer fans falling in love with America. They’re not relying on the New York Times, CNN, or the equally leftist Chicago Tribune to learn about America. They see us with their own eyes.

 

And soccer fans are setting attendance records.

 

 

I looked back on to the columns I’ve written about the World Cup in the past and I don’t like them all that much. I was so defensive, so angry about those old men who hate the beautiful game for the lack of goals, dismissing it as a calisthenic . They can wax on about a baseball pitchers duel but hate on the beautiful game? Hypocrites babbling and working their jaws, like old geezer Joe Biden with thick tufts of white hair erupting from his ears and, drool running down his chin.

Years ago  I had been watching the World Cup. I  had the enthusiasm of a kid excited I was a generally new fan. My sons were playing the game. I was excited for them and for their dream and that’s what it is really all about, dreams. But now  there’s a professional distance that comes with confidence and control and this United States team  doesn’t just rely on hustle and anxiety and passion.

 

Like former US hockey player Mike Eruzione–captain of the 1980 team–I too believe in miracles. And I too believe that we will win.

 

-30-

(copyright 2026 John Kass(

About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.

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Comments 35

  1. I’ve only rooted for a Team USA loss once in my life – when the insufferable pink haired Megan Rapinoe of LGBTQ+ notoriety headed the equally fair minded lemming squad of AWFL America haters. I’m not a soccer fan, I am not watching, but I wish them well and will be happy WHEN they win! USA!!!!

  3. Well written, John! Clearly, your efforts at rehabilitating your mind are going great! I pray it’s going as well for your body. I’m not a soccer fan but I’ve been watching & it’s been so exciting. To see how all the foreign visitors love our country is heartwarming. I, too, believe we will win 🇺🇸🇺🇸⚽️⚽️

  4. To start, let me admit I’m not a soccer fan but I’m not a soccer hater. I hope the American team continues to do well and wins the cup because I’m an American and I support my country. I completely agree with your assessment of soccer fans from other countries enjoying visiting our country, culture and especially our people. I’m particularly fascinated by the Norwegian fans. They’re all over the place and appear to be having a great time I think they may be the most fun people on earth. Good luck USA.

  5. I join your belief, JK. Yes, our brave red-white-blue-and-free American guys can even beat those foot wizards from Argentina . . . I believe. And I’ll never again comment on the thrill of a nil-nil game . . . probably.

    Can we extend that belief to our over-achieving White Sox? I’d been believing in them just not losing 100 games again, but your triumphant belief feels much better. It’s like believing in Chicago somehow electing a mayor with a three-digit IQ. Let’s go, USA! Let’s go, Chicago!

  6. Great to hear from you John. Praying for your continued recovery. Admittedly not a soccer fan but rooting for team USA all the way. Maybe I’d like the game better if players (from all teams in all leagues) would stop pulling the Rodney Dangerfield “My arm is broke” routine every time they get touched…..

  7. Γιαννη,
    My spouse and I got hooked watching world cup soccer and were devastated at the the last second goal that cost USA the game! (We’re kinda use to it cause we’re also Cub fans!) I still feel for the south siders that now have the O “library” (aka temple to Allah) that thought this would somehow resurrect the neighborhood. Swallowed too much hopium I surmise. In any event, at 79, I still feel hopeful as you, that we will win…eventually, when the socialists and communists have depleted all tax revenue for distribution to the masses – which will happen if history is a reliable teacher! Ο Θεός να μάς φυλαξη! Glad to hear that voice of yours again!

  9. I have not watched a lot of it. The one game I saw, it seemed that the US is the only team that does not flop. Some touch fouls occur, in which it seems as if the “athlete” is going for an Academy Award. Now I know where Lebron learned it.

    I did see one goal in a US game that was truly beautiful. Crisp passing which led to a goal. Shocking the US has had soccer all these years and we have never been a force on the world stage. Kids starting playing when I was in high school back in the 1970s.

  11. Thank you John, it is nice to hear your voice again, may the Lord bless you with good health.
    The biggest ball I grew up with was a 16 inch softball. Things that looked like soccer balls were left in the closet for little tikes.
    I wish all the players well except for any pink or blue or green hair AWFIL
    Again, may you be blessed in your recovery.

  12. I’ll see you your AWFL’s, and raise you a CPAC conference. Grown men worshipping rich men who seek to gain wealth by exploiting others and being g just a divisive as “the left”, while clinging to a bastardized version of the Gospel.

    Left, right, Dem, Rep, two cheeks of the same backside. All of these cretins go to the same schools, belong to the same clubs and they laugh at us arguing over cultural issues they use to distract us.

    I see there is a woke right whom is using identity, race, religion to cry victim just as BLM did and running similar scams, only more brutal and even more deadly.

    They deserve each other.

    1. “Woke Right” is a pejorative term coined by neo-cons to disparage America-First, pro-Constitution, anti-corruption Patriots, and has found favor among Democrat Socialists. A couple of examples: Time Magazine’s article from 2024 “History Shows How Dangerous ‘America First’ Really Is”, and this term is often used by Israel First! “conservative” Mark Levin. The Democrat Party and RINOs are indeed two horns on the same goat. It is absurd to equate patriotic Americans with the radical Left scam organization BLM.

  13. You mentioned the AWFLS, John. I just had a good idea about how to deal with the AWFLS. I think they are sexually deprived and just don’t realize it. We should somehow supply them all with vibrators. I say “somehow” because funding might be a problem. But I would bet Donald Trump could find money in some corner of the federal budget to fund it. Maybe from FEMA, as this is a disaster.

  15. Never played soccer as a kid and have never been a fan, but when my grandsons got into it I realized what a difficult sport it really is. I would love to see the US team do as well as they can, and recognize what great athletes they are.

    My biggest “takeaway” from this tournament, however, isn’t the players, it is the fans, who have come here and have seen real Americans up close and personal. Not the nonsense that the (sic) “media” tells them about who and what we are, but rather who we really are, and it is refreshing. I wish them all welcome and urge them to have a great time, even the Scots who drank all of the beer.

    Glad you’re feeling better and that you are continuing to make your Greek ancestors proud.

  17. I’m not a soccer fan. I am however an American. I have enjoyed and am proud of the many who have come forward to state how they are enjoying America.
    I am chuckling at the fact that Ranch dressing is so popular that many are taking suit cases full home.
    My faith in man kind has been restored that many have come and seen the truth about our beautiful homeland.
    Yes we should always believe in miracles!

  19. Our family loves soccer and we are watching as many of the games as possible. It’s been fantastic to see the foreign fans enjoying themselves in America and celebrating things we all just take for granted. We have so much to be thankful for, and the visitors really get it! My only disappointment is that Italy isn’t represented. Go Team USA!! And Go Go Sox – what a great start to our summer, let’s keep that momentum going!

  20. Every Kass column is a blessing

    Thomas Paine portrayed, as only he could back in the day, America’s intoxicating native happiness.

    The Puritans did everything they could to snuff it, and now the Democrats. 250 years and happier.

    That’s our super power

  21. Thrilled you wrote a column about the World Cup. Not a huge soccer fan today, but played a lot of soccer when younger, and have been falling back in love with the “beautiful game”. But it is a real shame the World Cup isn’t in Chicago, and nowhere in the Midwest (Kansas City is not the Midwest). It is all over the rest of the country, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, New York, Boston, LA, Bay Area, Seattle, but not here. I think the bitter pill of not getting the 2016 Olympics gave the 2018 city leadership a jaded look at FIFA, because FIFA, like the IOC, is corrupt.
    Visiting foreigners posting on social media about how friendly Americans are, and they haven’t been to the Midwest! (doubt they know the real meaning of “bless your heart”.) In hindsight, we missed out.

  22. Great column John !
    As a lifelong fan of Bears and Cowboys, it’s inspiring to read about the incredible standing ovations Dallas fans are giving Lionel Messi.

    He’s scored 6 goals for reigning champion Argentina, extending his record as the men’s all-time leader in World Cup goals with 19.
    The Dallas crowds are erupting with the same awe and respect they have for NFL legends.

    Chicago soccer fans have a chance to witness his magic. Lionel Messi will return to Soldier Field July 22, as the Chicago Fire FC hosts Inter Miami.
    Chicago Fire is spectacular this season with Hugo Cuypers. But Miami holds the current MLS Cup.

  23. I wholeheartedly agree with the power of real human connections with “other” peoples in their countries. Outside of media and politician messaging. It works miracles.

    In most cases one finds the “other” peoples are surprisingly like ourselves – they care about raising their kids safely, giving them the prospect for a better life than they had, have crazy relatives that might drink too much, etc. etc. I found this out decades ago when I had the opportunity to meet Soviet soldiers who were on leave in a youth hostel. We broke bread and sang Beatles songs. They were good natured youths no different than myself.

    As for the US in FIFA this year, I believe! It’s fun. Just don’t ask me about the new “hydration breaks”…

  24. Between Dallas and Houston, millions of dollars in revenue will be split. Restaurants were full. Hotels filled. Bars and nighclubs were drunk dry. Everyone had a blast. What did Chicago get? Just like Charlie Brown on Halloween, Chicago got A ROCK. The Obama Museum opening ceremony. Every invitee to the opening went right to O’Hare and flew out on their private jet that same day. No revenue generated for the city. Not a nickle was spent in Chicago. All of the money that came into the city left the same day. Not a dollar was spent at any local business. As we all now know, the builders didn’t even get a rock. They got stiffed. Nothing says “The Chicago Way” like stiffing the guys that built your museum. Good to see Obama still has a grift going on in Chicago. Now Chicago’s stuck with it. How appropriate.

  25. Little kids playing soccer remind me of Charlie Brown cartoons with the kids in a dust cloud scrum roaming across the screen. Fun image for me.

    Go USA

  26. I’m going to go against the tide of commenters and say I AM a fan of soccer. I admit I rolled my eyes when my wife signed our daughter up to AYSO when she was 6 years old, and when her coach asked for a volunteer to be his assistant coach, I figured I might as well if my daughter had to play.

    And I discovered what a wonderful game it is. Every touch is the equivalent of one play in American Football. The typical soccer match has 1200 passes, each one is either on target to a teammate or intercepted by an opponent.

    After a couple of stints as an assistant, I was her head coach for 8 seasons. I was invested in learning the game to help my teams.

    Like John, I think it’s too bad that so many people equate low scores with lack of action.

    There’s a lot of action and strategy behind that action

    If you know where to look.

  27. I think the real lesson to be learned from having the World Cup in this country is WHAT A FRICKIN’ GREAT COUNTRY WE HAVE. Despite having beat into our heads with nonstop cadence from mass media about how terrible this country is, it has been soundly refuted. Foreign visitors are in awe of our dining options. American hospitality. Our people. The vastness of this country. Brazil is marching in Houston this morning. No stupid signs, no grievance. Brazil AND US flags being proudly displayed. IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY WE HAVE OR WHAT?

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