THE FUSE

The World Cup 2026 is officially here, which means it's time for my favorite pregame ritual. If you've ever watched the opening ceremonies of a soccer match, you've probably noticed this sweet detail: the players always walk onto the field holding the hands of kids, who are dressed like an adorable little squad themselves. Or maybe you've seen one of the many videos that's gone viral, featuring a cute moment between a young fan and a soccer hero as they stand together on the field. Regardless, it always makes me tear up. There's something incredibly pure and heartwarming about watching the younger generation escort their heroes and roles models onto the biggest global stage.