Sixteen years ago, while I was living in Dublin, I vividly recall the electricity of the 2010 World Cup when Spain clinched their first title. Working for the Spanish Search Quality Team gave me a unique perspective; I felt an immediate and profound connection to that victory. The celebrations were truly unforgettable in Dublin. It was a moment of immense pride. It was wonderful to step out into the streets and celebrate with friends whose bonds remain even today.

Fast forward to 2026, and they have done it all again! This time around, Spain proved themselves once more, fielding an absolutely superb team that appeared even stronger than their 2010 counterparts. The final match, which I had the privilege to watch from Catalonian territory, was intensely competitive from the Spanish side: A nail-biting showdown against Argentina, a side already under widespread scrutiny for their behavior both on and off the field. In extra time, Spain secured a well deserved 1-0 victory.

And honestly, today those memories from 2010 are so vivid, and I’m happy again for my Spanish friends for such a well-deserved victory with such an amazing team. Campeones campeones, Oe oe oe, Campeones campeones, Oe oe oe…! 🇪🇸

Back in 2018 I wrote a short post about what I had always considered one of the structural quirks of Colombian democracy: presidential elections, held every four years, always collide with the Football World Cup. When Colombia qualifies, football takes center stage in the national conversation and the election campaigns have to fight for attention.

Today is May 31st — first round of the 2026 presidential election — and the timing is even tighter than it was eight years ago. The World Cup kicks off on June 11th, just eleven days from now. Unless there is a first-round victory, which looks unlikely since the leading candidate Iván Cepeda was polling behind the threshold back in April, the runoff will take place on June 21st — right in the middle of the group stage. Colombia's third group match, against Uzbekistan, is on June 17th. Colombians vote again four days after that.

We need to focus on this election — it's so important! But honestly, I have a feeling the country is going to get distracted again, pulling attention to 'mi selección'. Seriously, some things just never change. 🤦‍♂️