After years of anticipation, the World Cup has finally arrived on U.S. soil. For the players, it’s an opportunity to be etched into soccer immortality as they battle for the game’s most prestigious prize.

I myself am not playing in this World Cup. But as a professional soccer player of Cameroonian and Malagasy descent who plays in America, this tournament has brought me immense pride. It brings me pride to share the game that has given me community, security, and fulfillment with an American audience that is discovering and embracing the sport. And it brings me pride to see so many African players making their mark on the world stage. 

The opening matches have already upended expectations. Cape Verde, a nation of half a million playing in its first World Cup, held the reigning European champions, Spain, to a scoreless draw in Atlanta. Then, they took a point off Uruguay (another former World Cup Champion). Egypt led Belgium before holding on for a 1-1 draw, then beat New Zealand 3-1. Morocco, a semifinalist four years ago, drew with Brazil while outplaying them for long stretches, then dominated Scotland. And Folarin Balogun, born in New York to Nigerian parents, scored twice in the United States’ opening win, a reminder that African talent shapes this game far beyond the continent’s own teams. None of this is a fluke. It is the latest evidence of something the rest of the world has been slow to price in.

But beyond the game lies a bigger, more important fight, one that involves the........

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