17/06/2026
This World Cup has been absolutely fantastic to date.
What has impressed me most is not the traditional football giants, but how much the gap between the established powers and the emerging nations has narrowed. The expansion to 48 teams has not diluted the competition—it has enriched it.
The debutants have been remarkable. Cape Verde, Curaçao and Jordan have shown that they belong on this stage. Their performances have demonstrated that football is truly global, and that even smaller nations can compete with the very best.
Asian football has also announced its arrival. Teams such as South Korea, Iran, Japan and Australia have gone toe-to-toe with some of Europe's traditional powerhouses, proving that the old assumptions about football hierarchy no longer hold true.
I feel one of the moments that captured the spirit of this tournament was Cape Verde's heroic draw against Spain. Spain created wave after wave of attacks and reportedly generated 27 scoring opportunities, yet Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha produced a masterclass between the posts, frustrating one of the world's most talented attacking sides and helping his nation secure a famous result. It was a reminder that heart and determination can overcome overwhelming odds.
Of course, it is unfortunate that off-field issues involving immigration matters surrounding Uruguay and Iran have overshadowed the football itself. Without these distractions, the tournament would have been even more memorable.
Perhaps my favourite lesson from this World Cup is that age is not a barrier to excellence.
Too often society assumes that once a person reaches their forties, their best years are behind them. Yet football continues to prove otherwise. My favourite players remain Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both are now in their forties, yet they continue to inspire millions with their professionalism, fitness, leadership and passion for the game.
And then there is Lionel Messi.
At 39 years old, just one year shy of 40, Messi continues to redefine what is possible at the highest level of football. His performances this morning have been nothing short of exceptional, including scoring the first hat-trick of the World Cup. At an age when many players have long retired or moved into less demanding leagues, Messi remains one of the most influential players on planet Earth.
Greatness is not determined by age; it is sustained by commitment to excellence.
In a world increasingly obsessed with youth, these footballing legends are sending a powerful message: experience is an asset, not a liability. The lesson extends beyond football. I hope that policymakers and society should recognise that capability, productivity and leadership do not suddenly disappear at forty. In many cases, they are at their peak.
As Henry Ford famously said, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."
Satchel Paige put it another way: "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"
This World Cup reminds us that old does not mean obsolete. Wisdom still matters. Resilience still matters.
And perhaps employers should take note that talent and commitment do not suddenly disappear at forty. Sometimes, the most valuable people are those who have spent decades mastering their craft.
With retrenchments in Singapore at concerning levels, I hope employers can take a lesson from this World Cup. Experience and resilience still matters. Before letting go of older employees, consider what they bring to the table.
This World Cup has reminded us that old does not mean useless. Sometimes, experience is the difference between success and failure.
