Why every FIFA World Cup feels like the greatest ever

The article argues that every FIFA World Cup feels like the greatest ever, driven by both technology and personal memory. It describes how advances in cameras, analysis tools, and faster statistics—along with VAR’s detailed scrutiny—make newer tournaments seem superior, citing examples such as performance graphics showing a midfielder covering 11.3 kilometers and VAR’s ability to examine a toe. Yet it also stresses that what people remember is often themselves: family stories, shared explanations of offside, and the emotional connections formed while watching. The piece references World Cups and iconic moments linked to different eras, including 1990 with Diego Maradona, 1970 with Pelé, 1986 with Maradona, 1998 with Zidane, and 2022 with Messi. It concludes that nostalgia edits out the uneventful parts, so each new tournament gains an automatic “best ever” verdict. It also notes the role of high-profile figures in off-field decisions, including the example of a president’s red card being reversed.