World Cup Brings Brief Respite from War and Hardship for Yemeni Fan

For Adel Mohsen, a 56-year-old football enthusiast from Mukalla, Yemen, the World Cup is more than just a sporting event - it's a cherished ritual that has brought him joy and comfort for over four decades. Despite the country's ongoing war and economic hardship, Adel has watched every World Cup since 1982, often defying the odds to do so. This year's tournament is no exception, with Adel facing power cuts and fuel shortages that have made it difficult for him to watch the games. However, he has found a solution by watching the matches at a local stadium, where a giant public screen broadcasts the games. Adel's love affair with football began in 1982, when he was just 12 years old and watched the World Cup on television for the first time. He remembers the tournament vividly, recalling the names of the players and the stadiums where the matches were played. Over the years, Adel has continued to watch the World Cup, even as Yemen has faced numerous challenges, including civil war and economic instability. For Adel, football is a much-needed escape from the hardships of everyday life. 'I see sports as relief from hardship,' he said. 'People ask why we talk about football when there are so many problems. What do they want us to do - commit suicide? Sports give us a brief escape from all the hardships around us.' Adel's determination to watch the World Cup is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and provide a sense of hope and joy, even in the most difficult of circumstances. And as for his prediction for this year's winner, Adel is backing France to take home the trophy.