In Jewish tradition, when someone dies, we say, may his — in this case, his — memory be a blessing. 

Grant Wahl’s sudden death at the World Cup in Qatar came as a devastating shock. May his memory be a blessing, in particular to his wife, their family and their many friends.

Now, as your Jewish friend, because — without getting too deep into theology here — the Jewish way is to concentrate on the life we are living here and now and, especially, as arguably the most significant of events in our calendar reminds us, to think about how we can do better … all of you who were so quick to rush to judgment, to publicly speculate about, suspect, accuse or, worse, condemn the Qataris of the very worst in connection with Wahl’s death, you owe them, the Qataris, an apology. 

Ten thoughts — and a bonus extra, too — about the World Cup, now that the United States team is headed home.

1. The U.S. team made it through to the round of 16. So what?

This does not, looking toward 2026, when the World Cup will be (largely) played in the United States, herald some crazy breakthrough for soccer in this country.

If you’re a soccer geek, you’re already a soccer geek. The rest of America mostly cares about world-class soccer only when it’s a big event, like the World Cup. Americans like big events. This is why the Olympics draws big ratings, too.

What America really cares about is football. American football.