22 July,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
New Jersey Stadium during the FWC final. PIC COURTESY/@FIFA
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente drew sharp criticism after the favourites drew 0-0 with Cape Verde. The same fans applauded his long-term vision when the Spaniards lifted the World Cup trophy.
Lesson: Trust the process. Remember that consistent behaviours over time usually produce the best. Ask yourself, "Am I doing the things that give me the highest probability of success?" rather than, "Did it work today?"
For 38 days, from June 11 to July 19, fans set aside their differences to cheer their teams standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
Lesson: For HR professionals, this is a lesson in community-building. The World Cup works because every person feels part of something larger than themselves. Culture is not built by posters or e-mails of appreciation. It is built when people feel, "I belong here, my contribution matters, and we are building something together."
After several Egyptian players were yellow carded in their quarter final against Argentina, Egypt captain Mohammed Salah stood between referees and his players to avoid a brawl.
Lesson: Employees often feel unfairly treated during appraisals and workload distribution. Unpleasant knee-jerk reactions can damage your credibility. Professionals must learn to pause, document facts, and raise concerns professionally.
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears after the team's loss in the final, admitting, "It hurts my soul."
A distraught Lionel Scaloni after the final. PIC COURTESY/FIFA on youtube
Lesson: Feeling emotional after a significant victory or defeat doesn't indicate weakness, it often reflects how deeply someone was invested. Showing genuine emotion can demonstrate authenticity, strengthen relationships within a team and remind people that even at the highest level, we are still human. Ultimately, mental strength is the ability to perform effectively despite experiencing emotions.
Cape Verde's dark horse journey in the World Cup is a reminder for young professionals who begin their careers without strong networks or elite education.
Cape Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha. PIC COURTESY/@VOZINHA1
Lesson: The African nation did not enter with the pressure of reputation, but with the freedom to prove themselves. Instead of feeling invisible, employees at the bottom of the corporate ladder can use their position to experiment and learn fast.
PIC COURTESY/@erling
Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland (above, in pic) became close friends during their time at German club Borussia Dortmund. During the high-stakes quarterfinal between England and Norway, the two maintained the spirit of friendship.
Lesson: Respect should not disappear when competition begins. In workplaces, friends may compete for promotions, incentives, leadership roles, recognition or business opportunities. Avoid gossip, jealousy, comparison and emotional manipulation. Celebrate others when they win, and learn when they perform better.
Marcelo Bielsa. PIC COURTESY/@uruguay_en
Uruguay's 70-year-old manager Marcelo Bielsa made headlines for his repeated tiffs with younger players, and reportedly favouring players who had played under him previously.
Lesson: Loyalty and experience are valuable, but they cannot replace current capability. Many corporate teams suffer because managers keep depending on senior employees or favourites, even when younger or newer talent is more prepared, energetic or relevant for the challenge. Favouritism is short-term convenience for the manager, and a long term hazard for the company.
Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate Julian Alvarez. PIC COURTESY/@afaseleccion
Lionel Messi was one of the few World Cup heroes who enjoyed setting up goals as much as scoring them.
Lesson: Confidence isn't about needing to be the hero every moment. Professionals who are secure in their abilities don't measure their value by personal statistics.
Maithili Bhuptani and Sneha Taori
They recognise that trust and shared responsibility make teams more resilient. It also reduces pressure on any single individual.
Information courtesy: Maithili Bhuptani, sport and exercise psychologist, and Sneha Taori, corporate coach
