It is often said that soccer is more than a game. That truth was evident as I joined residents at the Bruckner Boulevard shelter in the Bronx to watch Senegal take on France in the World Cup. In the United States, the culture of soccer has long been carried by immigrants — people who have brought their clubs, traditions, and love of the game with them from around the world. Many of the residents at Bruckner know what it means to leave one home behind while seeking refuge in another, and the immense challenges that journey can bring. For just a few hours, the match offered something more than entertainment. It offered humanity, reprieve, and a momentary break from hardship. Most importantly, it offered community. For so many people around the world, that is what makes soccer the beautiful game.