The match was the headline attraction, but it was not the whole story. Students reportedly moved between football stations, cultural activities and performances, giving them opportunities to meet classmates they may soon see every day.
For younger pupils, the occasion offered the excitement of a World Cup match. For the district, it was a carefully planned way to make an uncertain transition feel more familiar.
Five elementary schools in the district are reportedly set to close, with pupils expected to join new school communities. Maria Cortes of the YMCA described “muita incerteza para quem vai estudar em uma nova escola” - a lot of uncertainty for children preparing to start somewhere new.
The report says organisers had spent months discussing how to support students affected by the changes. Letter exchanges between schools were introduced, while mixed football groups encouraged friendships before the next academic year begins.
Dámaris Cuffy, a senior programmes analyst, reportedly said the event was designed to give students a safe place to discuss their fears and expectations. That matters because school mergers are not only logistical decisions; they reshape friendships, routines and a child’s sense of belonging.
Football’s value here lies in its simplicity. A ball creates an immediate reason to cooperate, communicate and compete without requiring introductions or shared history. Cultural performances added another layer, allowing students to see their future classmates beyond the pitch.
The next test will come when the new school communities begin taking shape. If the friendships made around Mexico, South Africa and a set of football stations survive beyond the event, the initiative may prove that football can be a powerful first step toward belonging.