Silence descends, everyone gathered around holds their breath. There is a collective gasp before the room erupts with cheers. Goal! This is a scene repeated in living rooms, bars and anywhere people congregate where there is a television in countries all over the world.

The FIFAThe Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football. World Cup, hosted this year in QatarA small country on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia. Like its larger neighbour, it has experienced rapid economic development but maintained strict conservative religious codes., sees 32 teams competing across 64 matches. It is set to be the biggest World Cup in history - half the planet will watch at least some of it. And it is not just thrills and spills, it is seriously good for us too according to experts. Here are the top four ways:

Personal.  This World Cup has been one of the most politically charged football tournaments in a long time. There has been controversy over LGBTQ+ and women's rights in the country as well as criticism over the deaths of migrant workers involved in the construction of the stadiums and the environmental impact of the tournament. Despite this the media coverage will raise awareness of the human rights issues surrounding the World Cup. It has prompted debates throughout the world and may lead to some action to address the concerns whilst the eyes of the world are on Qatar. 

Social. Football has the power to bring people together. When people watch football together, it does not matter what their race, gender or age is. This is never more true than during the World Cup. "Sport is not only a form of entertainment," says Pope FrancisThe head of the Catholic Church since 2013. An Argentinian, he is the first non-European to hold the position since the 8th Century., "but... a tool to communicate values that promote the good that is in humans and help build a more peaceful and fraternalBrotherly. society".

Health. Football is good for your health, say experts. Not just playing it either. Researchers at the University of Leeds tracked three key factors while fans watched a game: heart rate, blood pressure and mood.¹ The researchers found that participants' heart rates elevated during the match to a similar level to that when going for a brisk walk. What this showed was that watching a match gives you a moderate cardiovascular workout. 

Economic. Football contributes significantly to the UK adding an estimated £7.6bn to the UK economy. This includes £3.6bn in taxes and creating 96,000 jobs. 

When times are hard, people need something to turn to. The German philosopher Karl MarxA 19th-Century German economist and philosopher who argued that capitalism was doomed to collapse. once wrote that "religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature... it is the opium of the people".

Today, Terry EagletonA British literary theorist, born in 1943. argues it is football, not religion, that is the opium of the people, distracting them from more serious, important social concerns.

Football has more fans than even the world's largest religions. For many, it is the main source of meaning and purpose in their lives. The Sunday congregations in churches across Britain may be getting smalller, but the stands of the stadiums are still full each Saturday.

To some, football, with its rituals and pantheons of saints, is the glue that holds groups together; the embodiment of moral ideas.

Yes: Football brings people together, it has rituals, revered "saints" and even "cathedrals". As religion is waning people are looking for new opportunities to get together and celebrate their shared values.

No: Football can never replace religion. Although it may have similar trappings what it lacks is a moral code that guides its followers.

Or... Football and religion both have their places in society and are not mutually exclusive. They can both learn from each other.