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In the final daily live episode ahead of the historic World Cup final, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the highly anticipated match between Spain and Argentina. The guys discuss the latest news regarding White House officials meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to address potential health dangers from Canadian wildfire smoke in the New York-New Jersey area. They analyze tactical keys to the final, debating whether Spain's possession-heavy dominance can stifle the emotional, chaotic intensity of Lionel Messi and an unstable but miraculous Argentinian squad. The hosts welcome New York World Cup Czar Maya Handa to the show to discuss her unique journey from NYC Footy to managing Mayor Mamdani's campaign and overseeing massive local tournament initiatives. Handa provides an insider look at organizing affordable ticket lotteries, turning on 24/7 pitch lights across the five boroughs, hosting emotional watch parties for incarcerated individuals at Rikers Island, and celebrating Gotham FC's monumental upcoming stadium move to Queens. Senior betting correspondent Ben Fawkes also calls in to break down the final odds, dissecting the three-way moneyline, Spain's status as a -160 favorite, and player props for Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Oyarzabal. To wrap up the tournament's daily coverage, Christian and Alexis hand out their official World Cup superlatives, highlighting their favorite stunning goals from Cape Verde and Haiti, alongside major breakout performances from Folarin Balogun and Ismail Saibari. They don't hold back during their "Fading Star" selections, calling out disappointing tournament cycles for Cristiano Ronaldo and Christian Pulisic. Finally, the guys review the tournament's biggest villains and controversies, hashing out everything from FIFA's aggressive ticket pricing to the overhead skycam cable strikes and political image-laundering surrounding Donald Trump. Timestamps: (00:00) — Wildfire Smoke Drama & Sunday's World Cup Final Preview (04:43) — Tactical Masterclass: Spain's Possession vs. Argentina's Chaos (15:24) — Interview with NYC World Cup Czar Maya Handa: Rikers Watch Parties & 24/7 Soccer Fields (34:19) — World Cup Final Betting Breakdown with Ben Fawkes: Odds & Player Props (43:12) — Tournament Superlatives: Favorite Goals, Epic Upsets & Breakout Stars (49:05) — Fading Stars & Biggest What-Ifs: The Fallout of Pulisic, Ronaldo & Tuchel (52:06) — Villains of the Tournament: FIFA Ticket Prices, Donald Trump & Final Outro Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:
A complaint has been made to the International Olympic Committee. The complaint is accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of breaching political neutrality rules over his dealings with US President Donald Trump. Has the world cup being over politicised? Speaking to Anton was Fianna Fail MEP, Barry Andrews.
If you've been following the 2026 World Cup, you've obviously seen the football, but you've also probably seen a lot of Donald Trump. The US President made himself part of the tournament after FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded him the organisation's first-ever "Peace Prize" in December. Fast forward to the Folarin Balogun decision, where one phone call from Trump was enough to reverse a red card on a US player. Fans, coaches, and lawmakers called it a clear breach of FIFA's political neutrality. To many people, the way politics is impacting the game might seem new, but has it ever really been any different? We discuss this on BFM 89.9 with James M. Dorsey, adjunct senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and one of the most-cited voices on sport and politics.
A complaint has been made to the International Olympic Committee. The complaint is accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of breaching political neutrality rules over his dealings with US President Donald Trump. Has the world cup being over politicised? Speaking to Anton was Fianna Fail MEP, Barry Andrews.
When Sepp Blatter stepped down as President of FIFA, talk of reform and a new era was everywhere. To everyone's surprise, the new President was Gianni Infantino, a relative unknown. We look at his rise and how well he delivered on his promises to reform the organisation. If you’d like more Sports Bizarre, become a member of Bizarre Plus. Click here to join today As a member, you’ll get: A weekly bonus podcast Access to all past episodes Exclusive behind-the-scenes access Access to the members-only chatroom Ability to vote on future episodes Early access to any live show tickets See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The statement from South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, addresses the unexpected and tragic death of Jayden Adams, a midfielder for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, who passed away at the age of 25.His death was confirmed on July 11, 2026, occurring just weeks after he played a pivotal role in his nation's remarkable journey during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Adams participated in all three group-stage matches, contributing to South Africa's advancement to the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time in history. Earlier that year, he celebrated victory in the CAF Champions League with the prominent domestic club, Mamelodi Sundowns F.C.McKenzie disclosed that Adams competed while enduring profound personal sorrow during the tournament, taking to the field against the Czech Republic mere hours after receiving the news of his grandmother's passing.His body was found at a residence in Cape Town, leading local authorities to initiate an investigation. A definitive cause of death has yet to be established, and officials have requested privacy for his family during this difficult time. Tributes have been received from around the world, including messages from the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Today - Glenn has a discussion on Substack about Donald Trump embarrassing the country by cheating in the World Cup. Trump sparked an international uproar by personally intervening in the FIFA World Cup to have a red-card suspension lifted for American star forward Folarin Balogun. Following direct phone calls from Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA took the unprecedented step of delaying Balogun's automatic one-match ban, sparking fierce allegations of political corruption and institutional favoritism across the global soccer community.Find Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Radio host Craig Collins, host of The Craig Collins Show, fills in for Greg on the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch. Join Jim and Craig as they discuss the latest scandal engulfing Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, the instability of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, the secrecy surrounding Sen. Mitch McConnell's ongoing hospitalization, and Team USA's World Cup run coming to an end.First, Jim and Craig examine the latest allegations against Graham Platner, which they argue have effectively ended his campaign. Platner's former girlfriend Jenny Racicot has publicly accused Platner of sexually assaulting her during a 2021 incident. In the wake of the accusation, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), and Senate Majority PAC all withdrew their endorsements.Next, they analyze rising tensions threatening the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire after reports that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes against two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Jim and Craig argue the attacks cast serious doubt on Iran's commitment to peace negotiations.Then, Jim and Craig comment on the ongoing secrecy surrounding the hospitalization of Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has remained hospitalized since June 14. They also examine the broader debate over aging political leaders remaining in office, noting that McConnell has served in the U.S. Senate since 1985.Finally, they break down Team USA's tough 4-1 loss to Belgium in the second round of World Cup knockouts last night. The match was surrounded by intense controversy after FIFA suddenly overturned a red-card suspension for American forward Folarin Balogun, following a phone call from President Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino requesting a review. Please visit our great sponsors:ZocDocYour health matters and taking care of yourself shouldn't be complicated. Find and book the right doctor with Zocdoc. Head to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML.New episodes every weekday.
Today - Glenn has a discussion on Substack about Donald Trump embarrassing the country by cheating in the World Cup. Trump sparked an international uproar by personally intervening in the FIFA World Cup to have a red-card suspension lifted for American star forward Folarin Balogun. Following direct phone calls from Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA took the unprecedented step of delaying Balogun's automatic one-match ban, sparking fierce allegations of political corruption and institutional favoritism across the global soccer community.Find Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Spain defeats Portugal 1-nil, as Cristiano Ronaldo played his last World Cup match. Belgium win 4-1 against host nation USA, which means all host nations, including Canada and Mexico are out of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament. US President Donald Trump admits he personally intervened with FIFA over US player Folarin Balogun's previous red card suspension. Human rights group FairSquare calls for his intervention over this issue to be investigated as a breach of FIFA's rules on political neutrality. But FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the disciplinary committee is independent and he had no involvement in the decision. Join your host Haylena Krishnamoorthy for this episode of World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast, as she talks to sports law expert to discuss the red card controversy, and Article 27.World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast is SBS's daily FIFA World Cup 2026™ podcast covering the biggest stories on and beyond the pitch.In this episode:Spain defeats Portugal 1-nil, Cristiano Ronaldo played his last World Cup matchBelgium win 4-1 against host nation USAAll host nations - USA, Canada and Mexico out of the tournamentUS President Donald Trump admits he personally intervened with FIFA Fifa over US player Folarin Balogun's previous red card suspensionHuman rights group calls for US President's intervention over this issue to be investigated as a breach of FIFA's rules on political neutralityFIFA President Gianni Infantino says the disciplinary committee is independent and he had no involvement in the decision.From unforgettable moments, match highlights, emerging stars, FIFA politics, major controversies and the stories shaping the tournament, The 90+ brings you the key talking points from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ every day.For more on this series, follow The 90+ Podcast.Get daily updates on the SBS News website and follow SBS Sport on YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram and Facebook for all the latest from the FIFA World Cup 2026™.The FIFA World Cup 26ᵀᴹ kicks off on June 12 (AEST) - with coverage starting for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa from 4am (AEST) - and will be an exclusive broadcast on SBS in Australia.You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card and one-game suspension given to U.S. men's national team star striker Folarin Balogun. Now Balogun can play in Monday's game against Belgium. We discuss the politics behind FIFA's unusual decision and how much of a role Trump played.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, sports correspondent Becky Sullivan, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended US striker Folarin Balogun's one-game red card ban in exchange for a probationary period of one year.The decision was announced after President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the red card.The suspended red card means Balogun can play in Monday night's win-or-go-home match in Seattle versus Belgium.But the decision has faced harsh criticism from fans and The Union of European Football Associations, which said the red card suspension "crossed a red line."What does the red card debacle tell us about political interference in elite soccer?For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Jeffrey Pierre and Karen Zamora, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane and Tiffany Vera Castro. Our director is Kai McNamee.It was edited by William Troop and Tinbete Ermyas.Or interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
President Trump was questioned at the Oval Office about the major controversy swirling around tonight’s World Cup matchup between the United States and Belgium. Trump said he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the play and the referee’s decision to issue USA star striker Folarin Balogun a red card, meaning he wouldn’t be eligible to play in tonight’s game. Trump added that he knows sports, although he also admitted he didn’t know what a red card was, but claims that he didn’t think what occurred was a foul, but instead was just “two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-- On the Show: -- Donald Trump contacts FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reverse a red card suspension for American player Flo Balogun -- Donald Trump allegedly committed wire fraud by diverting America250 donations into a private Freedom250 account -- Donald Trump delivers a 35-minute partisan speech before a fireworks display celebrating America's 250th birthday -- Donald Trump draws historically low attendance at his heavily politicized Independence Day fair in Washington DC -- Senator Mitch McConnell remains absent from public view for three weeks following an unexplained medical emergency -- Second Lady Usha Vance interviews Donald Trump who admits he only reads media stories written about himself -- Photographs reveal that a visibly aging Donald Trump fell asleep during the Independence Day fireworks show -- Donald Trump posts a mock restraining order against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a public dispute -- On the Bonus Show: Shootings across the country over Fourth of July weekend, Iran holds a funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Belgium is granted an appeal to undo FIFA's red card reversal, and much more...
President Trump was questioned at the Oval Office about the major controversy swirling around tonight’s World Cup matchup between the United States and Belgium. Trump said he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the play and the referee’s decision to issue USA star striker Folarin Balogun a red card, meaning he wouldn’t be eligible to play in tonight’s game. Trump added that he knows sports, although he also admitted he didn’t know what a red card was, but claims that he didn’t think what occurred was a foul, but instead was just “two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Trump was questioned at the Oval Office about the major controversy swirling around tonight’s World Cup matchup between the United States and Belgium. Trump said he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the play and the referee’s decision to issue USA star striker Folarin Balogun a red card, meaning he wouldn’t be eligible to play in tonight’s game. Trump added that he knows sports, although he also admitted he didn’t know what a red card was, but claims that he didn’t think what occurred was a foul, but instead was just “two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this Monday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid recaps the 4th of July weekend that was - celebrating America's 250th birthday with huge festivities and fireworks displays being put on across the country. In other news of the day, President Trump marked the nation's 250th anniversary with a late-night speech on the National Mall that combined historical praise with modern political rhetoric, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani decried capitalism and the US' involvement in foreign wars during his address marking America's 250th anniversary — while sitting at George Washington's desk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished the United States a happy Independence Day on its 250th anniversary and praised his country's alliance with America, and controversy surrounds FIFA suspending the red card U.S. striker Folarin Balogun received in the team's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 - making him available to face Belgium in the round of 16 at the World Cup - with ABC confirming reports that President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the U.S. win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last week to ask him to review Balogun's red card. Andrew Giuliani, Brian Urlacher, John Catsimatidis, Miranda Devine & Wyatt Imus join Sid on this Monday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup 2026, joins Sid to speak on the controversy surrounding FIFA suspending the red card U.S. striker Folarin Balogun received in the team's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32, making him available to face Belgium in the round of 16 at the World Cup. ABC confirmed reports that President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the U.S. win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last week to ask him to review Balogun's red card. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chip stocks rebound as investors digest SK Hynix's planned U.S. listing, reports of a delay to Nvidia's next-generation AI system, and Broadcom's expanded partnership with Apple. Then BNY CEO Robin Vince joins the show to discuss the rollout of Trump Accounts and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work. Plus, President Trump confirms he personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red card and suspension. We have the impact on the betting markets. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The USMNT finds itself at the center of unprecedented World Cup drama as Folarin Balogun's red card suspension from the Bosnia and Herzegovina match is overturned, making him fully available to face Belgium. Hosts Christian and Alexis dissect the shocking reports indicating that Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to intervene , prompting a highly critical social media response from Sepp Blatter. The guys debate whether playing Balogun compromises the integrity of the tournament and if the right move for the spirit of football is actually to leave him on the bench. To help process a weekend of pure soccer cinema, the show welcomes Kevin Egan from MLS on Apple TV. Kevin breaks down England's remarkable defensive survival against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium despite playing down a man , questioning Mexico's total lack of tactical adaptation against England's towering backline. The crew also relishes Norway's shocking possession dominance over Brazil , reflecting on Erling Haaland's soaring global megastar status while mourning the bittersweet end of Neymar's international career after he scored his final consolation goal for the Seleção. The comprehensive recap rolls on as the team analyzes Argentina's dramatic extra-time escape against a heroic Cape Verde side , alongside a look at Canada's historic knockout-round run coming to an end against an elite Moroccan squad. They also dive into France's physical one-nil victory over Paraguay , calling out the referee's failure to issue a single yellow card to the aggressive South Americans. Finally, the guys look ahead to blockbuster previews of Portugal vs. Spain and Argentina vs. Egypt , before capping the episode off with breaking news confirming that FIFA has officially thrown out Belgium's appeal against Balogun's reinstatement. Timestamps: (0:00) - Welcome to Cooligans Daily Live and the Balogun red card reinstatement controversy. (8:33) - The moral dilemma: Should Mauricio Pochettino bench Folarin Balogun anyway to protect the spirit of the game? (17:37) - Kevin Egan joins to break down England's dramatic World Cup survival against Mexico at the Azteca. (24:33) - Norway dominates Brazil behind Erling Haaland as Neymar scores his final international goal. (31:04) - Argentina's massive extra-time scare against Cape Verde. (34:42) - Morocco knocks out Canada while France survives a dirty, physical clash with Paraguay. (38:48) - Blockbuster matchday previews: Portugal vs. Spain and Argentina vs. Egypt. (40:40) - Breaking News: Belgium's official appeal to FIFA is officially thrown out. Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:
Folarin Balogun, the leading scorer for the US men's soccer team, woke up this morning thinking he would be sidelined for tonight's game against Belgium after he was suspended for a red card. But President Trump picked up the phone and called his good friend, FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Lo and behold, FIFA lifted Balogun's suspension, something that hasn't happened in more than 60 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Trump was questioned at the Oval Office about the major controversy swirling around tonight’s World Cup matchup between the United States and Belgium. Trump said he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the play and the referee’s decision to issue USA star striker Folarin Balogun a red card, meaning he wouldn’t be eligible to play in tonight’s game. Trump added that he knows sports, although he also admitted he didn’t know what a red card was, but claims that he didn’t think what occurred was a foul, but instead was just “two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dawn opens the Monday show breaking down the historic PECO union strike, marking the first time in company history that members have walked out, leaving thousands without power amidst severe flash flooding alerts across the Philadelphia area. We dive into a stunning twist of events on the international soccer stage, where Donald Trump picked up the phone to call FIFA President Gianni Infantino, successfully demanding a review of the controversial red card suspension given to American star player Folarin Balogun. Dawn also covers Trump's massive $6 billion corporate backing for new tax-advantaged investment accounts for American children, highlighted by major commitments from Michael and Susan Dell. The crew shifts focus to a devastating local tragedy as multiple Philadelphia police officers and their families file lawsuits against the city over fatal brain cancers linked to toxic radioactive contamination at the old Frankfurt Arsenal Complex. Additionally, we provide an update on the heartbreaking line-of-duty death of Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pajera Jr., who was killed by an illegal Haitian national driving a semi-truck on I-81. Dawn reacts to the state troopers' demands for absolute transparency regarding why this individual was permitted to remain in the United States after being ordered to leave. Frank Scales and Ian McGinnis from Surge Philly join the studio to celebrate their one-year anniversary and share wild field footage from Independence Day protests in Washington, D.C. and New York City. The crew reacts to viral encounters with left-wing agitators, including a puzzled protester struggling to define fascism and an organized Antifa group chat that deployed a human wall to block journalists on public property. Finally, Dawn tackles the fiscal realities of illegal immigration, pushing back on progressive virtue signaling by proposing a new digital "opt-in" box on federal tax returns so wealthy elites can personally finance non-citizen benefits out of their own pockets.
President Trump says he did not pressure FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card, insisting he simply asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the controversial call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has officially raised an objection and notified U.S. Soccer of its intention to contest the eligibility of striker Folarin Balogun. This action follows the suspension of the one-match ban by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee and the rejection of Belgium's challenge by FIFA's Appeal Committee, which deemed it "inadmissible" due to the federation's lack of standing to appeal.In an unprecedented action, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee applied Article 27 of its disciplinary code to postpone Balogun's ban to a one-year probationary period, allowing him to participate in matches immediately.Folarin Balogun received a direct red card during the U.S. match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which results in an automatic one-match suspension. In the wake of this contentious sending-off, U.S. President Donald Trump made several calls to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging a review of the suspension. Trump has since defended his involvement, labeling the original red card as "horrible."In response to the decision reversal, the Belgian federation demanded the official rationale for the ruling and the referee's report. After FIFA deemed Belgium's inquiry inadmissible, the RBFA declared that it had "no choice but to challenge the player's eligibility" if he appears on the official team sheet.Furthermore, the decision to lift the ban has faced significant backlash from UEFA, which characterized FIFA's intervention as crossing a "red line."Nevertheless, by filing a pre-match contestation, Belgium preserves its right to seek additional legal recourse following the conclusion of the match.They might elevate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a procedure that could require several months to reach a resolution and would considerably hinder the tournament's advancement if applied retroactively.
Was the siege at the Azteca stadium England's finest World Cup moment? Gabby & Nedum bask in the glory of an unforgettable night after some heroic defending and the brilliance of Jude Bellingham saw England defeat Mexico 3-2 and setup a quarter final clash against Erling Haaland's Norway.After knocking out Brazil, Norway reached the quarter-finals of the world cup for the first time we'll also hear how Haaland wants them to be “More like Brazil”.Elsewhere Donald Trump made his World Cup bow by calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to have a friendly chat about Folarin Balogun's red card suspension... We have questions.
Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" gives a first look to the stories you need to know to start your day including FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirming that President Donald Trump will join him in presenting the World Cup trophy at the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, putting Trump center stage at one of the biggest sporting events on the planet; the growing relationship between Trump, FIFA, and the 2026 World Cup as Team USA continues its tournament run; and Hillary Clinton reigniting debate over the Electoral College in "The American Experiment", a new Netflix docuseries, calling it an "abomination" nearly a decade after her 2016 loss to Trump, while critics argue the system remains one of the Constitution's most important safeguards against rule by a handful of large population centers, and much more.
A discussion with Srinivasan Ramani on the controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino's response and what ‘sportswashing' looks like in this edition. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered dramatic matches, surprise results and compelling storylines. But beyond the football, the tournament has also become a flashpoint for debates about geopolitics, immigration and access. Iran's participation has been overshadowed by the fallout of a wider regional conflict, while visa denials and travel restrictions have raised questions about who gets to be part of football's biggest global event. As the United States hosts the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, critics have accused FIFA of failing to uphold its own message that football "unites the world". Has the Iranian contingent been treated fairly? Is this World Cup one of the least accessible for global fans in the tournament's history? What will the legacy of this edition be for the game? And has FIFA done enough to push back against the terms dictated by a host nation? Guest: Srinivasan Ramani, Deputy National Editor, The Hindu Host: Reuben Joe Joseph Producer: Shiksha Jural Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on AirTalk: Iran in the World Cup (0:30) LAHSA funding suspended (19:20) Relationships after kids (31:00) FIFA President Gianni Infantino (51:38) LA Metro (1:09:37) Sweet fruit (1:26:37) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency
The FIFA World Cup is supposed to be football's greatest celebration - a month where politics takes a back seat, nations come together, and the beautiful game takes centre stage. But as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, many fans are asking a very different question: has this tournament already become the biggest mess in World Cup history? From visa chaos affecting fans, officials and even FIFA-appointed referees, to entire groups of supporters being unable to attend matches, soaring ticket prices, travel nightmares, geopolitical tensions, and growing concerns over FIFA's leadership, controversy seems to be following this World Cup everywhere it goes. Visa denials are affecting officials and referees, while disputes involving Iranian supporters and travel restrictions have cast a shadow over the tournament before many games have even begun. Nima Tavallaey is invited onto various media platforms (BBC, TalkSport, Al Jazeera, Time Radio etc) to discuss the storm surrounding FIFA 2026: the political battles, the fan backlash, the referee controversies, the travel restrictions, the U.S.–Iran tensions, the questions over fairness and accessibility, and the mounting criticism directed at FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the organization itself. Whether you believe football and politics can never truly be separated or you think FIFA has completely lost control of its flagship competition, one thing is becoming impossible to ignore: before a ball has even been kicked in anger, the 2026 World Cup is already generating headlines for all the wrong reasons. So is this simply a difficult tournament facing extraordinary circumstances, or are we witnessing the most chaotic and politically charged World Cup ever staged? Timestamps: 00:00 Mother Of All Talkshows With George Galloway 17:15 TalkSport With Alan Pardew 24:48 Al Jazeera 25:49 RT India 36:44 Press TV 41:18 Middle East Eye 48:06 Times Radio London (Unedited With Greg Swenson, the Chair of Republicans Overseas) 01:05:54 BBC World Service If you want to support The Italian Football Podcast and get every episode, simply become a member on Patreon.com/TIFP OR Spotify OR YouTube Memberships. Your support makes The Italian Football Podcast possible. Follow us: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump, ticket prices, and thunderstorms… The 2026 World Cup is about to kick off, but it could be a bumpy ride. We've already seen one of the referees banned from entering the United States, Iran's team being forced to move their training base to Mexico, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino telling everyone to ‘chill'. So here are the biggest problems the tournament could face.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, with football fans around the world eagerly counting down to the action. But even before the first whistle, controversy is brewing. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under fire over the handling of visa issues experienced by teams and referees ahead of the tournament. While excitement is building on the pitch, tensions off it are also making headlines. Here's what's happening.
Nedum touches down in USA and joins Gabby & Mark to discuss the opening game of the World Cup 2026; How excited are the locals, dark horses for the tournament & more...But with such a constant stream of controversy in the days leading up to the first match - fans fleeced for tickets, a Somali referee banned from entering US, national teams greeted by ICE on arrival and FIFA President Gianni Infantino's call for everyone to just "chill out" - has a World Cup ever been harder to love?The Athletic's Adam Crafton also joins to debate whether the questions will actually stop, once the football starts?
Nedum touches down in USA and joins Gabby & Mark to discuss the opening game of the World Cup 2026; How excited are the locals, dark horses for the tournament & more...But with such a constant stream of controversy in the days leading up to the first match - fans fleeced for tickets, a Somali referee banned from entering US, national teams greeted by ICE on arrival and FIFA President Gianni Infantino's call for everyone to just "chill out" - has a World Cup ever been harder to love?The Athletic's Adam Crafton also joins to debate whether the questions will actually stop, once the football starts?
Even before a game has been played, this year's World Cup has been the source of controversy. Officials and staff from countries like Iraq, Iran and Somalia have been refused entry or face lengthy interrogation by immigration officials at American airports. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been widely criticized for his proximity to U.S. President Donald Trump after presenting Trump with a ‘FIFA Peace Prize' award and sitting in the front row at Trump's inauguration. For nearly 100 years, leaders across the world have used soccer, and the World Cup specifically, as a tool of power and politics.David Goldblatt is a journalist, sociologist, professor, and the author of bestselling books such as ‘The Ball is round: A Global History of Soccer.' He joins the program to discuss the World Cup's political history, the failed promise of this year's tournament, and how soccer became “our great public and political theatre.” For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Ahead of the World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris discuss their revenue expectations for the event, hotel booking trends and ticket prices. Then, we bring you all the details on OpenAI confidentially filing to go public. Also, we break down the street's reaction to Apple WWDC. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We are back again with another slightly longer than usual show. Thank you to all those who contacted us saying how much they enjoyed our last show and the interview with Pierre-Emmanuel Luneau-Daurignac all of you sharing his concern that we are putting too much pressure on young children both physically and mentally. On this show we catch up a long term friend of Not The Footy Show, David Mitchell who is an expert in leadership. He was recently looking at the changes at the top in F1 – a sport he knows well having been involved for a number of years, – and wondered if he could give us an insight into the key components to good leadership within sport.How many times does a change in Leadership slow down the sport achieving the goals it set out to achieve, and result in a culture shift. Does Long term sustainable success only come when the leader is given time? David also talks about F1 and teh impact that this change of leadership has had in this space. If you are after more information from David visit his website at the Brand Rover. John’s topic of interest is the news that in the AFL one of their Insurance companies is no longer going to cover players who suffer concussion. What are the potential ramifications of this decision. Will all players at all levels soon have to sign a waiver stating that they understand teh risks involve din playing that sport. With the announcement by CONMEBOL that as a Confederation they plan to endores FIFA President Gianni Infantino for another term at the top of the sport Ashley asks does this show how the Confederations are out of touch with the people, Do the various sports still require the Confederations as a level of management of the sport, are they still relevant? Is it time to stop the gravy train, and would many sports be better off taking away this level of management? Is it time to go back to sport being governed from the bottom up rather than the top down? If you don't want to miss a post or a podcast subscribe to Not The Footy Show on our home page. Almost 2000 people have. All you need do is insert your email address and then you will receive an email update whenever a new post or podcast is posted. Rest assured we will not pass on your information! Also please feel free to share your thoughts and the Podcast. Remember you can email us with suggestions for topics to be discussed. If there is a topic or a guest that you would like us to feature, please contact us. Find all our podcasts on iTunes Find all our podcasts on iTunesThe post NTFS #143 – Finding the Right Leaders, Insurance Changing Sport, and The Future of the Confederation. first appeared on Not The Footy Show.
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack The campaign to kick Israel out of football got A LOT spicier this week when FIFA President Gianni Infantino disagreed with international law over the Israeli illegal occupation of Palestinian lands. Re-joining me to talk about this, the awkward Slovenian dinner table discussions and what is going to happen next is cofounder of #GameOverIsrael Ashish Prashar. Song by Cabin proceeds to Ionad Hind Rajab:https://cabin-music.bandcamp.com/album/live-from-the-ivy-house Latest Reboot Pod on the Rise in Evictions:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-153505035 Support the Hind Rajab Centre here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-thank-you-152402329
Arsenal take down Chelsea 2–1 — are they finally ready to win their first league title in 22 years?
Newsround Special - Epstein File interview - Always ahead of the grown up news, Richard has procured an interview with the man at the heart of the Epstein Files story, Randy Andy Mountbatten-Windsor-Balmoral. Randrew Andrew explains what's going on in the pictures with the woman on the ground, why he never met Epstein, why he has too much honour, why he can't wear shoes and what he was actually doing on the date the new accuser says he was with her. It's an explosive interview that will surely be shown on all major news channels tonight, thus reigniting Richard's failed career.Hooray!Tuesday February 3rd 2026 - Eggheads Are People Too - After the explosive interview over the weekend, a regular newsround returns examining the recent statements by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and why he should be judged by his deeds and words and not by his appearance. We have a special interview with a fellow egg-headed celebrity to show just how far egghead prejudice can reach and hopefully help open people's eyes to this derided condition.Thursday February 5th 2026 - Peanut Pile - After the success of getting Randrew Andrew kicked out of his house, the Newsround team turn their attention to the Prime Minister, whether he can survive and how good a job he is doing. Once again we beat the Lamestream media to a huge exclusive, which you can only get by watching our Craven Newsround.Friday 6th February 2026 - Chinese Hotel Sex Cameras - Newsround is back, despite Rich spending most of the day waiting for his car to be fixed. Ally and he discuss “Eric”, the most hypocritical man in the news at the moment, who was shocked to see he'd been caught on a Chinese Sex Camera, but only because he loved watching videos of people caught on Chinese sex cameras. Who will be caught on the Newsround Sex Camera? Tune in to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly looking into lifting the governing body's ban on Russia. Russian national teams and clubs were suspended from all competitions by FIFA and Uefa in February 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine. UK correspondent Mike Pearse explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
RAACN Tuesday February 3rd 2026 - Eggheads Are People Too. After the explosive interview over the weekend, a regular newsround returns examining the recent statements by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and why he should be judged by his deeds and words and not by his appearance. We have a special interview with a fellow egg-headed celebrity to show just how far egghead prejudice can reach and hopefully help open people's eyes to this derided condition.
The biggest sporting event is coming to North America this year. Here's what it means that President Trump will get to host the world. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Astead Herndon. President Donald Trump places the FIFA Peace Prize around his neck after receiving it from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The 2026 World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Before the tournament selection took place Friday in Washington D.C., FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented President Donald Trump with an inaugural Peace Prize from soccer's global governing body. Celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment were also included in the programming lineup. On today's episode of “Post Reports” host Ava Wallace is joined by Washington Post sports journalists Thomas Floyd and Rick Maese. They break down what happened at last week's World Cup draw and how it will shape the tournament this coming summer.Then, why some human rights groups are raising questions about the relationship between President Trump and FIFA.Today's episode was produced by Lucas Trevor with help from Josh Carroll. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Thomas Lu and Reena Flores. Thanks to Sarah Laramier and Joe Tone.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino awarded Donald Trump with the football federation's first-ever peace prize, at a lavish ceremony to select the groups for the 2026 men's World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. But why does President Trump care about football? Also: Colombia signs a peace deal with the criminal drugs gang Clan del Golfo. Violent clashes jeopardise a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. And the celebrity architect Frank Gehry has died at the age of 96.
Fifa's president gave Mr Trump the award at the draw for the 2026 World Cup. It was widely expected that the US president would receive the award, but for critics the move is a threat to Fifa's commitment to political neutrality.Also in the programme: We reflect on the life and legacy of one of the world's most acclaimed architects, Frank Gehry, who has died, and we head to Bethlehem where, for the first time since 2022, the traditional giant Christmas tree outside the Nativity Church will be lit.(Photo: US President Donald Trump and Fifa President Gianni Infantino as the Village People perform during the 2026 World Cup draw. Credit: Mandel Ngan/Reuters)
Groups for the next men's world cup are revealed at a glitzy gala - and President Trump gets the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. We hear about the teams and matches, and speak to Politico reporter Sophia Cai about the warm relationship between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Also in the programme: Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros in major media deal; and the acclaimed architect Frank Gehry has died at the age of 96.(Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw. Credit: WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Donald Trump with a newly created FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in Washington DC. The 2026 tournament will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico.Also on the programme: Netflix has agreed to buy Warner Bros' streaming and studio business, potentially paving the way for a radical reshaping of the entertainment industry; and the BBC finds that more than 250 LGBT people were subjected to electric shock aversion therapy by the NHS in the 1960s and 70s. We hear from a survivor.
Stacie Goddard and Abe Newman explain how cliques are ruling the world The journal International Organization has just published a new online open access edition with short accessible essays written by prominent scholars about the future of international order. One of the more provocative essays is by Good Authority editor and Wellesley College professor Stacie Goddard together with Georgetown professor Abe Newman. In this new article, Goddard and Newman argue that we may be witnessing the emergence of a neo-royalist world order—one that looks less like the liberal, rules-based system many of us grew up studying, and more like a world dominated by powerful patrons, loyal clients, and informal hierarchies and cliques. We talk about what they mean by “neo-royalism,” how it connects to debates about U.S. power, China's rise, and the politics of global interdependence. We also discuss some examples of how this new order works, such as the authorization of the sale of large quantities of advanced Nvidia chips to the UAE and Saudi Arabia and other cases where the interests of the cliques appear to prevail over national security interests. We also discuss royal wannabes, like FIFA President Gianni Infantino, how this new order competes with other orders and whether it is likely to survive beyond Donald Trump's Presidency.
On today's podcast:1) President Trump’s firm control of Washington showed signs of weakening Tuesday as Congress voted to compel the Justice Department to release its files on sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, whose earlier ties to the president have been the subject of intense scrutiny. The legislation overwhelmingly passed the House in a 427 to 1 vote. Within hours, the Senate agreed unanimously that the bill would be passed without further action once it arrives in the Senate. It will then be sent to Trump, who has said he’ll sign it. Trump late Sunday relented on his prior opposition and directed Republicans to vote to release the files. Senate Republicans ignored calls by Speaker Mike Johnson to give the Justice Department additional leeway to withhold documents. 2) President Trump said he would formally designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally in a further strengthening of ties between the two countries, capping a day of dealmaking between the US leader and the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The designation for nations with close strategic relationships with the US provides financing and priority access for purchases of certain military equipment, as well as the ability to participate in joint research efforts. Saudi Arabia will become the 20th ally designated under the status, joining other nations in the Middle East including Egypt, Israel, and Qatar. MBS, as Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader is known, was joined by prominent executives and celebrities including Elon Musk and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo at the Tuesday evening event, with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino also in attendance.3) Wall Street will get a sense of where the billions of dollars being spent on artificial intelligence are going when Nvidia reports its earnings after the bell on Wednesday. Analysts expect the chip behemoth to show more than 50% growth in both net income and revenue in its fiscal third quarter. The reason is fairly straightforward. Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com Inc., Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. — which taken together represent more than 40% of Nvidia’s sales — are projected to increase their combined AI spending by 34% over the next 12 months to $440 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The risk is that these numbers could become unreliable if the big AI spenders, in particular closely held OpenAI, have to pull back on their commitments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.