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Episode details

World Service,28 May 2026,29 mins

World Cup 2026: The most political of all time?

The Global Story

Available for over a year

Politics, power and money have always been part of international sporting competitions, and football (or soccer) is no exception. However, this year鈥檚 World Cup faces new challenges. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, and its relationship with its neighbours has at times been rocky. Two countries at war with each other 鈥 the US and Iran 鈥 have never played in the same competition before. Some fans are anxious about travelling to games at a time of high tension. And the cost of attending the event has led some to ask whether this World Cup is really worth it. Mehreen Khan, economics editor of The Times of London and a lifelong fan of the sport, joins us to discuss what this World Cup could mean for a divided world. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: FIFA World Cup on display in Toronto. Credit: Kevin Sousa/ Imagn Images

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