Four podcasts that decode Fifa 2026

For many, the build-up to the 2026 Fifa World Cup in US, Mexico and Canada has been confusing, at times odd, and in some cases not very welcoming. With a majority of the matches slated to take place in Trump’s America – a country where football (or soccer) isn’t even among the top three sports – there have been concerns that the tournament will be a real dud. But football has a way of re-igniting passions once there is kick-off. And football podcasts are doing a great job of bringing the conversation back to the aspects of the game that really matter. 

In Stick to Football, English footballing legends Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright talk about what could be the most crucial factor in this World Cup – the heat. Across North America – but particularly in US and Mexico – temperatures have risen dramatically over the years, making playing conditions challenging. So, teams that are able to manage conditions better are likely to go further in the tournament. 

This, in turn, puts an interesting twist on the participation of some of the new teams making their World Cup debut – Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. Given their home conditions, they might be able to withstand the heat in North America better than major European squads. 

In The Rest Is Football, another bunch of English legends, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards, talk about  prospects of different teams. For England, much rests on captain and striker Harry Kane. But pundits were also looking to the performance of England goalie Jordan Pickford who, statistically, is the best English goalkeeper in decades. And with the possibility of crunch matches going down to penalties, Pickford’s role could be crucial. 

But what about France? Pundits believe they are one of the two most talented sides in the tournament – the other being Spain. But France can also suddenly implode – a case of too much talent not always working in cohesion. Kylian Mbappe is obviously the key marksman in the squad. But he needs to do more work off the ball. 

And Messi? Well, Shearer feels he is one World Cup further than optimum. But no one can dispute his place in the Argentine side – he remains their hero and talisman. 

In The Totally Football Show with James Richardson, podcasting from Los Angeles, the discussion is on the atmosphere at this World Cup. In Mexico City, it’s electric with murals of players covering every bare wall. The discussion then veers to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to US, and sent back to his country. Artan is the top African referee, but Trump’s tough policies on immigration and foreigners denied him his moment in the sun. 

The podcast then moves to Fifa boss Gianni Infantino’s pre-kick-off press conference. When pressed on Artan, Infantino told reporters to “chill out”. But he was adamant that Fifa’s much controversial ticketing system for this World Cup, which has seen ticket prices skyrocket, was the way to go. The podcast says this sums up how much Fifa has had to mollycoddle Trump to get this World Cup on the road.  

In The Athletic FC Podcast, focus was on the expanded 48-team format of this World Cup. That means an extra 40 matches, taking the total to 104. Hence, it’s impossible to watch all the games. Conversely, it also means there are greater chances of upsets. So, hold on to your seats as the greatest sporting extravaganza unfolds.

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