World Cup 2026: does size matter, who's gonna win – and who's got the best kit?
In the first episode of the World Cup Podcast of Ideas, the Academy of Ideas team have a pre-tournament huddle to discuss the prospects and controversies ahead of the opening game.
The World Cup is back – and so is the World Cup Podcast of Ideas. With the biggest-ever tournament kicking off on Thursday 11 June across the US, Mexico and Canada, we’ve got the team together to discuss some of the burning issues.
First things first: are we actually looking forward to it? With 48 teams taking part for the first time, there will be many more games than in previous tournaments. Is there a danger of football fatigue with so many matches or is it a historic opportunity for smaller nations to get their moment in the spotlight?
Given that the bulk of the tournament is happening in America, the usual accusations of over-commercialisation are more prevalent than ever. There’s even a half-time show for the final, an idea borrowed from the Super Bowl. Does stopping for 45 minutes to listen to Coldplay and K-Pop really have a place in the beautiful game? And why are why is FIFA mucking about with the rules - again?
And what of the experience for fans, particularly with huge ticket prices and big distances between matches? What will that do for the World Cup atmosphere, inside and outside stadiums?
Most importantly: who will win, and who are the ‘dark horses’ for glory beyond the usual suspects that might be worth a punt? Can England finally win it after ‘60 years of hurt’? Can Scotland break out of the group stage for the first time?
And for those who love to get a bit of World Cup merch: who will be sporting the best kit – and the worst?
You can listen by clicking on the button below, or on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. You can also listen on your favourite podcast player – just search for Academy of Ideas.