Politics, power and money have always been part of international sporting competitions, and football (or soccer) is no exception.
However, this year’s 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 – the US and Iran – 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.
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Chapters:
01:04 Football or soccer?
03:15 Why is the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico?
05:58 Is it going to be super-American?
09:29 What’s it all cost?
10:46 Are tickets really expensive?
14:20 Are hotel bookings down?
17:14 Do fans want to go the US?
20:18 How can Iran play in the US when they are at war?
24:00 Why is the World Cup so political?