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World Cup Football etc
Hopes & dreams; society & cultures - what the greatest sporting tournament on earth offers above all is an entry point to people across the world. Join journalists Paul Schmidt-Troschke, Jon Bonfiglio, and football expert Declan Link - alongside a host of special guests - on this unique take on all things related to the World Cup. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series, copy and paste the following link: https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
Episodes
152 episodes
NEWS: Real Madrid Self-Destructs, Mourinho the Answer; Train Price Reductions to MetLife Stadium; Early Holidays for Mexico Schools Cancelled
Paul Schmidt-Troschke with the latest news. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Legendary Commentator Jim Rosenthal - Part One
A special feature interview with Jim Rosenthal, the distinguished English sports presenter and commentator with a career spanning over 55 years, covering eight FIFA World Cups, three Rugby World Cups, two Olympics, 150 Formula One races, and ma...
BOOK RELEASE: "Red Card: The 2026 World Cup, Sportswashing, and the FIFA Greed Machine" - with Jules Boykoff
In this special episode, Jon Bonfiglio interviews writer & academic Jules Boykoff about his new book "Red Card: The 2026 World Cup, Sportswashing, and the FIFA Greed Machine." The book will be published on the eve of the World C...
DISCUSSION: Looking Back on Haiti's WC Qualification
In this excerpt from a longer from a longer discussion on Haiti's World Cup qualification, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio look back on their time in Haiti in late 2025, when Haiti qualified for the finals. The full episode is availab...
NEWS: The Sunday Column
Paul Schmidt-Troschke's Sunday column on all things football and the World Cup. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportset...
NEWS: "I Wouldn't Pay It" - Trump on Ticket Prices
Paul Schmidt-Troschke with the remarkable news of President Trump saying he wasn't aware of the cost of World Cup tickets and suggesting they are set too high. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics,...
FEATURE: Geoff Hurst's 1966 Shirt, with Gordon Mousinho
The incredible story of Geoff Hurst's 1966 World Cup shirt, with regular guest Gordon Mousinho. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/Friend...
DISCUSSION: Champions League Return-Leg Semi-Finals Review
Declan Link & Paul Schmidt-Troschke discuss Arsenal and PSG making it through to the Champions League final. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://t...
NEWS: News of Profiteering & Prices Rumbles On
Paul Schmidt- Troschke with news of the ongoing issues related to unprecedented price gouging at the upcoming tournament. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:...
PAST TOURNAMENTS: Focus on Mexico '70; Host City Special - Mexico City
A look back at Mexico '70 as Declan Link talks to Dave Crummer & Graham Wovenden, who were both at the tournament, followed by a look at Host City, Mexico City. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international to...
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Mexican Artist Diego Mtz Peña on his Commission to Paint a Huge Football for the WC, & Mexico's Chances
Paul Schmidt-Troschke interviews Mexican Artist Diego Mtz Peña on his month-long commission to paint a huge football for one of Mexico's Fan Fests, and his hopes for Mexico at the tournament. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive...
NEWS: The Sunday Column
Paul Schmidt-Troschke on the handshake which never was, as FIFA President Gianni infantino tried to force the Palestinian and Israeli Federation heads to shake hands live on stage at the Annual FIFA Conference in Vancouver.To follow our ...
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Germany's Chances & More - Part Two
Declan Link & Paul Schmidt-Troschke speak to Martin Heckmann, Marten Mueller& Janosch Barho about Germany's Chances & more at the upcoming tournament. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international ...
DISCUSSION: Champions League First-Leg Semi-Finals Review
Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troshcke & Jon Bonfiglio review the Champions League Semi-Finals.To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWor...
DISCUSSION: Delivery of World Cup Toys to Casa Link
Declan Link takes delivery of official World Cup-themed soft, plush toys from Jazwares, the official worldwide plush licensee for the FIFA World Cup 2026, including national mascots. Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio join him to discuss...
FEATURE SERIES: Positions & their Roles - Penalty Takers
Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio continue their analysis of the varying identities of the different positions on the football pitch. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link bel...
DISCUSSION: Champions League Semi-Finals Preview
Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troshcke & Jon Bonfiglio talk Champions League Semi-Finals, healthy prostates, and how to pronounce 'Vincent Kompany.'To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste t...
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Germany's Chances & More - Part One
Declan Link & Paul Schmidt-Troschke speak to Martin Heckmann, Marten Mueller& Janosch Barho about Germany's Chances at the upcoming tournament. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, cop...
NEWS: The Sunday Column
Paul Schmidt-Troschke on the urgent need for reform at football's world governing body.To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSports...
DISCUSSION: Benfica's Prestianni Banned for Homophobia & Trump Envoy Proposes Italy Replace Iran at WC
Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the guilty finding and ban Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and the suggestion by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli that Italy Replace Iran at the WC finals. To follow our Patreon...
FEATURE: Worst Time for Injuries
Paul Schmidt-Troschke looks at the worst possible time for Injuries, weeks out from the tournament, which throw an individual's participation into question, as well as a coach's plans into disarray. To follow our Patreon page for ex...
FEATURE: Women Professionals in the Men's Game
Marie-Louise Eta made history in April 2026 by becoming the first female interim head coach of a men’s team in the Bundesliga, taking charge of 1. FC Union Berlin. Paul Schmidt-Troschke looks at the story, and women in the men's game more broad...
FEATURE SERIES: Positions & their Roles - Fullbacks
Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio continue their analysis of the varying identities of the different positions on the football pitch.