World Cup | The World of Dictators | 4 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 2, 2026 · 37 MIN

World Cup | The World of Dictators | 4

from Legacy

What happens when a World Cup final is played a few hundred metres from a torture centre? How does a newly independent nation humiliate the champions of Europe — and still get knocked out by a fix in plain sight? And when a boy from the slums of Buenos Aires beat England with his fist, was it the cruellest cheat in football — or perfect revenge? Afua and Peter follow the World Cup through its darkest decade — Argentina's generals roaring at finals while prisoners vanish next door, Algeria's reckoning with Europe, and a kid called Maradona turning a single match into a settling of old scores.Join Legacy Plus for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more.legacy.supportingcast.fm[0:00] A torture centre, a stadium, and the cheers that drowned out the screams[4:20] The general who seized power two years before kick-off[6:12] The final played within earshot of the 'death flights'[13:50] An African side wins a World Cup match for the very first time[15:40] Argentina need six goals against Peru — and somehow get them[17:38] The Dutch players who refused to shake a dictator's hand[20:35] Algeria stun West Germany, then watch Europe close ranks[29:29] The Hand of God, and a goal that settled an old scoreStay connected with Legacy:Instagram: @originallegacypodcastTikTok: @legacy_productionsExplore more from Peter and Afua — essays, sources, and ideas:Substack: peterfrankopan.substack.com | afuahirsch.substack.comJoin Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more.legacy.supportingcast.fmStay connected with Legacy:Instagram: @originallegacypodcastTikTok: @legacy_productionsExplore more from Peter and Afua — essays, sources, and ideas: Substack: peterfrankopan.substack.com | afuahirsch.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 2, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

World Cup | The World of Dictators | 4

0:00 37:46

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Legacy?

This episode is 37 minutes long.

When was this Legacy episode published?

This episode was published on July 2, 2026.

Can I download this Legacy episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!