States of Play (World Cup 26)

We look at the impact U.S Visa restrictions are having on players and teams.We salute Singh’s World Cup debut for New Zealand, appreciate the love for Algeria in Kansas, and celebrate the beauty of the score-draw.And then we explore a political fantasy and consider if the World Cup can change politics in the United States.And Evan just can’t give up on the commercial breaks!A podcast from the Fare networkFeaturing: Professor Jonathan W. Gray, Evan Whitfield, Piara Powar

Bing- Bong! Wild celebrations in New York City for the Knicks first title win in 53 years.We look forward to France v Senegal, the first match-up featuring a former colonial power against a former colony of the 2026 World Cup.We are joined by William Gaillard to look at the French team and the secret of their talent machine. And Jonathan celebrates Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry on U.S TV. Evan can’t contain his joy.A podcast from the Fare network

As the World Cup finally kicked off in Mexico City we explore the feelings a World Cup brings on as Evan and Piara get emotional.Our big issue of the day is dual nationality. We look at Bosnia, Germany and Turkey, the U.S and Mexico, Luka Modric, Italy, Haiti and Japan.Why do players change nationality? Does adversity through displacement create talent? Does a national team have to look like a country?A podcast from the Fare network.

A big World Cup accompanied by big human rights issues. The U.S is now a country in which nothing is apolitical, and the World Cup is no different. The Trump administration seem fixated on flexing their muscles through immigration and entry policies that have already set the tone. What else is to come?And then Evan, Piara and Jonathan get down to the soccer. Why does Haiti capture the imagination of so many, why England need to win and what Evan worries about with Team U.S success.