World Cup Football etc
A podcast exploring the cultural and societal impact of the World Cup, hosted by journalists Paul Schmidt-Troschke, Jon Bonfiglio, and football expert Declan Link. Each episode delves into how the tournament connects people across the globe, featuring special guests and unique perspectives on football's biggest event.
Episodes
WEEKLY ROUND-UP: “Save Your Legs” Ronaldo; AB Copenhagen Flying High; Fulham & Spurs Notch First Wins; News from Germany; Gallows Humour at Man City; German Action; Infantino Latest
The World Football ETC team are back for their weekly round-up on international football news and topics.
FEATURE SERIES: Football in Latin America - 110 Years of Mexico's Club America
A special episode in World Football ETC's in-depth focus on football in Latin America, looking at Club America's 110 year anniversary, with Mexican Football expert Mario Paul Pfeiffer.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Gordon Hill - Millwall, Manchester United & England Legend - Part Two
A World Football ETC special interview with the great Gordon Hill, of Millwall, Manchester United, Derby County, QPR and England. Part 2/2.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Gordon Hill - Millwall, Manchester United & England Legend - Part One
A World Football ETC special interview with the great Gordon Hill, of Millwall, Manchester United, Derby County, QPR and England. Part 1/2.
WEEKLY ROUND-UP: Verdict on Extended International Break; World Leagues; AB Copenhagen; Brazil Sports Betting Ban Upends Brasileirão; Real Madrid 4th in La Liga
The World Football ETC team are back for their weekly round-up on international football news and topics.
FEATURE SERIES: Football in Latin America - Irapuato, and the Fight for Autonomy & Justice in Mexican Football
Continuing World Football ETC's in-depth focus on football in Latin America, football expert Mario Paul Pfeiffer tels the incredible story of Mexican side Irapuato, and the continuing fight for fan & club autonomy.
DISCUSSION: Legendary Edin Dzeko Retires; Klopp’s Start for Germany
Farewell on the international stage to the unique figure of Edin Dzeko, a footballing and social legend for Bosnia Hercegovina, and a look at Jurgen Klopp’s first matches as Germany coach.
LIVE IN LONDON: Jerry Lawton - Chief Reporter for the Daily Star
Concluding World Football ETC's 'Live in London' series, with Chief Reporter of the Daily Star Jerry Lawton, looking back at the World Cup, ongoing FIFA controversies, money in football and England's conundrum.
DISCUSSION: USA vs. Mexico; Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Squad; England's Complete Performance; Man City Charges Offer Watershed Moment
A roving journey across the main stories of the week, with the World Football ETC team.
FEATURE SERIES: Football in Latin America - Neoliberalism, Politics & Football in Mexico
Continuing World Football ETC's in-depth focus on football in Latin America, football expert Mario Paul Pfeiffer analyzes how neoliberalism in Mexico's political class directly infects the country's national sport.
LIVE IN LONDON: Billy 'TheBee' Grant - Brentford & England Fan Media Veteran
Continuing World Football ETC's 'Live in London' series, with the charismatic fan veteran that is Billy 'TheBee' Grant, in a wide-ranging discussion that takes in football's social history, the importance of fan groups, Brentford's unique club values, and much more... 3/4Billy Grant (@billythebee99) from the Beesotted Pride Of West London Podcast (http://PrideOfW
LIVE IN LONDON: Veteran Sports Journalist Tony Banks & the English Subbuteo Association
Live in London with veteran journalist and representative of the English Subbuteo Association Tony Banks. 2/4For more information go to https://www.englishsubbuteoassociation.com/items-1 or email subbuteo.london@gmail.com
REACTION: Slow Start for Klopp's German Era; Ireland vs. Israel Turbulence Ongoing
World Football ETC is back for continuing coverage of the Nations League, and related, emerging topics.
REACTION: England vs. Spain
Reaction and analysis after the Nations League opener between England and Spain.
FEATURE SERIES: Football in Latin America - The Cardinal Sins of Mexico's Football Federation
With football expert Mario Paul Pfeiffer, World Football ETC continues its new weekly series on football across Latin America, its place in society, its links to politics and history, and many of the unique stories that lie under the surface. In this second episode, the focus is on the Mexico Football Federation,
LIVE IN LONDON: Fulham Legend Les Strong
Football expert Declan Link speaks to Fulham Legend Les Strong, at a special live recording of World Football ETC in London, alongside the England vs. Spain UEFA Nations League matches. 1/4
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Simon Hodge - 25 Years in Football: Coaching, Education & Community Development - Part Two
Simon Hodge has over 25 years’ experience working in football, sport, education and community development, developing players, coaches and people across grassroots, academy and community football. His career has included coaching and leadership roles within professional football environments, including work with clubs such as Charlton Athletic and Gillingham FC.Hodge is also Director at Sports Con
DISCUSSION: 100 Years at the San Siro; Messi's international Farewell; Klopp's First Matches; Israel vs. Ireland; Repercussions from the Madrid Derby; Infantino Invites "Independent Inquiry"
Ahead of the new and extended international break, World Football ETC returns for a weekly look at the stories for the world's main leagues, and more.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Simon Hodge - 25 Years in Football: Coaching, Education & Community Development - Part One
Simon Hodge has over 25 years’ experience working in football, sport, education and community development, developing players, coaches and people across grassroots, academy and community football. His career has included coaching and leadership roles within professional football environments, including work with clubs such as Charlton Athletic and Gillingham FC.Hodge is also Director at Sports Con
FEATURE SERIES: Football in Latin America - An Introduction
With football expert Mario Paul Pfeiffer, World Football ETC launches a new weekly series on football across Latin America, its place in society, its links to politics and history, and many of the unique stories that lie under the surface.
FEATURE: Real Madrid, Mbappé & the Half-Rolled Shirts
Real Madrid are in the spotlight, after Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Ibrahima Konate rolled up their pre-game t-shirts to obscure a slogan, before their match at Elche.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Matt Michaels & Joe Gordon - US Owners of Danish Football Club Akademisk Boldklub (AB 1889) - Part Two
Joe Gordon is the founder of UpFor Consulting, a sales and growth focused consultancy group. UpFor works with both emerging and established companies to create, hone, and master their business development strategies and communications skills, build teams and company culture, and lead through growth and change. https://www.upforconsulting.com/about/Matt Michaels lives in Maplewood, NJ with his wife
DISCUSSION: VAR in Manchester Derby; Groundbreaking Como; Kane's 150th Goal; Ronaldo Calls for Life Ban for Jota Chants
World Football ETC returns for a look at the weekly news stories for the world's main leagues, and more.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Matt Michaels & Joe Gordon - US Owners of Danish Football Club Akademisk Boldklub (AB 1889) - Part One
Joe Gordon is the founder of UpFor Consulting, a sales and growth focused consultancy group. UpFor works with both emerging and established companies to create, hone, and master their business development strategies and communications skills, build teams and company culture, and lead through growth and change. https://www.upforconsulting.com/about/Matt Michaels lives in Maplewood, NJ with his wife
DISCUSSION: Men’s Balón d’Or Nominees; Champions League Begins; Infantino Splits Caribbean from CONCACAF
World Football ETC is back with a midweek round-up of stories and reaction.
DISCUSSION: Fulham Condemned?; Blip for Mourinho; Serie A Shines; MLS Routed in Leagues Cup; Mike Dean
World Football ETC is back with a weekly round-up of the world's major leagues and other talking points.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Mexico Football Special
A World Football ETC Mexico Football Special, live on Talk Sport.
DISCUSSION: Transfer Window Inflation; Messi retires from Argentine National Side; Round-Up of International Leagues
Back for another episode, the team talk through the massive inflation being seen at European transfer windows and news of Leo Messi's retirement from international football, plus a round-up of some of the most important international leagues.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Ned Kelly, Manchester United's Head of Security 1988-2002
The return of Ned Kelly, unique football figure, who was head of United's security from 1988 until 2002. Kelly talks about all things Manchester United as the Premier League starts up again.
DISCUSSION: Return of the Premier League; La Liga; the Gianni Infantino Soap Opera; MLS Round-Up; Rot-Weiss Essen
The weekly round-up of all things football, including the return of the Premier League, La Liga results and talking points, ongoing news of the Gianni Infantino Soap Opera and more...
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Sarah Brown, Florida State University Soccer Coach, on Women's International Football and US & England Women's Leagues
Special interview with Sarah Brown (nee Buckley), FSU soccer coach and former player, named as part of the 2023 United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 class. In this special feature, Brown talks about the international women's soccer scene, as well as the current state of play in the US and England leagues.
DISCUSSION: MLS; Bundesliga; Moroccan Football; Rodri to Barcelona; Vozinha in Chile; Premier League Re-Start
With European football seasons about to begin, World Football ETC re-launches with a wide-ranging discussion across leagues, territories and stories.
DISCUSSION: FIFA Emergency Meeting; Chelsea Transfer Strategy
With President Gianni Infantino’s leadership in crisis, the FIFA executive meet for a emergency session in Morocco. Plus Chelsea’s unique close-season transfer strategy.
DISCUSSION: UEFA Threatens FIFA Boycott Over Plans for WC Private Finance; Newcastle Utd. in Disarray; Italy Appoint Mancini
With von Troschke looking for ancient familial lands on the European mainland, only two are left to discuss the world football crisis.
FEATURE SERIES: The Most Absurd & Bizarre Football Matches in History - Barbados vs. Grenada, 1994
In this excerpt of the first part of a mini-series available in full to subscribers on Patreon, the team look at the most absurd and bizarre football matches in history, starting with the 1994 match between Barbados and Grenada, in which both teams were desperately trying to score own goals. The full episode is available on the World Cup Football Etc/World Sports Etc Patreon page: https://tinyurl.
DISCUSSION: Klopp, Guardiola & Farewell to the Iconic Kevin Keegan
DL, JB and Paul von Troschke come together to discuss news of the week, including Jurgen Klopp's first press conference as German coach, Pep Guardiola turning down the Italy role, and the passing of England great, Kevin Keegan.
FEATURE: The Unique 'Leagues Cup' of the MLS & Liga MX
Jon Bonfiglio looks at the annual tournament which pits the MLS and the Liga MX against each other in a unique competition.
DISCUSSION: Return of MLS & Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire
Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio with a look at the MLS changing its season dates as from 2027, plus Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire.
FEATURE: The Legendary Velibor "Bora" Milutinović
Paul Schmidt-Troschke takes a look at the incredible, record-breaking figure of Velibor "Bora" Milutinović, who managed at 5 World Cups, with different teams.
DISCUSSION: Best & Worst of the 2026 World Cup
In the final episode on the 2026 World Cup, the guys come together to discuss the best, the worst, the unusual and the unique. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: Victory for Football as Spain Win World Cup
After a final of incredible disparities, Link, Schmidt-Troschke & Bonfiglio return to analyze the match and its implications. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: World Cup Final Preview
DL, PST and JB are back to discuss Argentina’s inevitable looming defeat (?) in the World Cup Final. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Declan Link on England's World Cup Campaign
Paul Schmidt-Troschke in a special interview with Declan Link, looking at England's World Cup campaign, 24 hours after the defeat to Argentina. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: England vs. Argentina
In the absence of Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio give a first reaction and analysis of the Argentina vs. England semi-final. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
LIVE: Reaction from Atlanta After England vs. Argentina + Context on Times Radio
Declan Link with live reaction in Atlanta after the Argentina vs. England match, and Jon Bonfiglio gives analysis of the political context live on Times Radio.For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Argentina Football Follower Marcelo Landau
Talking about a wide array of themes, Declan Link interviews the remarkable Marcelo Landau ahead of the Argentina vs. England match.For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: Spain vs. France
To discuss the surprising Spain vs. France match, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio are joined by Declan Link, on the road to the Argentina vs. England semi-final in Atlanta, Georgia. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: World Cup Semi-Finals Preview
Declan Link battles with his device in this World Cup semi-final preview of the blockbuster France vs. Spain and England vs. Argentina ties. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: England vs. Norway; Argentina vs. Switzerland
Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio review the last of the quarter finals. For exclusive series on international sports topics, follow the World Sports etc Patreon page - just copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
THE SUNDAY COLUMN: Germany’s World Cup Disaster
Paul Schmidt-Troschke takes an in-depth look at Germany’s 2026 footballing debacle.
NEWS: Aid Worker Who Organized World Cup Screenings in Gaza Killed in Air Strike
Paul Schmidt-Troschke looks at the story of Mohamed al-Wahidi, a Palestinian aid worker who had organised screenings of World Cup matches in Gaza and who was killed by an Israeli missile strike just before the game between Egypt and Argentina.
DISCUSSION: Spain vs. Belgium
Declan Link & Paul Schmidt-Troschke engage in a gentle disagreement over their predictions for and the result of the Spain vs. Belgium quarter final.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Ex-Professional Footballer Oyvind Klausen, Previewing the Norway vs. England Match
Born and raised in Norway, Oyvind Klausen studied in the United States and played collegiate soccer at Rollins College in Florida during the mid-1980s. He also played for the Orlando Lions in the pre-ASL era before returning to Norway, where he spent five seasons as a professional with IK Start in the Norwegian top division.Today, Oyvind is a media executive and former Editor-in-Chief of a regiona
DISCUSSION: Kylian Mbappé
Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio look at the rise and rise of the man who was once the boy wonder, and is now a central figure for the French nation, and the central figure for its national side.
DISCUSSION: France vs. Morocco
Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio come together to review the quarter final between tournament favorites France and new global footballing power Morocco.
DISCUSSION: Review of African Nations after the Round of 16
Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Declan Link review the performance of the sides from the AFCON region after the Round of 16. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: World Cup Quarter Finals Preview
Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio are back with a preview of the match-ups at the quarter final stage.To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
LIVE IN MEXICO CITY: Opportunities & Challenges for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup
Recorded live at the Lamb Restaurant in Mexico City, in association with the British Embassy in Mexico, in celebration of the England vs. Mexico World Cup match, part four of the podcast sees a focus on the challenges and opportunities afforded by this World Cup for Mexico. Featuring special guest Katie Hannam, Head of Foreign Policy & Lead of World Cup Actions in Mexico, alongside Nick Dale,
DISCUSSION: Argentina vs. Egypt; Switzerland vs. Colombia
The day before the day without football, and a review of the final matches in the round of 16, in which Argentina found a way, and Colombia didn't. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
LIVE IN MEXICO CITY: Football Is Our Language - Sport & Social Programmes
Recorded live at the Lamb Restaurant in Mexico City, in association with the British Embassy in Mexico, in celebration of the England vs. Mexico World Cup match, part three of the podcast sees a focus on the possibilities of using football as a conduit for social inclusion, particularly focusing on programmes developed in association with the British Embassy in Mexico. Featuring special guest Kati
DISCUSSION: Spain vs. Portugal (Goodbye Ronaldo?); Belgium vs. USA; Balogun Red Card Controversy Rolls On
Declan Link is back on the pod after his time in the Azteca cauldron, and reviews the day's matches and more alongside Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
FEATURE SERIES: Football's Greatest International Rivalries - Brazil & Argentina
In this excerpt of the fourth part of a mini-series during the World Cup, available in full to subscribers on Patreon, the team look at the greatest international footballing rivalries, continuing with Brazil and Argentina. The full episode is available on the World Cup Football Etc/World Sports Etc Patreon page: https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
LIVE REACTION: England Fans After the Instant Classic Mexico vs. England
Declan Link gathers fan reaction after the incredible England vs. Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: England vs. Mexico; Norway vs. Brazil; Balogun Red Card Ban Rescinded
Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio with the latest from the World Cup. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
LIVE IN MEXICO CITY: The History of Mexican Football
Recorded live at the Lamb Restaurant in Mexico City, in association with the British Embassy in Mexico, in celebration of the England vs. Mexico World Cup match, part two of the podcast sees an analysis and discussion of the history of Mexican football, and its links to the United Kingdom. With special guests Vania Guerrero, Head of Public Diplomacy at the British Embassy, and Mario Paúl Pfeiifer,
LIVE IN MEXICO CITY: England vs. Mexico - Audience Preview
The team are live in Mexico City, at the Lamb Restaurant, in association with the British Embassy in Mexico, celebrating the England vs. Mexico match in a multi-episode recording. In this first episode, the gathered audience preview their thoughts on the match.
DISCUSSION: Canada vs. Morocco; France vs. Paraguay
Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio look at the latest matches from the World Cup.
DISCUSSION: From the Unique to the Unusual to the Unimaginative - Team Nicknames at the World Cup
Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio look at the nicknames of the different teams at this summer’s World Cup.
DISCUSSION: Scheduling Chaos for England vs. Mexico; Argentina vs. Cape Verde; Colombia vs. Ghana
For the first time ever, and reviewing the day’s news and action, Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio are in the same country, ahead of the next World Cup Football etc live event.
FEATURE: The Match That Started a War
Paul Schmidt-Troschke looks at the 1990 match between Red Star Belgrade and Dynamo Zagreb, widely considered to be the event which started the violent break-up of the former Yugoslavia.
DISCUSSION: Spain vs. Austria; Portugal vs. Croatia
Declan Link & Paul Schmidt-Troschke come together to review the latest from today's matches at the World Cup.
SPECIAL FEATURE: What Football Means in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Paul Schmidt-Troshcke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss how football in Bosnia-Herzegovina emerges as a national unifying force after the break-up of the former Yugoslavia and the conflicts that scarred the region.
DISCUSSION: England vs. DR Congo; Belgium vs. Senegal; USA vs. Bosnia Hercegovina
The team enter the Tuchel Spiral, are wowed by the Belgium - Senegal match and heap praise on the USA's performances so far at the World Cup.To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
SPECIAL FEATURE: The 1973 'Ghost Match' Which Never Happened Inside a Concentration Camp Stadium in Chile
Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the match played alone by the Chilean national football team in Santiago’s Estadio Nacional after the Soviet Union refused to compete in a stadium that the Pinochet regime had turned into a site of imprisonment, torture and death.To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.c
DISCUSSION: Mexico vs. Ecuador; France vs. Sweden; Norway vs. Ivory Coast
Declan Link, Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio return for their daily round-up of fixtures from the round of 32.To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
SPECIAL FEATURE: Ecuador Navigate Mexico City’s Complexities, Even Before the Football
Jon Bonfiglio details the complexities between Ecuador and Mexico ahead of their teams' World Cup tie, as well as the Ecuadorean squad's difficulties navigating Mexico City. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
SPECIAL FEATURE: "I Leave Nothing" - Marcelo Bielsa's Toxic & Divisive Uruguay Reign Ends
Jon Bonfiglio looks at the surreal and bizarre end of Uruguay's WC campaign, destined to be recalled infamously in future tournaments as exactly how not to manage a nation. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: Catastrophe for Germany in Elimination by Paraguay; Brazil vs. Japan; Morocco vs. Netherlands
Paul Schmidt-Troschke wallows in mourning over the death of German football, followed by Jon Bonfiglio issuing a mea culpa over the Brazilian side's capabilities, and Declan Link smug in having predicted the result of one match out of three correctly. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSports
FEATURE SERIES: Football's Greatest International Rivalries - Germany & France
In this excerpt of the third part of a mini-series during the World Cup, available in full to subscribers on Patreon, the team look at the greatest international footballing rivalries, continuing with Germany and France. The full episode is available on the World Cup Football Etc/World Sports Etc Patreon page: https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
DISCUSSION: Previewing the Round of 32
Declan Link is back, and is joined by Paul Schmidt-Troschke and Jon Bonfiglio to preview the Round of 32. To follow our Patreon page for exclusive series on international topics, copy and paste the link below:https://tinyurl.com/FriendsofWorldSportsetcPatreon
