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Africa Business of Sport PodcastAuthor: ASPN Africa Sport Podcast Network
Africa Business of Sport Podcast is an award-winning sport business podcast that delivers expert analysis of business trends, stories and developments across the sport industry in Africa and globally. The podcast gathers and interrogates various global and local perspectives of the rapidly evolving sports business ecosystem. Co-hosted by African sport business experts Edem Spio and Jabu Mtwa. Africa Business of Sport Podcast - Africa's #1 sport business podcast. Language: en Genres: News, Sports News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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E167: The Geopolitics of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Episode 171
Thursday, 25 June, 2026
This is an episode of our FIFA World Cup 2026 series. The FIFA World Cup has always been more than football—and in this episode of the Africa Business of Sport Podcast, Edem is joined by sports business professional Rick Cross to unpack the geopolitical dimensions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. With the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this conversation goes beyond the pitch to explore how football intersects with diplomacy, politics, economics, business, culture, and global influence. Together, Edem and Rick examine why this edition of the World Cup could become one of the most consequential in football history—from tournament expansion and representation to FIFA’s growing geopolitical power and the broader implications for international relations. The discussion also explores the role of football as a tool of soft power, how hosting shapes national identity and infrastructure, and whether the World Cup can still serve as a platform for global unity in an increasingly fragmented world. If you're interested in sport business, geopolitics, international affairs, football governance, or the future of mega-events, this episode offers an insightful look at the forces shaping the beautiful game.Key TopicsGeopolitical implications of the 2026 World CupFIFA's influence on global politics and sportsThe growth of football in North AmericaSports diplomacy and international relationsFuture expansion of the World Cup and global representationThe role of social media and fan engagementThe impact of mega-events on national developmentThe intersection of sports, politics, and culture#WorldCup2026 #SportsDiplomacy #FootballBusiness #FIFA #SportsBusiness #InternationalRelations #AfricaBusinessOfSport #Geopolitics #GlobalFootballRick and the Global Institute of Sport will be in South Africa this July/August to interact with sports clubs, administrators, fanatics, schools and potential student about how to better engage with the global sports business industry via an academic pathway. Get in touch with Jabu Mtwa, Edem Spio or Rick Cross on LinkedIn to find out more. -------------------📝 We value your input! Take our quick survey and help improve the podcast ⭐ The best way to support the podcast is to subscribe, share and leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 📺 Subscribe NOW to our brand new YouTube and turn on the notification🔔 to be the first to receive the latest releases from the podcast!📲 Follow us: Instagram LinkedIn X🥇 Africa Business of Sport Podcast - Africa's #1 sport business podcast
