The End of Sport

In this episode, Anna Olimpia de Moura Leite and Amanda Jorri join us to explain how Brazilian football is beset by colonial logics. Following an examination of the current team and the crisis of football coaching in Brazil, Anna and Amanda reflect on the way out of this predicament and look forward to the 2027 women's World Cup. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:52 Guests in...

**CW: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence.** In this episode of Out of Left Field, we are joined by Daniel Sailofsky to explore corruption in FIFA, sexual violence and the MAGA World Cup, the role of athletes in political activism, and the recent Supreme Court decision on trans athletes, highlighting issues of fairness, justice, and systemic bias in sports. For more of Daniel on t...

In this episode, we feature Eric Sheehan, a dedicated organizer representing both NOlympicsLA and the Anti-fascist Football Coalition, alongside Carlos Sirah of the Black Alliance for Peace, Southern California. Together we explore the intersection of mega sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics with issues of displacement, capitalism, and resistance and discuss how these events serve as t...

In this episode, Priyansh and Derek sit down with Alexander Aviña to discuss Mexico's participation in and hosting of the 2026 MAGA World Cup and what it means for the people. Hosts in this episode: Derek and Priyansh ________________________________________ Support & Follow The End of Sport Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/Theendofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Support the show!) Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@endofsportpod...

In this episode, we explore the environmental and social impacts of the World Cup, focusing on climate change, fossil fuel sponsorship, and the future of football. Our guest, Peter Crisp from Fossil Free Football , shares insights on how the sport can lead change and hold governing bodies accountable. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to World Cup Coverage and Heat Concerns 02:51 Environmental Impacts o...

In this episode, Nathan and Priyansh speak with Nihal El Aasar, who explores the rich history of Egyptian football, its cultural significance, and its political implications, especially in relation to Egypt's participation in the World Cup and regional politics. Nihal El Aasar is an Egyptian writer, researcher, political analyst, and radio host based in London. She writes about politics, polit...

This episode features a deep dive into the complexities of the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar, exploring media narratives, labor issues, geopolitical relations, and the broader implications of sportswashing. Nathan and Priyansh sit down with Thomas Ross Griffin to get an insider perspective on Qatar's society, economy, and the global context of the tournament. Thomas Ross Griffin is Assistant...

This episode of Out of Left Field covers the truly heinous fascist imagery used by the Department of Homeland Security, how the World Cup is sportswashing this terrible regime, the treatment of Iranian football players, and racism surrounding the WC.  Keywords: World Cup 2022, sportswashing, athlete activism, fascism, FIFA, Iran, US Soccer, Qatar, social justice, sports politics Chapters 00:00 Int...

In this episode, we explore the global politics of football, focusing on the notable absence of China and South Asia writ large at the World Cup, and the broader implications of sports as soft power and economic development tools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the MAGA World Cup Episode 03:42 The Importance of China and South Asia in Football 06:45 Broadcasting Rights and Market Dynamics 14:57 Cu...

In this episode, we explore the intersection of geopolitics and international sports, focusing on the 2026 World Cup, Iran's participation, and the broader implications of global power dynamics. Our guest, Adnan Husain, offers deep insights into how politics, diplomacy, and sports collide on the world stage. This episode features a deep dive into the political implications of FIFA's recent...

In this episode, Derek Silva, Priyansh, and guest Sina Rahmani analyze the 2026 World Cup, its political implications, and the broader geopolitical context involving Iran, and the belligerent imperial US and Israel states. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the World Cup and Live Content 02:16 World Cup Format and Hydration Breaks 05:38 Impact of Hydration Breaks on Game Dynamics 09:24 Surprise Result...

Karim Zidan, an investigative journalist and author, explores the complex relationship between sport, politics, and authoritarian regimes through his podcast Power Plays and upcoming book. This episode delves into how FIFA's World Cup has historically been exploited by regimes to legitimize power, the role of protests, and the future of global sporting events amidst political turmoil. Chapters...

Our 2026 MAGA World Cup coverage continues with this in-depth conversation with Zito Madu, exploring the political, cultural, and social dimensions of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Nathan, Priyansh and Zito talk about the impact of geopolitics on sports, the role of athletic labor, and the significance of football as a space for resistance and cultural exchange. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the MAGA...

On this episode of EoS’ Out of Left Field, the hosts launch their 2026 MAGA World Cup coverage with a wide-ranging discussion about our ethical stance on this blood stained tournament, who we are (and are not!) cheering for, and all of the VISA and police state issues that make this one of the worst mega events of recent years.  Keywords: World Cup Qatar 2022, sportswashing, geopolitics, visas, pr...

Join us as we explore Joseph Darda's new book 'Gift and Grit,' which examines how sports have shaped racial and social narratives in America since the civil rights era. Discover insights into the racialization of giftedness, the evolution of college sports, and the complex relationship between fans, athletes, and capitalism. Keywords: sports, race, social debt, giftedness, college spor...

This episode explores the complex issues of gender, testosterone, and fairness in women's sports, featuring insights from Sasha Gollish & Roger Pielke Jr. Sasha Gollish is a competitive elite runner for Team Canada, an engineer with a PhD in civil engineering, and researcher at the University of Toronto’s Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre. She is the co-founder of Yellow...

In this episode of the End of Sport podcast, Nathan Kalman-Lamb and Anna Posbergh speak with Brandon Wallace, an assistant professor at Indiana University, about the intersection of sports, social movements, and activism. They explore the evolving landscape of athlete activism, the role of grassroots organizations like Know Your Rights Camp, and the complexities of balancing critique with actionab...

In this episode of The End of Sport, Nathan sits down with Scottish Sport for Palestine ’s Jill Thompson to talk about the ongoing violations of international law by Israel in Palestinian territories. Focusing on the role of FIFA and UEFA in enabling sports-related violations and the recent findings by Scottish Sport for Palestine, they discuss the implications of these violations, the legal actio...

In this episode of Out of Left Field, Anna announces a HUGE professional change and the group chats about all things “Enhanced Games,” problems with putative “holistic coaching,” the NAACP Statement on Black athletes, and FIFA World Cup. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:58 Transitioning from Florida State to Illinois 06:04 Critique of Holistic Coaching in Sports 08:55 The Enhanc...

In this episode of The End of Sport, Nathan and Priyansh speak with Canadian journalist and Associate Professor of Journalism at Carleton University Adrian Harewood. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of journalism, the crises facing media institutions like the CBC, and the complex role of sports amidst global imperialism and societal struggles. Chapters 01:29 Adrian’s career transit...

In this episode, Anna and Derek chat with Dr. CJ Jones about the intersections of gender, sports, and political mobilization. We dive into how trans visibility, legislative trends, and anti-gender movements shape the realities of athletes and institutions today. Keywords: Trans Athletes, Anti-Gender Politics, Gender Critical Feminism, Testosterone Myths, Trans Inclusion, Sports Legislation, Populi...

This episode explores the intersection of global politics, imperialism, and sports through a conversation with Anthony Karefa Rogers-Wright and JP Sloan of The Black Alliance for Peace . Topics include the FIFA World Cup, international resistance, and how sports can be a site of anti-fascist activism. Keywords: FIFA World Cup, anti-imperialism, sports activism, Black Alliance for Peace, global res...

This episode features longtime friend-of-the-show Jules Boykoff discussing the politics of sports, sportswashing, and the implications of mega-events like the World Cup. A month out of the Men’s World Cup, Jules, Nathan and Priyansh explore how sports are used for political and economic agendas, the role of FIFA and IOC, and the social impact of world football. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the E...

Red Sullivan, a student and athlete at the University of Connecticut, shares her experiences with trans rights, sports policies, and the interconnectedness of social issues. In March, 2025, Red was competing at a regional tournament called the Cherry Blossom Open at the University of Maryland, when at the start of one of her matches with 31-year-old Stephanie Turner, Red’s opponent removed her mas...

In this episode, Priyansh, Johanna, Nathan, and Derek cover the intricate politics and ethics of global sports. They explore FIFA's genocidal hypocrisy at FIFA Congress, the challenges of sportswashing, and the complexities of trans inclusion policies in sports. The discussion also touches on immigration issues in Dutch football and the growing problem of gambling addiction among athletes. Cha...