World Cup Football etc

Paul Schmidt-Troschke is joined by Jon Bonfiglio to look at Neymar Jnr.'s comments regarding retirement, the Brazil squad and the upcoming World Cup. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke is joined by football expert Declan Link to digest the conclusive (?) end of the European Super League. 

Declan Link joins Paul Schmidt-Troschke to discuss Jim Ratcliffe's controversial immigrant comments and their potential effect on Manchester United. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the events & fallout from the Benfica v Real Madrid Champions League match which was stopped for an alleged racist attack on Vinicius Jnr. 

Pau Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the issues and fallout resulting from the disqualification of Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Olympics, after wearing a helmet bearing images of fellow athletes who died during the war with Russia. 

Jon Bonfiglio with breaking news of upcoming special coverage of the return to Mexico of England's Lost Lionesses from 1971. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke with news of pre-tournament displacements in Mexico City, alongside Jon Bonfiglio. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke details breaking news from the England camp, alongside analysis from football expert Declan Link.

The World Cup retrospectives continue! Joining Paul Schmidt-Troschke, Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio on another full episode this week to discuss Spain '82 are England fan Edward Norman David & veteran football journalist Keir Radnedge. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke with news of Barcelona President Joan Laporta's statement about his club's rejection of the European Super League, with comments and context from Jon Bonfiglio.

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss German midfielder Leon Goretzka's comments on how Donald Trump's expansionist policies has made Germans feel European. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke is joined by Jon Bonfiglio to discuss the measles outbreak which has hit Guadalajara, a key host city in Mexico for the World Cup. 

Journalist Jon Bonfiglio and football expert Declan Link discuss the recent statements of Pep Guardiola on Palestine and related topics, and the debate around the crossover between sport and politics. 

Journalist Paul Schmidt-Troschke speaks to Declan Link about the US railways and their viability for travel during the World Cup. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke reports on the racist incidents directed to Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin, and the issue of racism in Mexican football.

Journalist Paul Schmidt-Troschke & football expert Declan Link break down the controversy aruond FIFA's parking passes for the summer tournament. 

Jon Bonfiglio looks at football in Greenland and how the sport plays a crucial role in national self-identity.

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football expert Declan Link - and special guests who attended the Mexico '86 World Cup  Mark Kimberling, Paul Killingback & James Hook - for a look at all things football, including society, culture and history.  To get in touch with the team, email worldcupetcetera@gmail.com 

Jon Bonfiglio speaks to Leander Schaerlaeckens, author of 'The Long Game, U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts'. Recent articles by Leander Schaerlaeckens include: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jan/29/world-cup-boycott https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jan/21/world-cup-fan-fests-training-camps-legacy https://www.theguar...

Football expert Declan Link & journalist Jon Bonfiglio analyze what teams look for in locations and bases, and ask why so many are as yet unconfirmed. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke and Jon Bonfiglio unpick the talking points from Michel Platini's major press interview. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio react to the killings in Iran and analyze how major sporting tournaments are often lightning rods for an acceleration of human rights abuses. 

Jon Bonfiglio speaks to Paul Ross for Talk Sport about the shooting in Mexico, and its implications for the upcoming World Cup. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter's calls for a boycott of World Cup matches in the USA to protest against the actions of President Donald Trump's administration, both at home and abroad.

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football expert Declan Link, and special guest with unique World Cup pedigree Gordon Mousinho for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture.  To get in touch with the team, email worldcupetcetera@gmail.com