Did Spain deserve the title?

Is this football's new era?

Did the expanded tournament work?

FIFA, politics and tournament credibility

Has Asian football progressed?

Can football stay affordable?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began amid fears of immigration raids, political hostility and a tournament defined by controversy rather than competition. But something else entirely played out when football lovers from across the globe showed up. Norway fans did Viking rows, Scotland fans drank cities dry and Americans fell in love with a sport they had barely noticed before. But the politics never went away. US President Donald Trump's infamous call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's red card dominated headlines. But the final matches and Spain's eventual victory, refocused attention. Arnold Gay speaks to Correspondent Mitch McCann in New York and Sports Correspondent Matthew Mohan about the heartbreak, joy and the questions this tournament leaves unanswered heading into 2030.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began amid fears of immigration raids, political hostility and a tournament defined by controversy rather than competition. But something else entirely played out when football lovers from across the globe showed up. Norway fans did Viking rows, Scotland fans drank cities dry and Americans fell in love with a sport they had barely noticed before. But the politics never went away. US President Donald Trump's infamous call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's red card dominated headlines. But the final matches and Spain's eventual victory, refocused attention.&nbsp;Arnold Gay speaks to Correspondent Mitch McCann in New York and Sports Correspondent Matthew Mohan about the heartbreak, joy and the questions this tournament leaves unanswered heading into 2030.

Teresa Tang dissects the biggest global news stories. Our host speaks to CNA correspondents on the frontlines to bring you behind-the-scenes of their dispatches from Asia and the world.

The views and opinions shared during this podcast series are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mediacorp Pte. Ltd. or its group of companies.

Teresa Tang dissects the biggest global news stories. Our host speaks to CNA correspondents on the frontlines to bring you behind-the-scenes of their dispatches from Asia and the world.
The views and opinions shared during this podcast series are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mediacorp Pte. Ltd. or its group of companies.

CNA Correspondent

Our host speaks to CNA correspondents on the frontlines to bring you behind the scenes of some of the biggest global news stories from Asia and the world.

Our host speaks to CNA correspondents on the frontlines to bring you behind the scenes of some of the biggest global news stories from Asia and the world.