The wait is over — the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here. But as fans turn their attention to the action on the field, a different contest is already playing out off it.

Visa restrictions, diplomatic disputes and geopolitical tensions have all cast a shadow over football's biggest tournament, raising questions about whether the World Cup can still be considered a truly global event.

As the United States, Mexico and Canada welcome the world, we ask: Has the World Cup become a stage for global politics as much as sport?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Simon Chadwick, Professor of AfroEurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, to find out more. 

The wait is over &mdash; the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here.&nbsp;But as fans turn their attention to the action on the field, a different contest is already playing out off it. Visa restrictions, diplomatic disputes and geopolitical tensions have all cast a shadow over football's biggest tournament, raising questions about whether the World Cup can still be considered a truly global event.
As the United States, Mexico and Canada welcome the world, we ask: Has the World Cup become a stage for global politics as much as sport?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Simon Chadwick, Professor of AfroEurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, to find out more.&nbsp;

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

The Big Story: How political has the World Cup 2026 become?

Comedy has always been a major part of Singapore's culture.

But beyond entertainment, comedy may be serving a much bigger purpose. At a time when conversations about generational divides are becoming more common — whether it's over technology, workplace expectations or social values — humour appears to be creating moments of connection between young and old.

In some cases, comedy can even help us navigate sensitive topics, challenge stereotypes and better understand perspectives that differ from our own.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Singapore's veteran comedian, Kumar, to learn how local have humour evolved over the years, and how is comedy is one of Singapore's most effective tools for bridging the generational gap.

Comedy has always been a major part of Singapore's culture.
But beyond entertainment, comedy may be serving a much bigger purpose. At a time when conversations about generational divides are becoming more common &mdash; whether it's over technology, workplace expectations or social values &mdash; humour appears to be creating moments of connection between young and old.
In some cases, comedy can even help us navigate sensitive topics, challenge stereotypes and better understand perspectives that differ from our own.
On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Singapore's veteran comedian, Kumar, to learn how local have humour evolved over the years, and how is comedy is one of Singapore's most effective tools for bridging the generational gap.

The Agenda: How comedy bridges the generational gap in Singapore

No topic is off-limits... well, almost. In this special Ask Kumar segment, Singapore's beloved comedian and entertainer Kumar takes on questions from listeners, offering his unique blend of wit, wisdom and unfiltered observations. From life's biggest dilemmas to the most random curiosities, expect plenty of laughs, surprising insights and classic Kumar honesty.

No topic is off-limits... well, almost. In this special Ask Kumar segment, Singapore's beloved comedian and entertainer Kumar takes on questions from listeners, offering his unique blend of wit, wisdom and unfiltered observations. From life's biggest dilemmas to the most random curiosities, expect plenty of laughs, surprising insights and classic Kumar honesty.

Ask Kumar: The unfiltered answers Singapore wants

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and guest host Kumar, dives headfirst into the World Cup hype as it officially kicked off today. In spirit of the highly anticipated sports tournament in history, the duo gets quizzed on the football slangs used across the world. But beyond that, Kumar also shares his prediction for who will win the World Cup 2026 tournament

So who is ultimately better at speaking football slangs? And will Kumar's pick for the World Cup 2026 winner end up becoming the real champions?

 

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and guest host Kumar, dives headfirst into the World Cup hype as it officially kicked off today. In spirit of the highly anticipated sports tournament in history, the duo gets quizzed on the football slangs used across the world. But beyond that, Kumar also shares his prediction for who will win the World Cup 2026 tournament
So who is ultimately better at speaking football slangs? And will Kumar's pick for the World Cup 2026 winner end up becoming the real champions?
&nbsp;

The Big Story: How political has the World Cup 2026 become?

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