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,

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.