The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off! It marks the biggest football tournament in history, with 48 teams playing across three countries. But before a single ball has been kicked, this might already be the most controversial World Cup ever.

One of the teams competing is at war with the host country. A referee was turned away at the border. And fans are being blocked from watching their own team play.

On today’s podcast we’re going to break down everything you need to know about this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Sign up to the TDA Sports Newsletter here.

Hosts: Elliot Lawry and Billi FitzSimons
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off! It marks the biggest football tournament in history, with 48 teams playing across three countries. But before a single ball has been kicked, this might already be the most controversial World Cup ever.
One of the teams competing is at war with the host country. A referee was turned away at the border. And fans are being blocked from watching their own team play.
On today&rsquo;s podcast we&rsquo;re going to break down everything you need to know about this year&rsquo;s edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Sign up to the TDA Sports Newsletter <a href="https://sport.thedailyaus.com.au/subscribe">here</a>.
Hosts: Elliot Lawry and Billi FitzSimons Producer: Orla Maher Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click &lsquo;follow&rsquo; on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful.
The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent.
Want more from TDA? <a href="https://thedailyaus.com.au/newsletter/">Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thedailyaus">Subscribe to The Daily Aus&rsquo; YouTube Channel</a>
Have feedback for us? We&rsquo;re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you&rsquo;ve got feedback, we&rsquo;re all ears.&nbsp;<a href="https://thedailyaus.typeform.com/to/D0EhJI4S">Tell us here</a>.

This is a daily news podcast for young people in Australia. Join The Daily Aus team every weekday morning as we cover the news in your language. We’re a newsroom of young journalists, delivering news for young people.

TDA is completely independent. We are not owned by any larger media company.

This is a daily news podcast that breaks down issues important to young people in Australia.