The World Cup has officially kicked off, and I’m doing what I do best: pretending I’m qualified to talk about it.

First up, I'm saying it how I see it...Ronaldo is finished. I know that may upset a few people, but look - someone had to say it. Portugal are better off if he doesn't play, let alone start.

In the opening game there were three red cards - were they all soft? Did VAR get it right or wrong?

Then, i'm joined by Matilda's and Brighton defender Charlie Rule, who actually knows what she's talking about. We get into what World Cup pressure actually feels like when you’re the one wearing the badge, how early players start thinking about a World Cup cycle, and what separates the ones who get called up from the ones who stay there. (I must've missed the memo).

Charlie gives her thoughts on which teams she thinks are built for this tournament and adds her pick to our Ultimate All-Time World Cup XI. 

We also react to some truly tragic World Cup anthems that are doing the rounds right now and honestly, some of them feel like a crime. 

Then we throw to our sports reporter John Bric who's there in Vancouver giving us the on-the-ground vibe: the fans, the noise, the ticket prices...they are insane.

The World Cup has officially kicked off, and I&rsquo;m doing what I do best: pretending I&rsquo;m qualified to talk about it.
First up, I'm saying it how I see it...Ronaldo is finished. I know that may upset a few people, but look - someone had to say it. Portugal are better off if he doesn't play, let alone start.
In the opening game there were three red cards - were they all soft? Did VAR get it right or wrong?
Then, i'm joined by Matilda's and Brighton defender Charlie Rule, who actually knows what she's talking about. We get into what World Cup pressure actually feels like when you&rsquo;re the one wearing the badge, how early players start thinking about a World Cup cycle, and what separates the ones who get called up from the ones who stay there. (I must've missed the memo).
Charlie gives her thoughts on which teams she thinks are built for this tournament and adds her pick to our Ultimate All-Time World Cup XI.&nbsp;
We also react to some truly tragic World Cup anthems that are doing the rounds right now and honestly, some of them feel like a crime.&nbsp; Then we throw to our sports reporter John Bric who's there in Vancouver giving us the on-the-ground vibe: the fans, the noise, the ticket prices...they are insane.

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup.

This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond. 

The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There’s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia’s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You’ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.

New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen.

Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation.

If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you’ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice.

This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup.
This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond.&nbsp;
<hr><hr>
The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There&rsquo;s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia&rsquo;s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You&rsquo;ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen.
Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation.
If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you&rsquo;ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice.
This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

The Failed Footballer

World Cup begins with THREE soft red cards! Matildas and Brighton defender Charlie Rule joins us to rate World Cup songs, play VAR and preview Socceroos v Turkey

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/b38bab9b-bb90-4c25-8ea9-b467004b1323/transcript