This is an episode of our FIFA World Cup 2026 series.
The FIFA World Cup has always been more than football—and in this episode of the Africa Business of Sport Podcast, Edem is joined by sports business professional Rick Cross to unpack the geopolitical dimensions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. With the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this conversation goes beyond the pitch to explore how football intersects with diplomacy, politics, economics, business, culture, and global influence. Together, Edem and Rick examine why this edition of the World Cup could become one of the most consequential in football history—from tournament expansion and representation to FIFA’s growing geopolitical power and the broader implications for international relations. The discussion also explores the role of football as a tool of soft power, how hosting shapes national identity and infrastructure, and whether the World Cup can still serve as a platform for global unity in an increasingly fragmented world.
If you're interested in sport business, geopolitics, international affairs, football governance, or the future of mega-events, this episode offers an insightful look at the forces shaping the beautiful game.
Key Topics
- Geopolitical implications of the 2026 World Cup
- FIFA's influence on global politics and sports
- The growth of football in North America
- Sports diplomacy and international relations
- Future expansion of the World Cup and global representation
- The role of social media and fan engagement
- The impact of mega-events on national development
- The intersection of sports, politics, and culture
#WorldCup2026 #SportsDiplomacy #FootballBusiness #FIFA #SportsBusiness #InternationalRelations #AfricaBusinessOfSport #Geopolitics #GlobalFootball
Rick and the Global Institute of Sport will be in South Africa this July/August to interact with sports clubs, administrators, fanatics, schools and potential student about how to better engage with the global sports business industry via an academic pathway. Get in touch with Jabu Mtwa, Edem Spio or Rick Cross on LinkedIn to find out more.
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