By 2030, half of CONMEBOL’s 10 members will have hosted a World Cup match. But the likes of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru are unlikely to ever follow suit – in large part due to altitude.
Bolivia are the absolute kings of elevation, boasting the highest-altitude international stadium in the world (the Estadio Municipal de El Alto, which sits 4,088 metres above sea level) and frequently making mincemeat of superior footballing sides on home turf.
So on this episode, we’re simulating what would happen if Bolivia were awarded World Cup hosting rights: Which stadia across the country could host matches? How deep could La Verde go with home advantage on their side? And which low-altitude countries might struggle?
Plus, the scientific impacts of elevation on footballing performance and the highest-altitude cities to ever host a World Cup match in real life.
Join us on Patreon for Monday’s bonus podcast, in which we tell the story of South Melbourne’s Australia Cup victory – the first non-A-League side to ever lift the trophy – and assess where they will compete continentally next year. Hellas, as they are known, qualify for the AFC Champions League 2 as cup winners but are also one of the eight teams in the OFC Pro League.
The Guardian's article: 'Altitude: how does it affect players and how big is England’s disadvantage?' by Nicola Davis is here.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
01:40 – Bolivia’s altitude advantage
03:47 – Scientific impact of elevation
10:48 – The host stadium line-up
17:54 – Tournament predictions
21:45 – Highest-altitude countries
24:00 – Lowest altitude countries
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