What should FIFA look like after the 2026 World Cup?
In this week's FootPol Podcast, we speak with sports consultant Gaby Bracamonte about her provocative article, "Make FIFA Great Again," and what football's governing body must do if it is to regain trust and legitimacy.
Recorded during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, before several of the tournament's biggest controversies emerged, the conversation captures the issues already shaping the competition—from the fan experience inside the stadiums to the governance challenges facing FIFA itself.
Drawing on her experience of attending matches across the United States, Gaby discusses the atmosphere at the tournament, the impact of dynamic ticket pricing on supporters, and the wider politics surrounding the World Cup.
The conversation then turns to FIFA. Why does the organisation continue to attract criticism? Who should hold it accountable? And what reforms are needed to improve the governance of world football?
Although recorded before the later controversies that dominated headlines, the discussion proved remarkably prescient. As the tournament unfolded, many of the questions raised about accountability, leadership and the stewardship of the global game became even more pressing.
As the 2026 World Cup comes to an end, this episode looks beyond the action on the pitch to examine the institutions that shape football—and why the future of the world's most popular sport depends as much on governance as on what happens during the 90 minutes.
Read Gaby Bracamonte's article, "Make FIFA Great Again," here.
