The FIFA World Cup originated from Jules Rimet’s post-WWI vision of using soccer to foster global peace and international fraternity. However, the tournament quickly became a vehicle for political agendas, beginning with Benito Mussolini’s 1934 fascist Italy, which utilized the event for propaganda and nationalistic branding. Experts Simon Kuper and Jonathan Wilson highlight how this history of "sports-washing" persists, as modern host nations continue to leverage the tournament for geopolitical influence. While the World Cup serves as a powerful tool for nationalism and a platform for political protest, it simultaneously functions as a cosmopolitan festival that unites diverse populations through shared athletic spectacle. The upcoming U.S.-hosted tournament reflects these enduring tensions, balancing the reality of political controversy with the enduring, joyous appeal of the game itself.
Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.
Open full episode in Podwise