Reuters Pitchside: The 2026 World Cup – Details, episodes & analysis

The World Cup’s opening week had the goals, the stars and the drama, but some of the best moments happened far from the pitch. This week, we’re diving into the moments that took over social media: from Japanese fans winning hearts by cleaning up after matches, to 'Merlin the Duck' waddling into viral fame and a cannabis shop’s World Cup-inspired bong that got FIFA’s attention. Plus, we’ll explain how a 40-year-old goalkeeper — and his mom — became breakout stars. See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

The World Cup isn’t just about goals - it’s about people, politics and global moments. And for Reuters, it’s about figuring out how to tell every story. On this first episode of our new Reuters show Pitchside, sports editors Ossian Shine and Ursa Presern join host Ethan Plotkin on the sidelines. Go beyond the highlights to understand the scale of the biggest World Cup in history. Plus, why is everyone collecting stickers? See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.