Explore every episode of the podcast World Football ETC

Jules Boykoff is a former professional footballer who represented the US U23 National Team in international matches, and is now a critical academic and writer teaching political science at Pacific University. He has written a number of books on the politics of the Olympics and regularly comments on the intersection between sports, politics and society. www.julesboykoff.org

To read the Guardian article referenced in the interview, use the link here: 

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/08/zohran-mamdani-has-upended-us-politics-now-he-should-take-on-fifa

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football experts Declan Link & special guest and former professional footballer Jeremy Christie, for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture. 

To join live events in Mexico City at the start of the World Cup on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June 2026, email worldcupetcetera@gmail.com 

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football experts Declan Link & special guest Tom Cook from ABC affiliate WFTV Channel 9 News, for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture. 

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football experts Declan Link & special guest Gordon Mousinho, for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture. 

Join journalist Jon Bonfiglio  and veteran football expert Declan Link for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture. 

Join veteran broadcaster Martin Kelner, football expert Declan Link and journalist Jon Bonfiglio for a look at all things related to the World Cup, the football and beyond. 

Join veteran broadcaster Martin Kelner, football expert Declan Link and journalist Jon Bonfiglio for a look at all things related to the World Cup, the football and beyond. 

Alongside Paul Ross & Kane Reeves, Jon Bonfiglio gives an update on where Mexico currently stands in its preparations for the World Cup, and the chances for the national side. 

Journalist Paul Schmidt-Troschke reports on how Seattle chose to highlight a World Cup match as inclusive of all, only to draw repressive Iran and Egypt. 

With presenter Paul Ross, correspondent Jon Bonfiglio gives his final live report from Haiti after the country's World Cup qualification. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke reports on the play-off draw for the 2026 World Cup, with reaction from journalist Jon Bonfiglio. 

Reporting on-the-ground in Haiti, journalist Paul Schmidt-Troschke reports live from Haiti on the exciting final round of CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Live in Cap-Haitian on Haiti's north coast, Jon Bonfiglio reports live on the night Haiti beats Niacaragua 2-0 and advances to its first World Cup since 1974. 

Reporting on-the-ground in Haiti, journalist Paul Schmidt-Troschke reports live from a match live in the Haitian National League, and brings context of Haiti’s looming World Cup qualification. 

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football experts Declan Link for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture. 

To get in touch with the team, email worldcupetcetera@gmail.com 

The incredible story of how World Cup regular Garry Mitchell ended up with a suitcase full of tickets in Stuttgart, during Germany 2006, and what he did with them.

Journalist Paul Schmidt-Troschke reports on the exclusion of fans from Iran and Haiti from the USA, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Join journalists Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio, and football expert Declan Link with live reaction to the 2026 World Cup Draw. 

Football expert Declan Link analyzes Groups of Death through previous World Cups, and what they mean. 

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football expert Declan Link, crowd favorite Cookey and this week's special guest Portsmouth Manager John Mousinho for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture. 

To get in touch with the team, email worldcupetcetera@gmail.com 

Jon Bonfiglio takes a look at the legacy of Diego Armando Maradona, and how the man is inseparable from Italian club Napoli. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke, reporting live from Miami Stadium.

Journalist Jon Bonfiglio speaks to football expert Declan Link about the team seedings and pots ahead of the World Cup draw. 

Journalist Jon Bonfiglio speaks to football expert Declan Link about England’s evolution over the last generation. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke looks at the incredible story of the Comoros Islands, and how their identity is tied in with its rise to international football recognition. 

Join journalists Jon Bonfiglio & Paul Schmidt-Troschke, alongside veteran football expert Declan Link, special guests Sean New and Liv Samuels for a look at all things related to the World Cup - the football, the stories, the culture. 

To get in touch with the team, email worldcupetcetera@gmail.com 

The first in a series showcasing fans and their perspectives on their upcoming World Cup fixtures, starting with the Tartan Army and the upcoming Scotland clash with iconic Brazil. 

Declan Link and Jon Bonfiglio speak to football authority and journalist for the Financial Times Simon Kuper on a wide array of topics related to football and the World Cup. 

Journalists Jon Bonfiglio, Paul Schmidt-Troshcke and football expert Declan Link each preview a key fixture from the group stage of World Cup 2026. 

Journalist Paul Schmidt-Troschke reports on the ongoing issues regarding the Seattle Pride Match and FairSquare's complaint to FIFA’s Ethics Committee regarding Gianni Infantino.  

Jon Bonfiglio breaks down the relationship between the recurring narratives of Mexico's history and its historic footballing under-achievements, and argues that if anyone can change these interlinked narratives, that person is Raúl Jiménez. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio talk live on Mexico’s return to the Azteca, during the friendly match against Portugal. 

Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the lone ranger, the last man, the shot-stopper - the goalkeeper. 

Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the enigma that is Neymar Jnr. 

Morocco have been declared Africa Cup of Nations champions after their appeal over the result of January’s final was upheld, with Senegal stripped of the title. Paul Schmidt-Troschke, Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the news and the fallout. 

Jon Bonfiglio speaks to Dr. Sharron Schwartz about the history and legacy of Cornish Miners across Latin America, in particular how football accompanied them to the region.

To read Dr. Schwartz's work, the following books are now available online:

Mining a Shared Heritage: Mexico’s ‘Little Cornwall' (published in 2011)

The Cornish in Latin America: Cousin Jack and the New World (2016)

Dr. Schwartz's most recent book, The Great Trek of the Transport Party, Mexico (1825-26): A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph is to be published this May in conjunction with the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the classic winger, their skills, psychology and box-office draw. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke, Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio reunite to discuss the pressing issue of World Cup-themed board games. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke with the latest news from around the world. 

Starting a new mini-series, Declan Link & Jon Bonfiglio take an in-depth look at positions, their identities and psychology, via some of the most notable international players to take on these roles. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the situation and complexities faced by the Iranian women's national team. 

Declan Link and Paul Schmidt-Troschke discuss the stand-off between the town of Foxborough, Boston - home to Gillette Stadium - and FIFA, as the games to be hosted are currently in limbo as the town demands upfront payment for USD$8M in security costs, rejecting a reimbursement proposal from the Kraft Group and FIFA. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the visit of MLS Cup Winners Inter Miami to Donald Trump's White House. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio in Gudalajara, and Declan Link in London, go through the night and the results. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke with the latest news from around the world. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the re-rentry of Russia & Belarus into sporting international sporting competitions, and debate the collectivity and purpose of shared rules and norms. 

Declan Link speaks to Robin Richardson about the now-resolved sporran controversy for Scottish fans. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio discuss the US/Israeli attack on Iran, implications, and what sport means in relation to war. 

Football expert Declan Link reports live from the Inter&Co Stadium, as Orlando City meet Inter Miami in the MLS. 

Paul Schmidt-Troschke & Jon Bonfiglio take a look at FIFA's involvement with Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Gaza.