{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/637b07e6a012a40010137280/6a2e28d96cf76d7745c92475?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"WC2026 Episode 1: What A Time to be a World Cup Fan","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/637b07e6a012a40010137280/1781422698734-ec9fa3f0-306f-4026-b15c-ce4c84e28202.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><a href=\"https://thepeoplesgame.org\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The People's Game⁠</a> is back for World Cup 2026! </p><p> </p><p>On the eve of the World Cup, co-hosts Alan Minsky, Mel Figueroa, and Fernando Romero talk about, well, *everything* going on in the world; and how surreal it feels to be passionate fans of this beloved global event at a time when the political circumstances in our host country are so fraught and dire for so many people inside and outside U.S. borders. </p><p> </p><p>But Fernando is on his way to Mexico City to enjoy the opening game and the first games in all three World Cup cities in Mexico, and we are excited for him and to hear how the beautiful game is received in its original home. We also share our picks for which best up-and-coming players to watch in this tournament, the nations that we think will surprise and disappoint this year, and the political issues and causes we think (and hope) might come to the fore in this global spectacle. </p><p> </p><p>We then speak to Thomas Hanna from the Democracy Collaborative, a longtime fan and player, about the problems -- and potential -- for the people's game as a vehicle for democracy rather can capitalism; including the growing movement for fan ownership of our favorite clubs.</p>","author_name":"The People's Game"}