Talib interviews Jonathan Wilson, one of the preeminent football writers of our time. His new book, The Power and the Glory, is the definitive history of the World Cup. Each chapter is dedicated to the 22 tournaments that have gone before, from Uruguay 1930 to Qatar 2022. Wilson is unrivaled in his ability to set up political and economic context, show the soccer stakes, and weave through compelling and funny anecdotes.

The discussion is about the 2026 World Cup—and the issues explored on this newsletter and podcast—through a lens of historical parallels and precedents. They get into everything from Mussolini to the Falklands War, and OJ Simpson to Christian Pulisic. Wilson reveals one of his favorite World Cup memories, on a night train in Russia. And he explains why this tournament has the potential to be a goals-galore thriller… or a sterile dud.

00:00 Intro

04:01 FIFA and Government Interactions

05:56 Immigration and the World Cup

08:59 Diversity and US Soccer

11:49 Geopolitical Tensions in World Cup History

15:14 World Leaders and the World Cup

19.05 Protests, Flags, and Israel/Palestine

22.12 Game Relocation and Fan Impact

25:53 Security Concerns at World Cups

27:48 Expansive Geography and Multiple Co-Hosts

30:40 Comparison to USA ’94

37:13 Expectations on the Pitch for 2026

40.22 Hosts that Have Overcome Doubt

42.54 Favorite World Cup Memory

Call it what you want: A blue ribbon core in a red state. The city in a forest. The little engine that could.

These are all terms used to describe Atlanta by today's guests: Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of Metro Atlanta’s Chamber of Commerce; and Rich McKay, CEO of the Atlanta Falcons. McKay also oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Falcons play—and where Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches next summer, including a semi-final.

On a visit to New York to talk up their town, they sat down with Talib to chat all things World Cup prep, and Atlanta’s economic prospects, 30 years after its Olympics.

00:00 Intro

04:37 World Cup Preparations and Infrastructure

06:18 Challenges and Opportunities for Hosting

13:10 Security and Political Dynamics

20:37 World Cup Expansion and Economic Synergies

23:45 Tourism and Economic Impact

25:28 End of the Hot Streak?

28:45 Small Business Involvement and Legacy Programs

31:31 Community Accessibility and Equity

37:33 Climate Considerations

39:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode delves into the multi-faceted role of flags in the context of the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States. Talib discusses the political implications of flag-waving, and examines how the rights to protest and freedom of expression may be challenged. Guest interviews are Emerson Sykes from the ACLU, who explores legal aspects and potential governmental responses to protests, and César Jiménez Martínez from the London School of Economics, who provides a philosophical perspective on the significance of flags in national identity and protest movements. The episode also considers past World Cups, the symbolism of flags, and the potential impact of the current U.S. political climate on the freedom to protest.

00:00 Introduction: Flags Beyond Football

00:19 The Political Weight of Flags

01:06 Flags at the World Cup: A Symbol of Pride

01:36 Historical Context: Flags and National Identity

02:16 The US Flag in 2026: Patriotism or Protest?

02:45 Flags in Protests: Mexican and Palestinian Flags

03:24 FIFA Regulations on Flags

03:58 Interview with Emerson Sykes: Free Speech and Protests

15:49 Interview with Cesar Jimenez Martinez: The Philosophy of Flags

30:06 Conclusion: The Dual Nature of the World Cup

In the first podcast episode of America’s Cup (also a Substack newsletter), Talib discusses the complex interplay of security, politics, and logistics involved in hosting the 2026 World Cup in the United States. With a backdrop of consistent gun violence highlighted by the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, the conversation delves into the uncertainties and planning challenges for such a high-profile event. He interviews Juliette Kayyem, an expert in mega-event security, and a former U.S. Homeland Security personnel, to explore how safety measures will be managed across multiple cities while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere for fans. Topics covered include the involvement of federal, state, and local enforcement, the potential use of advanced technologies like AI and drones, and the balance between security and creating a festive environment for international visitors.

00:00 Introduction to America's Cup and a New Podcast Offering

04:34 The Shooting of Charlie Kirk and Gun Violence in the US

06:24 Tweets and Public Reactions to the Shooting

07:50 Snippet from FIFA Fan Fest Exec

10:13 Interview with Juliette Kayyem on Event Security

22:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest: Juliette Kayyem, former Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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