Trophies. Glory. Trade deals. Kudos. What does Qatar really want from the World Cup? In the second episode of Pro Revolution Soccer, Keir Milburn and Tom Williams reflect on the opening week of the tournament and dig deeper into the political and sporting flashpoints so far.

They’re joined by Kate Mason from the Football Ramble, who talks about her years in the Gulf and what she learned while making her new podcast series, Inside the Qatar World Cup. Tom also speaks to Lebanese writer and activist Ali Reda about why Gulf petrostates are investing billions into football – particularly in the north of England – and what the British state gets out of the deal.

Pro Revolution Soccer is out every Friday until the World Cup Final. Find more World Cup coverage, including Ali’s article, at novara.media/football

Music by Matt Huxley. Produced by Chal Ravens. Design by Pietro Garrone.