Spain are world champions again. In this episode, we break down every major storyline from the 2026 World Cup and look ahead to what it means going into the new Premier League season.

We start with the biggest controversies of the tournament: FIFA's decisions, questionable referee calls, and the drama that had fans talking long after the final whistle.

Naturally, that leads us to Messi vs Ronaldo, one last time. Messi bows out with a Silver Ball and a run to the final at 39; Ronaldo's World Cup career ends in the round of 16 against Spain, tears on the sideline, and a "clear conscience" as he confirms this was his last one. We weigh up two very different farewells and what they mean for the GOAT debate.

Standout performances get their due too: England's stunning 6-4 bronze medal thriller over France (Bukayo Saka's hat trick headlining), Jude Bellingham's commanding tournament, Kylian Mbappe's Golden Boot-winning run for France, and Spain's stingy defense built around Golden Glove winner Unai Simon.

We close out by turning to the club game: the Premier League's summer transfer window (Tottenham's big spending, Manchester City and Chelsea's nine-figure deals), managerial changes at Chelsea and Manchester City, and how preseason is shaping up as the 2026-27 season approaches on August 21 and finally discussed about Asake's amazing music performances and his huge talent.

THE GRITS AND BEYOND PODCAST

Another World Cup, another set of early exits for African teams, and this week on Grit and Beyond, we're asking the hard question: is it a lack of concentration, or something deeper in the mentality of these teams? We break down where things went wrong on the pitch, and why talent alone isn't translating into results.

We also shift gears to talk about the energy around Afronation, what the festival means for African culture on the global stage, and how it contrasts with the disappointment on the football field.

Plus, we dig into the classic debate: the eye test versus statistics. Can you really judge a player or a team by what you see, or do the numbers tell a truer story? We break down both sides and where the balance really lies.

Tune in for an honest, no-holds-barred conversation on football, culture, and everything in between.

THE GRITS AND BEYOND PODCAST

48 teams. 3 countries. One trophy. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially here, and this is your ultimate preview.

We break down every group from A to L — who's flying, who's flopping, who you should already be booking your sweepstake slots for. We dig into Africa's historic 10-team representation, and the Afrobeats soundtrack taking over the world before a ball is kicked: Burna Boy and Shakira leading the charge, Rema linking with BLACKPINK's Lisa and Anitta, Davido going global with Major Lazer and Nelly Furtado, and Ayra Starr holding her own with Latto — Nigerian Afrobeats fully owns the World Cup 2026 anthem album.

Then it's time to settle the real debates: which giants are quietly falling apart, which underdogs should scare every team they face, and which squads traveled all the way to North America just to lose three group games and go home. Spain and France rule the odds. Argentina arrive as defending champions. But football doesn't always follow the script and this edition is the biggest in history.

This episode is built for football fans who want substance, context, and entertainment. Whether you're preparing your tournament bracket, making bets, or just want to sound smart at the watch party, you're in the right place.  Enjoy!

THE GRITS AND BEYOND PODCAST

This week, we covered it all. Arsenal have ended their 22-year Premier League drought, and we break down the tactical setup that made Mikel Arteta's vision finally click. Then we turn to Drake's new album; the hype was enormous, so was the album worth it? We give you an honest verdict.

We also pause mid-episode to say Eid Mubarak to every listener celebrating. You know who you are.

From there, we dig into a fascinating shift in football media, we explored how reversed agenda setting is giving fans, not broadcasters, the power to shape the football conversation, and the shift in breaking stories.

Chelsea's season gets the full autopsy treatment. One word: rollercoaster. We trace every twist from August through May and ask the big questions heading into the summer.

Finally, World Cup selections are dropping, and we have early thoughts.

Enjoy!

THE GRITS AND BEYOND PODCAST

Welcome to Episode 1 of TGBP, where we talk football, music, culture, and everything in between, with zero filter and all the opinions.

We're kicking things off the right way. First, meet the crew,  your new favourite voices in the room as we introduce ourselves, set the tone, and tell you exactly what this podcast is going to be about.

Then we get straight into it:

🎵 Afrobeats
Both of Nigeria's finest, Asake and Adekunle Gold dropped new projects and the internet has been talking. We break down what we loved, what surprised us, and where each artist is heading creatively. Who served harder? We're not holding back.

🌍 OFFICIAL FIFA WORLD CAN 2026 ANTHEM
The official anthem is here , we discussed about the snippet and what we to expect as we got to see Queen Shakira at it again following her pasts success with World cup songs as well as vocals coming from Nigerian Superstar Burna boy.

⚽ ARSENAL — UCL & PREMIER LEAGUE DOUBLE?
Can Arsenal actually do it? We assess their squad depth, form, and the road ahead in both the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League title race. Realistic dream or wishful thinking? We break it all down.

🔥 KVARATSKHELIA — BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD OR UNDERRATED?
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been nothing short of sensational , but is the world sleeping on him? We go deep on his numbers, his impact, how he compares to the elite, and whether he deserves to be in the Ballon d'Or conversation right now.

#arsenalfc #tgbp #podcast #footballpodcast #music #afrobeats #ucl #psg #worldcup

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In this episode, we dive into the turbulent state of Chelsea Football Club, examining the missteps of the ownership group and the squad's struggles on the pitch. We also discuss the controversial sacking of Liam Rosenior and what it signals about the club's direction. Shifting focus, we assess Arsenal's title credentials and whether they can finally end their Premier League drought, plus their prospects in this season's Champions League campaign.

THE GRITS AND BEYOND PODCAST