The most expensive World Cup ever? (With Football Daily, part 3)

The most expensive World Cup ever? (With Football Daily, part 3)

Author: BBC News June 5, 2026 Duration: 32:23

We’ve got together with Americast/Newscast and Football Daily for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.

How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive?

We tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch.

Adam Fleming joins from Newscast and 5 Live football commentary legend John Murray is on from Football Daily.

In this episode we look at what the US-Iran war means for Iran’s team and what strict Visa laws mean for players and fans.

Listen to Newscast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl

Listen to Football Daily here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrsln

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Adam Fleming, Newscast Host • John Murray, 5 Live Commentator

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Ellie House. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producers were Chris Flynn and Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd


Trying to make sense of American politics can feel like navigating a maze. Americast, from BBC News, cuts through the noise with a perspective that’s both grounded and far-reaching. You’ll hear from seasoned correspondents like the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, and presenter Justin Webb, who bring decades of experience to the conversation. This isn’t just a recap of headlines; it’s about understanding the forces shaping the United States, from the granular details observed on the ground to the wider historical and social currents at play. The team delves into everything from election campaigns and policy debates to the complex role of disinformation and social media, offering clarity on the stories that define the nation week to week. Relying on the BBC’s global network of journalists, this podcast provides analysis that connects local events to their international significance. For anyone looking to move beyond the soundbites and gain a more nuanced view of American government and society, tuning into this weekly discussion offers a valuable and authoritative resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Americast
Podcast Episodes
How will Trump’s former personal lawyer run the US justice department? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:51
Attorney General Todd Blanche won’t pledge to act “independently” from the White House during an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press. Trump’s former personal attorney said no attorney general should ever “pledge” to act…
Is AOC ready to run for president? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:49
Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez laying the groundwork for a run for president in 2028? And would the Democrats really pick her as a nominee?This week AOC has been back making headlines with comments over freezing her eggs, d…
Has Trump lost ‘Make America Healthy Again’ voters? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
Why does Donald Trump want to limit childhood vaccines, and does it risk alienating voters in key districts ahead of the midterm elections?On Monday, Donald Trump signed a new executive order from the Oval Office that ca…
Why the Democrats may never be the same again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
Could Abdul El-Sayed’s left-wing victory in Michigan cause the Democrat party to split? Democrats are contemplating whether its left-wing candidates are capable of beating Trump-backed Republicans in the midterms and bey…
What the Reflecting Pool tells us about Trump’s presidency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:33
Why has one of Washington DC’s most famous landmarks become symbolic of the Trump presidency?The renovation and subsequent damage to the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC gives an insight into Dona…