Show notes
This could be the most controversial World Cup in history. In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, host Dominic Bowen is joined by Professor Simon Chadwick, one of the world's leading experts on the geopolitical economy of sport, to unpack the politics behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Chadwick challenges the term "sportswashing," arguing it has been selectively applied by the global north while similar issues in co-hosts Mexico and Canada go largely unexamined. He explains why recent tournaments reveal the limits of soft power in sport, why hard power increasingly defines how host nations operate, and what the US, Mexico, and Canada are actually getting out of hosting. The conversation also covers dynamic ticket pricing, fan fears around ICE enforcement and border control, and whether FIFA's claim to political neutrality was ever true, particularly in light of the FIFA Peace Prize awarded to President Trump.Simon Chadwick is Professor of Sport and Geopolitical Economy at Skema Business School in Paris, and Director of its Global Executive MBA in Sport. His work examines the intersection of power, politics, money, and state interests in elite sport, and he has spent over 25 years researching and writing on football and the World Cup. He is the editor of The Geopolitical Economy of Sport: Power, Politics, Money, and the State, the first book to define and explore how sport, geopolitics, and economics interact at a global level. Chadwick has worked extensively across the sport industry with clubs, governing bodies, commercial partners, and governments, including FIFA, UEFA, Barcelona Football Club, Adidas, and the organisers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Tell us what you liked!