Heather du Plessis-Allan: The World Cup will be a winner
episodePreviously titled “Heather du Plessis-Allan: Despite the issues, the World Cup will be a global success” — renamed by the publisher on Aug 2, 2026
Transcript
jump: chapters · speakers · find in transcriptTranscript
Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
Why is predicting the World Cup a risky endeavor?
Now, you know what I've learned to never, ever do? It's to predict that this year the Football World Cup is going to be a flop, because it never is. Yes, yeah, absolutely they've got problems. I mean, this year they've got problems anywhere you care to look. A single ticket is so pricey it would take you three months to pay it off. Security is ridiculous. Parking itself costs about 300 American dollars. Water costs 10 New Zealand dollars.
What problems are currently facing the World Cup?
Everything's a rip-off. The US won't let in an African referee. Iran doesn't want to be there. They're our first up match. It's too hot. There are too many teams. Three host nations is a nightmare. Now, maybe this is it. Maybe this is the year that it all implodes for FIFA. But I suspect it isn't. I suspect this World Cup is going to go off, just like the one without the beer in Qatar, just like the one with all the corruption in Russia, just like the one where the pickpockets are going to steal everyone's stuff in Brazil. In the end, despite everyone hating FIFA and their decisions, the World Cup itself is actually successful. And the reason is simple. It's because fans want to see the stars. And this is where they see the stars.
And more importantly, this is where they see the stars playing for their country, not some club in Europe. Hate FIFA as much as you want? This is a good thing. We do not at the moment have a lot of global moments to celebrate together. So a tournament of the world's most popular game featuring the world's biggest stars, I reckon something to be happy about.
I suspect this is going to be a success despite the predictions.
No segments match your search.
Select any passage to copy it with its citation or turn it into a shareable card.
Chapters
2 chaptersSpeakers
2 identifiedMore from The Mike Hosking Breakfast
Richard Arnold: US correspondent on Bill Gates warning that AI growth can't keep 'going unchecked'
Steve Price: Australian correspondent on Pauline Hanson being named preferred Prime Minister in Queensland
Commentary Box: Andrew Saville and Jason Pine discuss the AFL grand final and Counties Manukau winning the Ranfurly Shield
Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on 90 reported citizen's arrests being carried out since powers began
David Satterfield: former US Ambassador in the Middle East on whether Trump rejecting Iran deal will impact US mid-terms
Brigitte Morten: political commentator on Labour and National launching their election campaigns ahead of November 7