Pitch and Power: How Soccer Shapes Everything
The Globe and MailSoccer extends far beyond the pitch. Throughout the 2026 men’s World Cup, Pitch and Power: How Soccer Shapes Everything, a new podcast from The Globe and Mail, looks at eight moments that changed soccer and rattled the wider world. Not just tactics and trophies, but politics, culture, and the moral climate of their day. Host Eoin O’Callaghan talks to pundits, writers, players, eyewitnesses and fan... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 9 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | SoccerNewsSportsSports News | |||
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Latest Episodes
A chartered jet, $3 million in cash, and a player kissing a stack of bills on the tarmac in Brazil. Ghana’s 2014 World Cup bonus crisis wasn’t an isolated fiasco; it was a flashpoint in a larger story about how empire, economics and harmful stereotyp... more
In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher’s England was a country under strain, marked by industrial decline, social unrest and sharp political divides. In that climate, English soccer became a national problem rather than a point of pride. Stadiums crumbled, ... more
In 1978, Argentina staged a World Cup beneath the shadow of a military dictatorship. Just beyond the cameras and ticker tape, the regime was disappearing thousands of dissenters, and the spectacle of the tournament was engineered to launder power: a ... more
In the summer of 1998, the French national team became a symbol of a diverse, confident nation—only for that dream to curdle twelve years later with the public shame of the Knysna mutiny in South Africa. Few teams have carried more complicated meanin... more
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- Great stories and narration - suits the mood of the World Cup
If you’re unfamiliar with some of the great stories related to World Cup, this is a great series to listen to
Apple Podcasts5imrandall
Canada21 days ago - Pitch and Power
Amazing presentation!
Apple Podcasts5Footie FranCanadaa month ago - Great listen
First episode is a fresh retelling of a familiar tale, masterfully done. Can’t wait for the next one!
Apple Podcasts5grawseeCanadaa month ago - Really enjoyed listening
I’m a casual soccer fan, and I really appreciated the conversational tone, how the hosts made the game accessible, their thoughts on the games… Was one of my favorite podcasts to listen to over the last month! I’ll miss it.
Apple Podcasts5Allen George
United States4 years ago - Great way to learn
This podcast throws you in the deep end of a soccer in a friendly way, yet it’s easy to follow for soccer novices wanting to learn.
Apple Podcasts5DoverDadCanada4 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #11 | Canada/Sports/Soccer |
Apple Podcasts | #104 | Canada/Sports |
Apple Podcasts | #82 |  Hong Kong/Sports/Soccer |
Apple Podcasts | #134 |  Brazil/Sports/Soccer |
Apple Podcasts | #149 |  Ireland/Sports/Soccer |
Apple Podcasts | #197 |  Singapore/Sports/Soccer |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show uses soccer as a lens to explore big-picture themes—politics, culture, and social change—through historical and contemporary moments in the game. Episodes blend archival storytelling, expert analysis, and firsthand testimony to connect on-pitch drama with broader societal shifts, offering deep dives into topics like state influence in sport, national identity, and the psychology of pivotal moments. Notable strengths include rigorous historical context, a clear narrative voice, and guests who bring scholarly, journalistic, and cultural perspectives, making complex subjects approachable for both devoted fans and newcomers.
A distinctive thread across episodes is how football acts as a mirror for society—whether examining legacies o... more
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. The Decibel
2. Curse of Politics
3. The Sunday Magazine
4. Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
5. Hub Podcasts
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 9 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Pablo Alabarsas
2. Matt Spiro
3. Amy Lawrence
4. John Foot
5. Ben Lyttleton
6. Kevin Kilbane
7. Colin Miller
8. Jay Baruchel
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.