Paul Howard watched every World Cup game – here’s what he learned

Bloated tournament shows how little Fifa cares about players, says Howard

Listen | 33:27
Paul Howard. Photograph: Alan Betson
Paul Howard. Photograph: Alan Betson

For his hosting duties on America 2026, the Irish Times podcast, Paul Howard watched every World Cup single match, even it was on at 4am and featured a no-hoper team in the tournament to make up the numbers.

What did he make of England’s loss to Argentina?

Why does he think the bloated half-time show featuring Shakira and Justin Bieber, planned for Sunday’s final, highlights just how much Fifa is enthralled to the US; and who will lift the World Cup when the final whistle blows on Sunday, Argentina or Spain?

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast

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