This week, Guy and Francesco are joined by Will Huddlestone, who recently completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on the early global success of Uruguayan football. Will unpacks how Uruguay — despite its small population — rose to international prominence as Olympic and World Cup champions in the 1920s and 1930, and how the national team’s triumphs became powerful political tools both domestically and abroad.

The conversation charts the evolution of Uruguayan football after its iconic 1950 World Cup victory, exploring its transformation under dictatorship and democracy. Will also discusses Uruguay's modern identity as a major exporter of footballing talent, and the ongoing story of the domestic game.

Along the way, the discussion tackles the political and cultural significance surrounding stars like Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, examines the controversies they've courted, and looks at the growing momentum behind the women’s game in Uruguay.

For lovers of Uruguayan football — or anyone fascinated by the intersection of sport, politics, and national identity — this is an episode not to miss!

This week, Francesco switches seats—co-hosting and guesting—as he and Guy dive into a lively discussion about football in and from the Middle East, inspired by a brand-new report from the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-sectarianisation (SEPAD) Project at Lancaster University.

Francesco is joined by fellow co-editor Javier Bordon, along with SEPAD directors Simon Mabon and Edward Wastnidge, for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the Gulf states' rising influence in global football (especially Saudi Arabia and Qatar), identity and politics through the lens of the pitch - from Syria to Islam - and the role of fans, ultras, and diasporas, including Kurds in Sweden, Algerians in France and women in Iran.

Whether you’re into geopolitics, grassroots fandom, or just want to understand how the region is reshaping the global game, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. You can also check out the report on SEPAD's website here.

In this episode, Guy and Francesco welcome back friend of the pod Miguel Lourenço Pereira to talk about his new book Pasión: A Journey to the Soul of Spanish Football (out 21 April from Pitch Publishing).

Together, they dive into the political, cultural, and social undercurrents that have shaped Spanish football—from Franco’s regime using the sport as soft propaganda to the democratic era’s subtler, but still strategic, engagement with the game.

They explore how ownership models shifted in the late 1980s and early 1990s and what that meant for the sport's structure and soul. Miguel also sheds light on the role of national and regional identities in shaping clubs, fan bases, and rivalries, as well as the impact of demographic change—from inland depopulation to coastal booms, and the rise of second-generation stars like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.

It’s a deep, passionate look at how fútbol reflects and refracts the story of modern Spain.

This week, Guy and Francesco are joined by Sean McCabe, Head of Climate Justice and Sustainability at Bohemian FC - a member-owned football club since 1890 with a mission that goes far beyond the pitch.

As the world’s first Head of Climate Justice and Sustainability in football, Sean shares how Bohemians are tackling the climate crisis through a justice-centered approach that puts the local community first. Sean also discusses other campaigns and activity carried out by this exceptional club.

If you're inspired to get involved, check out Bohemian FC's website and consider joining the club. And if you're already a fan elsewhere, Sean has a message: push your club to do better.

This week Guy and Francesco discuss football activism with Charl Galloway, a consultant specializing in women's football and inclusive sports spaces. As chairperson of Cardiff Dragons FC, co-founder of the Women's Football Collective, and a key player in bringing the LGBTQ+ EuroGames to Cardiff in 2027, Charl shares their insights on making the game more inclusive.

From the Dragons' commitment to diversity to the broader challenges minorities face in football and society, Charl unpacks the realities of representation, access, and allyship. Tune in to explore the often-overlooked aspects of football and discover what we can all do to level the playing field.

This week Carrie Dunn, a journalist, academic and good friend of the podcast talks to Francesco and Guy about her latest book,'Flying the Flag.' Carrie explains why British female players moved abroad to pursue their footballing dreams and the various challenges they have faced over time to do this, from the amateur era of the past to today's professional one. She also gives a brief preview of the upcoming Women Euros in Switzerland which takes place this summer.

Carrie's book will be published in June, but is available for pre-order from all main websites.

Why did FIFA award the 2030 World Cup to six countries across three continents—Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco? What political calculations shaped this unprecedented decision? And how prepared are these nations to host an expanded tournament?

In this companion episode to their recent discussion on the 2034 World Cup, Guy and Francesco break down the political and logistical challenges of the 2030 edition. They explore Morocco’s hosting ambitions against the backdrop of high youth unemployment and its ongoing occupation of Western Sahara. Plus, they’re joined by Dr Leslie Mabon from the Open University to examine the environmental criticisms of FIFA’s plan and whether sustainability concerns can be addressed.

This week, Guy speaks with Theofilos Pouliopoulos, a project manager and sports consultant with deep expertise in Greek football. Theo unpacks the social origins of Greece’s football clubs and how politics has shaped the game—from the 1967-74 dictatorship to democracy and the post-financial crisis era. He explains why the Greek government intervened in football governance, leading to tensions with UEFA and FIFA and the absence of a legacy following Greece's 2004 Euros victory. The conversation also delves into race, Greece’s shifting demographics, and the evolving landscape of women’s football in the country.