Liechtenstein have the strangest national football team in Europe.

They have no domestic league to develop players, sometimes take just one fan to away matches and, for years, had just one professional footballer.

So how do they make it work? Why is it so hard to generate support for the team? And what change to international football might improve their fortunes?

In this episode, we put the micro-state under the microscope and examine how Europe’s richest country is also home to its strangest national football team.

Plus, the German winger with a secret double life and the Italian coach who disguised himself as a priest.

Equator's World Cup 2026 course with David Goldblatt:

https://www.equator.org/courses/world-cup-2026

Stamping Grounds by Charlie Connelly: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stamping-Grounds-Exploring-Liechtenstein-World/dp/0349114889

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:03 – Liechtenstein at the FIFA Series

08:07 – Europe’s strangest national team

18:41 – Sudan’s bizarre 12th-tier call-up

20:21 – Puerto Rico’s tournament triumph

23:08 – Equator’s 2026 World Cup Masterclass

27:22 – The German winger with a double life

30:07 – Italy’s coach disguised as a priest

Eritrea’s national team haven’t played an official match in seven years.

But this month, the Red Sea Camels are making their long-awaited return to the international stage in AFCON 2027 qualifying.

So what kept Eritrea away? Why are they returning to the fold now? And do they have any chance against Eswatini?

In this episode, we take you on a virtual journey to the Horn of Africa – and shine a light on the only country excluded from the FIFA rankings.

Plus, the Belarusian team in exile in Poland and the Russian war critic making waves in Cyprus.

Sweeper football shirts: ⁠https://stingz.co/collections/sweeper-podcast⁠

Deutsche Welle documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRQQYGNBK8

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:14 – Eritrea’s international absence

04:55 – Dictatorships and defection

09:16 – The long-awaited return to the fold

13:30 – The state of play in the national team

19:02 – Poland’s Belarusian club in exile

22:47 – Sweeper shirts and special bonus pod

24:17 – Russia’s war critic turned club owner

A World Cup co-host is at war with another participating nation.

Since the United States launched strikes against Iran at the end of last month, the big question in the football world has been whether the latter will still play at the World Cup.

So will Iran play or not? Could they even face the United States? And who would likely replace them if they were to withdraw?

Today, we run through all the conceivable scenarios and analyse the most turbulent build-up to a World Cup in living memory.

Plus: The Barcelona fan who went to the wrong St. James’ Park and Welsh club Llantwit Major’s hilarious cup run.

BUY THE SHIRTS: ⁠⁠https://stingz.co/collections/sweeper-podcast⁠⁠

Get £6 off with Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/sweeperpod⁠

The Guardian on the 1930 World Cup: https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/13/world-cup-stunning-moments-25-conte-verde-uruguay

The Los Angeles Times on India:

https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/sports-now/story/2011-07-19/did-india-withdraw-from-the-1950-world-cup-because-they-were-not-allowed-to-play-barefoot

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:55 – Iran’s World Cup predicament

04:35 – USA fit to host tournament?

08:09 – Scenario 1 – Iran play at World Cup

11:25 – Historical precedents for withdrawals

16:40 – Scenario 2 – Iran withdraw from World Cup

20:55 – Barca fan’s extreme travel mix-up

29:17 – Llantwit Major’s wacky cup run