The Daily

How This World Cup Changed Soccer

Dec 19, 2022

Join Rory Smith, the Chief Soccer Correspondent for The New York Times, as he dives into the thrilling highs of the World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina and Lionel Messi triumphed over France. He uncovers the complicated dynamics of this tournament, from emotional narratives to Morocco's historic role as a unifying symbol for the Arab world. Rory discusses how Qatar’s hosting changed the landscape of professional soccer, raising ethical concerns amid the glamour. Discover the intersection of sport, culture, and controversy in this captivating discussion.

29:25

Creator website

Episode guests

Rory Smith

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Drama and Glory: The World Cup Final

7min

Morocco's Historic World Cup Journey

3min

The Dual Narrative of the Arab World Cup

3min

The Emotional Journey of Identifying Lost Migrants

2min

Qatar's World Cup Transformation

16min

For weeks, much of the globe has been riveted by the highs and lows of the World Cup in Qatar. On Sunday, the soccer tournament culminated in a win for Argentina and its star, Lionel Messi, against France.

Here’s how the thrill of the game eclipsed the tournament’s tainted beginnings, and what that might reveal about the future.

Guest: Rory Smith, the chief soccer correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

After a tournament shadowed by controversy, Qatar had the turn in the global spotlight it sought.
This World Cup has blurred the line between the artificial and the authentic, but the people, as usual, defined the tournament.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.