The Ten21 Podcast

Episoder

• 
  Ep 18: Infantino Tried to Sell 20% of the World Cup — Inside FIFA's $20 Billion Bombshell | Castro1021 06.08.2026 1t 8min

  Just when you thought the World Cup story was over, FIFA dropped a bombshell. Castro1021 and Konky break down Gianni Infantino's plan to spin off the World Cup's commercial rights into a $20 billion company — "FIFA Forward Enterprise" — and sell 20% to private investors, including a firm with ties to the Kushner family. Within five days, UEFA's 55 nations voted to boycott, the football world erupted, and Infantino was forced into a stunning U-turn that has him fighting for his future. The guys go deep: what FIFA actually is and how it makes its billions, the history from 13 teams in 1930 to the most lucrative sporting event ever in 2026, the devil's advocate case for the plan (would it really help smaller nations?), FIFA's corruption problem, the Super League comparison, and the big question — who actually owns the World Cup? Plus: is Infantino even making it to 2030?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  EA FC 27 Reveal: The $150 Game, LeBron Joins the 76ers, MLS Is Back & Messi's Son Goes Viral 29.07.2026 1t 1min

  EA FC 27 has been revealed, and Castro1021 has thoughts. The TEN21 crew breaks down the $150 Ultimate Plus edition, the new Open World mode, and the business strategy behind EA's search for its next Ultimate Team-sized cash cow. Then the conversation turns to LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers, the accidental Miami Heat YouTube upload that sent betting markets into a frenzy, Tom Brady's confusing new chapter, and Cristiano Ronaldo's backyard driving range. Plus two wild American soccer stories — a UPSL player headed to Real Madrid and the FC Dallas academy teen signed by Chelsea — MLS restart reactions on Griezmann and Lewandowski, Castro's babymoon in Florida, Rupert's crystal-mining trip, and the viral bicycle kick from Messi's son. New episodes every week on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Pandora — now with video on the iHeart app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Spain Wins the 2026 World Cup: Castro and Konky Recap the Argentina Final, Rodri's Class Act, IShowSpeed's Halftime, and Trump's Awkward Trophy Ceremony | TEN21 Podcast Episode 16 22.07.2026 1t 15min

  Spain wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the New York/New Jersey final at MetLife Stadium. On this episode of the TEN21 Podcast, hosts Castro1021 (Edwin Castro) and Konky break down every moment of the final and reflect on the full tournament — the first World Cup ever hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Castro shares the wild story of what it took to get to the World Cup Final: a severe food poisoning episode, an emergency room visit, two canceled flights out of Dallas, and a $1,000 emergency driver from Boston to New Jersey at 5 AM. He turns 35 the day after recording, has a baby on the way with wife Pita, and somehow still made it to MetLife for kickoff. The tactical breakdown covers why Spain's system beat Argentina's superstar dependency. Rodri orchestrated the midfield like a reincarnated Sergio Busquets and only conceded one goal in the entire tournament. Argentina had zero shots on target in regulation. Castro and Konky argue Spain has proven that the future of football is the system, not the number 10 — and that we may never see another final like Qatar 2022 again. The hosts unpack the awkwardness of Donald Trump's role in the trophy presentation, where nearly every player visibly hesitated before shaking his hand except Spain's Rodri, and where the Mexican president got no acknowledgment because players were still rattled. They also cover IShowSpeed's halftime performance (ranked in Castro's top three of the tournament), the moment Speed got emotional watching Messi cry, the retirement debates around both Messi and Ronaldo, the influencer LARPing epidemic at $5,000 stadium seats, FIFA's reported $9 billion tournament revenue, the rise of prediction markets like Polymarket during the tournament, the Fox broadcast team including Stu Holden and Melissa Ortiz, and the emotional monologue on how the political division of the world returned within hours of the final whistle. Also discussed: why the group stage was more entertaining than the knockouts, whether the New York final was the right call versus SoFi or Atlanta, the AI and tech advancement across the tournament, whether the World Cup was "Americanized" or just commercialized, the closing of the gap between top-tier and mid-tier national teams, and Castro's tribute to the creators doing it right — Matti SC, Guap Nation, and IShowSpeed — versus the ones just LARPing for engagement. A full-tournament reflection episode for anyone who followed the 2026 World Cup, the Messi era, Spain's dynasty, and everything that made this tournament unlike any before it. Topics: 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain vs Argentina final, Rodri, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Cristiano Ronaldo retirement, IShowSpeed halftime performance, Donald Trump World Cup trophy, MetLife Stadium, Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT, El Tri, FIFA revenue, Polymarket, prediction markets, Fox Sports commentary, Stu Holden, Melissa Ortiz, Alexi Lalas, World Cup 2022 Qatar comparison, hydration breaks, football tactics, Sergio Busquets, Julian Alvarez, football podcast, soccer podcast, Latino sports podcast, Dallas Fort Worth podcast, Castro1021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  We're Having a Baby — Pita & Castro on 18 Years Together, From MySpace to Marriage 14.07.2026 1t 19min

  For the first time ever, Castro1021 is joined by his wife, Pita  — and it's the most personal episode of TEN21 yet. The two open up about an eighteen-year love story that started with a single MySpace message when they were just 15 and 16, and the road from high-school sweethearts to marriage to building businesses together. Castro and Pita get real about breaking the cycle of the traditional Mexican household, the generational trauma they refused to pass down, the hard sacrifices behind the streaming career, and the faith and loyalty that carried them through it all — before finally addressing the elephant in the room: they're having a baby. Funny, emotional, and unfiltered, this is a love story you'll want to listen to with your ride-or-die.   #Ten21Podcast #Castro1021 #Pitaa1021 #BabyAnnouncement #LoveStory #Futbol #LatinoPodcast #CouplePodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Can Mexico's Azteca Altitude Stop England? Messi's Easy Path & World Cup Knockout Reactions. 07.07.2026 1t 9min

  Castro1021 and Konky are back as the 2026 World Cup hits the knockout stage — and the tournament just got real. The guys break down the fixture the whole world is waiting for: Mexico vs England in the Round of 16, from El Tri's undefeated, no-goals-conceded run to the Estadio Azteca altitude debate and whether England are really the favorites.They also dig into the referee controversy lighting up the tournament — why Jude Bellingham was sent off while Lionel Messi escaped without a card for a similar challenge — plus VAR inconsistency, Messi's road to the final, and the "is FIFA protecting the golden boy?" debate. From an honest take on USA soccer fan culture, to the viral story of German fan Freddy deactivating his account, to Messi's reported $15M "Spider-Man" commercial, the guys cover it all before filling out their World Cup bracket and calling their shot on a France vs Argentina final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  World Cup Watch-Along with an Englishman — Messi vs Ronaldo, Can the USA Win It & Best World Cup Ever? 01.07.2026 1t 16min

  Castro1021 and Konky try something new: the first-ever TEN21 World Cup watch-along. They break down an England match live alongside special guest Tommy — an Englishman who's called Texas home for over a decade and runs vintage jersey brand London Calling Texas and indoor venue Crossbar Soccer & Beer. From an outsider's honest take on whether the USA is "there yet" in soccer, to the Harry Kane vs Erling Haaland striker debate, to the big one — should Cristiano Ronaldo chase 1,000 career goals before retiring, and is it finally time for Lionel Messi to walk away — the guys hit the storylines defining World Cup 2026. Plus: can the USMNT make a real run on home soil, why AI referees might be the best upgrade the tournament has ever seen, a studio-analyst roast nobody saw coming, and the case that this World Cup is quietly bringing the world together. A loose, funny, tequila-fueled hang that turned into one of the crew's favorite episodes yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  The World Cup Is Here: FIFA's Secret "Quarters," Empty Seats & USA + Mexico's Opening Wins 23.06.2026 45min

  The World Cup is officially here, and the TEN21 Podcast is breaking down everything from the opening matchdays. Castro1021 and Konky get into the hydration-break controversy turning soccer into four quarters, the empty-seat debate at a sold-out tournament, USA and Mexico's opening wins, Brazil's scare against Morocco, and the anonymous European creator going viral for road-tripping across America. Plus Raúl Jiménez's emotional goal dedicated to his late father, Canada's first World Cup point in 40 years, a national-team captain's visa drama at the border, and why the three host nations are neighbors rather than rivals — capped off with a round of Guess the Player by the Emojis. New episodes every Tuesday on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Pandora — now with video on the iHeart app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  World Cup Hate Watching, Tim Payne's Overnight Fame, KSI Leaving the Sidemen & IShowSpeed's New World Cup Song. 16.06.2026 1t 1min

  Castro1021 and Konky react to the biggest stories around the 2026 World Cup: the viral “hate watching” trend, the New Zealand defender Tim Paine going from 4,700 to over 5 million followers overnight, KSI's rumored exit from the Sidemen, and IShowSpeed's new World Cup anthem landing on FIFA's official album. Plus an honest, heavier discussion on creators sharing deeply personal decisions online. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Games with Names: Castro1021 on the Greatest World Cup Final Ever | Argentina vs. France 2022 16.06.2026 1t 9min

  Castro1021 is in studio! The streamer, influencer, and FIFA legend is with us to break down one of the greatest soccer matches of all time: The 2022 World Cup Final between Argentina and France.  (0:00) We kick things off. (1:00) Castro1021 joins us on the couch. (29:49) We go back to December 2022. (33:28) We breakdown these rosters. (49:10) We dive into the game. (59:48) We score the game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Bateson87: The Truth About FIFA, Pack Addiction, and Weight Loss. 09.06.2026 1t 21min

  Castro sits down with Bateson87 (Jamie Bateson) — one of the founding fathers of FIFA Ultimate Team content and a 14-year veteran of the FIFA / EA FC creator scene — for one of the most candid conversations in TEN21 Podcast history. Bateson opens up about his 110-pound weight loss journey, the Christmas Eve coughing fit that fractured three of his vertebrae, and why he's been so vocal against weight loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro. He shares the unfiltered story of the EA coin sponsor era — how he made tens of thousands of dollars per month, why EA publicly singled him out as the face of the crackdown, and how he rebuilt that relationship to keep his career intact. The conversation moves into the dark side of FIFA Ultimate Team — the addiction of pack opening, who in the FIFA community actually spends six figures a year on FIFA points, and how the introduction of FUT Champions in FIFA 17 changed gaming culture forever. Bateson talks about the day he nearly walked away from content during a community boycott, what it's like being a parent now, and why he'd give up his YouTube channel before he'd give up his Twitch stream. Castro and Bateson trade stories from a decade of friendship — the legendary KSI vs Bateson pink slip pack challenges, their Fall Guys world championship run during COVID, the infamous Vegas roulette machine incident, and being detained at the US border for wearing an NFL jersey one too many times. The episode closes with 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions: Bateson's pick for the tournament winner, his England outlook under manager Thomas Tuchel, the dark horse pick, and an honest take on USA's chances at home — plus an emotional confession from Bateson about his Sunday night viewing habits during Castro's FUT Champions run. A must-listen for FIFA content creators, EA Sports FC players, fans of Sidemen-era YouTube, and anyone who grew up on the FIFA Ultimate Team community. Topics: FIFA, EA Sports FC, FUT, Ultimate Team, FIFA pack opening, FIFA coin sponsors, weight loss, content creator burnout, KSI, NepentheZ, Sidemen, Twitch streaming, YouTube gaming, World Cup 2026, England football, FIFA 17, FUT Champions, gaming addiction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Is Social Media Good or Bad? The Algorithm, AI Influencers & the Night Castro Got SWATted | TEN21 Ep. 9 02.06.2026 1t 16min

  Is social media the greatest invention of our lifetime — or the new cigarettes? In Episode 9 of the TEN21 Podcast, Castro and the crew debate whether social media is good or bad, pulling from real experience building businesses, careers, and communities online — and from some of the wildest things social media has put them through. The conversation covers social media addiction and doom scrolling, the algorithm and how it shapes what we see, screen time and kids, parenting in the social media age, AI influencers like Lil Miquela, the high-profile case over whether platforms were designed to be addictive to young users, content creator careers versus pro-athlete careers, online privacy and "swatting," and where AI takes social media next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Sam Sarver: The Beer Celebration Story, Modelo Partnership, Watching Castro's Streams & USA's World Cup Prediction | Ten21 Ep. 8 26.05.2026 56min

  Topics covered: • The full beer celebration story — what was planned and what wasn't • Modelo reaching out and sending 8 cases to his fridge • Being an OG Castro FIFA stream viewer from 2017-2019 • His friend Isaac beating Castro and making him rage quit ("You Mad FC") • Pat McAfee calling him a dog after the viral clip • His next celebrations — spoilers, he has more planned • USA beats Germany in the World Cup final — his full prediction • Messi or Ronaldo — answered in 0.1 seconds • Faith, meeting with a chaplain before every game • His red Adidas X18.1 boots he won't give up • Moon landing conspiracy debate • Top video games of all time — FIFA 17, Black Ops 2, GTA
• 
  SocccerDave: 65M Views, Zero Dollars, a Telemundo World Cup Deal & The Real Meaning Behind the 3 C's | Ten21 Ep. 7 19.05.2026 1t 3min

  He has a reel with 65 million views on Instagram. Instagram paid him nothing for it. SoccerDave — David Balyeat, @socccerdave — joins Castro and Konky for one of the most honest conversations about the creator life, faith, soccer, and what it actually takes to build something real from nothing. Dave grew up in Argentina as the son of missionaries, came back to Texas with soccer in his blood, played professionally in Spain, and then retired with no plan. He started posting content from a moving truck working for his in-laws — and five years later he's got 65 million views, brand deals with Walmart, Coca-Cola, and Total Wireless, and just signed with Telemundo to cover the entire FIFA 2026 World Cup from five different stadiums. All while working a full-time job. With twins on the way. They get into the real story behind the three C's in @socccerdave — and why that third C is the most important thing about who he is. They debate Messi vs Ronaldo, the future of soccer refereeing and AI, whether the Kings League could ever replace traditional football, and drop a stat that broke the room: 68% of Ballon d'Or winners have never won a World Cup. Plus — Dave's take on what's broken in US youth soccer, why creators are more valuable to the sport than most leagues want to admit, and the question his dad asked him as a kid that changed everything about how he approaches work. Topics covered: • 65 million views, zero dollars — how Instagram monetization actually works • Growing up in Argentina as an American missionary's kid • Retiring from pro soccer in Spain with no plan — and what came next • Building @socccerdave from 2,500 followers to brand deals with Fortune 500 companies • Telemundo FIFA 2026 deal — covering the World Cup from 5 stadiums • The real meaning behind the three C's in SoccerDave • 18 months of personal rock bottom and the faith that pulled him out • Messi vs Ronaldo — "Messi is an alien. Ronaldo inspires me because I feel like I could actually do what he does." • 68% of Ballon d'Or winners have never won a World Cup — live stat drop • AI in soccer refereeing — chips, VAR, and the future of the game • Kings League vs traditional football — who wins in 20 years? • What's actually broken in US youth soccer • Twins on the way, full-time job, building an agency — the full picture See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Messi Rookie Cards, Lamine Yamal, Fanatics Takeover & FIFA 2026 Card Market with Ric Ellis | Ten21 Podcast Ep. 6 12.05.2026 53min

  To celebrate the Castro Collects 2-year anniversary, Ric Ellis — the hobby's most knowledgeable insider — sits down with Castro and Konky for one of the most information-packed episodes Ten21 has ever done. Ric breaks down why the Messi 2004 Panini Megacracks rookie — once basically free at your local shop — just hit $1.5 million for a PSA 10. He explains why Lamine Yamal cards are still a buy despite the oversigning concerns, who the most undervalued World Cup players are RIGHT NOW, and why the soccer card market will peak in May — before FIFA 2026 kicks off, not during it. Plus — the $500K card investment debate: would you put half a million into a Messi, a Michael Jordan, a Lamine Yamal rookie, or a Pokémon card? The answer might surprise you. They also get into the real story behind how card breaking was born, how Ric flipped Target and Walmart cards to keep his family fed during COVID, what's wrong with the card show experience and how to fix it, and why Fanatics taking over everything is both terrifying and necessary. Topics covered: • Castro Collects 2-year anniversary — how it all started • Messi 2004 Megacracks: from worthless to $1.5 million • Lamine Yamal vs Messi — which card wins in 10 years? • $500K debate: Messi, Jordan, Yamal, or Pokémon? • Pokémon beating the S&P 500 — Charizard can't tear an ACL • FIFA 2026 card market prediction — buy in May, not during the tournament • Best under-$1,000 World Cup card investments right now • How Ric used card flipping to survive COVID • What's broken about card shows and how to fix it • Fanatics, Topps, and the future of the hobby • How breaking went from Castro's living room to Antoine Griezmann Listen on iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  The World's Biggest Soccer Conspiracies: FIFA Gate, Qatar, Ronaldo & More 05.05.2026 58min

  Soccer is the world's most popular sport — and according to statistics, also the most corrupt. In this episode of the TEN21Podcast, Castro and the crew break down the biggest soccer conspiracies and scandals ever recorded. Most of these aren'tjust theories — they're proven criminal convictions backed by CNN, court records, and congressional investigations.  TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 🔴 FIFA Gate — How 7 senior FIFA officials were arrested at a hotel in Switzerland at 6AM. Over $150 million in bribes across two generations of executives. World Cup hosting votes for sale. 🔴 Qatar & The 2022 World Cup — Did Qatar hire ex-CIA operatives to dig up dirt on rival countries? Did they buy their way into hosting the biggest sporting event on earth? 🔴 Ronaldo's 1998 World Cup Seizure — R9 suffered a seizure hours before the World Cup Final. Nike had contractual power over the Brazilian national team. Was he pressured to play? 🔴 Maradona & FIFA's Secret Drug Deal — Reports claim FIFA privately promised Maradona immunity from drug testing at USA 94, then betrayed him when political pressure mounted. 🔴 Juventus & The Calciopoli Scandal — The Italian giants were caught on audio choosing referees. They were relegated to Serie B.  🔴 The 2013 Ballon d'Or Conspiracy — Did FIFA extend the voting window specifically to benefit Ronaldo over Frank Ribery? 🔴 Senegal vs Morocco AFCON — A match stopped by corruption, a trophy lifted, and then taken away months later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  AA9Skillz: IShowSpeed Did More for US Soccer Than Messi, Why We Quit FIFA & Dad Life 28.04.2026 1t 23min

  The first guest in Ten21 history drops an episode's worth of takes. AA9Skillz joins Castro and Konky to break down new fatherhood, why IShowSpeed did more for US soccer than Messi, and the honest truth about why the FIFA content era is over.
• 
  The BIGGEST stories going into the World Cup. 21.04.2026 1t 3min

  Castro and Adam talk about the biggest stories going into the World Cup! Everything a fan needs to know. Locations, groups and best storylines to follow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  The REAL Reason I Support Manchester United 14.04.2026 57min

  In this episode, we delve into the origins of Castro’s passion for the game. We also explore why Castro supports Manchester United and what it was like playing in the Sidemen charity matches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  FIFA Broke me. So I Built Something Bigger! 07.04.2026 1t 24min

  Reset episode. Why Castro streams less, will Castro stream FIFA again, where life is now. Plus, what's in store with the World Cup right around the corner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• 
  Introducing: The Ten21 Podcast 31.03.2026 1min

  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.