Reuters Pitchside: The 2026 World Cup

Episodios

• 
  Spain strangled France. Can they stop Messi? 17.07.2026 27m

  It all comes down to Spain and Argentina. In the final episode of Reuters Pitchside, we break down the battle for the World Cup trophy, whether Spain can stop Lionel Messi and who has the edge in Sunday’s final. Plus, what went wrong for England and France, the World Cup’s first halftime show featuring stars like Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber, and whether this tournament has changed soccer for good. See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.
• 
  The World Cup’s biggest controversy yet? 10.07.2026 25m

  A red card, a phone call and a controversy that could follow FIFA beyond the final whistle. This week on Pitchside, we break down the fallout from the Folarin Balogun decision, the U.S. exit against Belgium, Argentina’s latest Messi-led escape, Erling Haaland’s Norway threat and the quarterfinal matchups still to come. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at Reuters’ World Cup photographers and the beer-sales boom around the tournament. See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.
• 
  Here’s why you get nervous watching penalty shootouts at the World Cup 02.07.2026 27m

  The World Cup knockout stage is delivering late goals, major upsets and nerve-wracking penalty shootouts. Reuters Pitchside breaks down the USA’s dramatic win with 10 men after Folarin Balogun’s costly red card, and the upcoming showdown with Belgium. Plus, why England could struggle against Mexico in Mexico City, whether anyone can stop France, and how the tournament is bringing visiting fans and American host cities together for the Fourth of July. See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.
• 
  Messi makes history as the Tartan Army invades Miami and Pride takes center stage 27.06.2026 28m

  Lionel Messi rewrites World Cup history, Scotland’s Tartan Army brings the party to Miami and the Round of 32 begins to take shape.   On this episode of Reuters Pitchside, Ethan Plotkin joins global sports editor Ossian Shine and global TV sports editor Ursa Presern to discuss Messi’s latest milestone, the knockout matchups to watch, FIFA’s inaugural "Pride Match," the soaring cost of following the tournament and the viral moments taking over social media. See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.
• 
  Pitchside Episode 2: The stars come out to shine 18.06.2026 24m

  The World Cup’s opening week had the goals, the stars and the drama, but some of the best moments happened far from the pitch. This week, we’re diving into the moments that took over social media: from Japanese fans winning hearts by cleaning up after matches, to 'Merlin the Duck' waddling into viral fame and a cannabis shop’s World Cup-inspired bong that got FIFA’s attention. Plus, we’ll explain how a 40-year-old goalkeeper — and his mom — became breakout stars. See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.
• 
  Pitchside Episode 1: The politics, the players, the stickers 12.06.2026 28m

  The World Cup isn’t just about goals - it’s about people, politics and global moments. And for Reuters, it’s about figuring out how to tell every story. On this first episode of our new Reuters show Pitchside, sports editors Ossian Shine and Ursa Presern join host Ethan Plotkin on the sidelines. Go beyond the highlights to understand the scale of the biggest World Cup in history. Plus, why is everyone collecting stickers? See all of Reuters World Cup coverage here. For all your daily news, check out the Reuters World News podcast. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.