Soccer’s Shadow and Sunlight: the Fascist History of the World Cup and 20 Years of Soccer Without Borders

May 28, 2026
By: Dave Zirin

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The FIFA World Cup trophy sits inside of a case during the FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour on May 21, 2026. (Isaiah Vazquez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Karim Zidan and Ben Gucciardi join the show.

Edge of Sports · Soccer’s Shadow And Sunlight: the fascist history of the World Cup and 20 years of soccer without borders

This week, we talk to Karim Zidan from Sports Politika about his new podcast, Power Plays, which delves into the relationship between authoritarian governments and FIFA’s World Cup. We also talk to Ben Gucciardi on the 20th anniversary of the incredible immigrant and refugee rights children’s organization Soccer Without Borders

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