FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup
About this episode
<p>On Sunday, The Athletic broke the world exclusive that USA striker Folarin Balogun's ban for the USMNT's round of 16 tie against Belgium had been suspended.</p><br><p>Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon, who broke the news, join Ian Irving and Cerys Jones to look back on the controversy, which included the involvement of US President Donald Trump calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the build-up to the USA's game with Belgium.</p><br><p>Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard shares his perspective from a players' perspective as to the impact the whole episode will have had on the USA's preparations for the game, while Jerry Brewer, senior columnist for The Athletic gives his view on the damage the controversy will have on soccer in the USA as well as US Soccer.</p><br><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>With: Cerys Jones, Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon</p><p>Featuring: Tim Howard and Jerry Brewer</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Listen to this episode in English to learn English
Podcast episodes are one of the highest-density ways to absorb English at native pace. FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup from The Athletic FC Podcast gives you natural dialogue, unscripted speech, and vocabulary that actually appears in real conversations.
In the Hinto app, every word in the transcript is tappable. Tap an unknown word, see the translation in your language instantly, and keep listening without breaking flow.
Episodes to Learn English
- Ornstein latest: Why are Spurs still struggling to score? Sep 15, 2026
- Has Manchester derby defeat put Carrick under pressure? Sep 14, 2026
- What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010? Sep 13, 2026
- Tactical Preview: Man United v Man City + underlying data buys Sep 11, 2026
- Champions League boom + Garry Cook on Manchesterism Sep 10, 2026
- Is Mourinho's Real Madrid return working? Sep 9, 2026
- Inside Everton's transfer window frustrations with Ornstein and Horncastle Sep 8, 2026
- Who can challenge Arsenal for the title? Sep 7, 2026
- What If... Abramovich bought Spurs instead of Chelsea? Sep 6, 2026
- Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad Sep 4, 2026
- Was this the summer the Premier League ate itself? Sep 3, 2026
- Inside the summer transfer window, with Ornstein and Horncastle Sep 2, 2026
- Transfer Deadline Day reaction, with David Ornstein Sep 1, 2026
- Can Chelsea's attack sustain a title challenge? Aug 31, 2026
- What If… Guardiola never became a manager? Aug 30, 2026
- Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window? Aug 28, 2026
- Are the Big Six 'cartel' more protected than ever? Aug 27, 2026
- How can Iraola fix Isak and Wirtz? Aug 26, 2026
- Ornstein transfer latest: Enzo, Barcola + Alvarez Aug 25, 2026
- Man United's alarming Hull defeat + Spurs stung by Brentford Aug 24, 2026
- Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends Aug 21, 2026
- Bezos and Liverpool: Is a full sale inevitable? Aug 20, 2026
- Transfer latest: Baleba, Konsa and big-spending Ipswich Aug 19, 2026
- Which new manager will have the biggest impact? Aug 18, 2026
- Does Rodri's exit make Arsenal unstoppable? Aug 17, 2026
- Premier League predictions: contenders, pretenders, surprises Aug 14, 2026
- Mourinho and Madrid Mark II: Magic or madness? Aug 12, 2026
- Premier League transfer window winners and losers Aug 11, 2026
- Why have Chelsea changed their transfer strategy? Aug 6, 2026
- Ornstein transfer latest: Bruno, Vini Jr & Salah Aug 5, 2026