Amna Nawaz
Amna Nawaz
@PBSNewsHour·5.3M subscribers·60.1K videos

WATCH: Why the World Cup is a 'festival of joy' despite the drama

Posted

July 17, 2026

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The FIFA World Cup is a "festival of joy," sports journalist Simon Kuper says.

"It's a party that unites the whole world," he told PBS News' Geoff Bennett. "Everyone is watching, almost everyone shares the love and appreciation of great soccer. Everybody appreciates the drama."

"There is corruption and greed and political manipulation, but there's also enormous beauty and joy," he added.

Kuper, author of “World Cup Fever: A Soccer Journey in Nine Tournaments," joined Bennett for the latest episode of PBS News' podcast, Settle In. They discussed the World Cup, the politics of FIFA and more.

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WATCHThe FIFA World CupSimon KuperNine TournamentsPBS News'Settle In TheyWorld CupWatch PBS News

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WATCH: Why the World Cup is a 'festival of joy' despite the drama · Amna Nawaz · Sentinel