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Science Weekly: heat stroke, sports washing, and the psychology of VAR: the science of the World Cup – podcast
4 June - 21 minsIt’s just a week until the first whistle of the 2026 World Cup. To celebrate, Madeleine Finlay sits down with Ian Sample to discuss the science behind the tournament. It’s set to be one of the hottest World Cups on record and a group of scientists has written to Fifa asking them to reconsider their heat mitigations for players and referees. Dr Oliver Gibson of Brunel University outlines their concerns. Also on the agenda is the huge fossil fuel impact of this tournament, and the impact of VAR on the psychology of referees, and fans. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
Series Episodes
Spain are world champions - World Cup Daily
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Jonathan Wilson and Sid Lowe as Spain win the 2026 World Cup.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
44 mins
20 July Finished
Heartbreak for England, again: World Cup Daily – video
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Jonathan Wilson and Nicky Bandini as England lose 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
38 mins
15 July Finished
Spain outclass and outpass France; England to take on Argentina: World Cup Daily
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Philippe Auclair as Spain suffocate France to reach the World Cup final. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
40 mins
15 July Finished
Bellingham blunts Norway as England make the semis - World Cup Daily
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Lars Sivertsen and Leander Schaerlackens as England beat Norway 2-1 in extra time to set up a semi-final against Argentina. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
41 mins
12 July Finished
Lammens laments late mistake as Spain make the semis - World Cup Daily
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Nicky Bandini as Spain win it late on against Belgium and to preview England v Norway.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
37 mins
11 July Finished
France maul meek Morocco to reach semi-finals: World Cup Daily
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Philippe Auclair as France comfortably beat Morocco 2-0 to become the first team to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
37 mins
10 July Finished
