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
Women’s Football Weekly: Manchester City do the double and Jill Scott joins Faye and Suzy
From our sister podcast: Suzy Wrack is joined by Tom Garry, Emily Keogh and Ameé Ruszkai to discuss Manchester City’s FA Cup triumph, England’s huge qualifier against Spain and Jill Scott’s epic Sport Relief challenge. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
48 mins
3 June Finished
PSG break Arsenal’s hearts and Arne Slot out at Liverpool – Football Weekly
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini, Philippe Auclair and Andy Hunter to discuss the Champions League final and Arne Slot’s Anfield departure. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
52 mins
1 June Finished
Crystal Palace victorious in Europe and can Arsenal beat PSG? - Football Weekly
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Mark Langdon, Paul Watson and Ed Aarons as Crystal Palace win the Europa Conference League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
58 mins
28 May Finished
Hull City roar back to Premier League. EFL playoffs special: Football Weekly
explicitMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Ali Maxwell after a weekend of EFL playoffs that saw Oli McBurnie take Hull City back to the Premier League for the first time in a decade. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
59 mins
26 May Finished
West Ham go down and the great guard of honour debate: Football Weekly
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Barney Ronay, Jonathan Wilson and Jacob Steinberg to discuss the final day of the Premier League season. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast
1 hour
25 May Finished
