The Rest Is History

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The Fascist World Cup: Mussolini's Football Dictatorship | History of the World Cup

Explore episode Jun 16, 2026
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Football, Politics and the World Cup: Nothing New Under the Sun

The Fascist World Cup: Mussolini's Football Dictatorship | … · Jun 16, 2026 News

The politicisation of football is as old as the World Cup itself. Paul Rouse traces the line from Mussolini's 1934 showcase to the 2026 tournament — where Iran's team had to relocate their base from the US to Mexico. Gianni Infantino's hashtag 'Football Unites the World' collides directly with the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Where this was said

Meet Paul Rouse: Sport Historian and Self-Styled Irish National Treasure

At 6:20 · chapter starts 5:40

Dominic introduces Paul Rouse with characteristic warmth, billing him as the 'GOAT' and self-styled Irish national treasure. Paul teaches the history of sport at University College Dublin, including a second-year module covering the global history of sport across the last 250 years. The interview takes place at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's ground, which creates an atmospheric backdrop — compromised only by the fact that Chelsea have decided to demolish the pitch on the exact day of recording, filling the air with reversing vehicles and bulldozers.

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