104 matches, 48 teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 104 matches across 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup in history.
Snapshot · The Rest Is Entertainment
Has The BBC Really Cancelled Doctor Who?
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Jun 15, 2026
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Episode Overview: World Cup Media & Doctor Who
At 5:25 · chapter starts 4:45
Richard sets the agenda for the episode with characteristic efficiency. The World Cup — 104 matches, 48 teams — is framed not as a football event but as a media and content event, with its impact on changing consumption habits at its core. He also flags the Doctor Who conversation, noting he has insider knowledge and a firm opinion on who should play the next Doctor. Marina adds that the timing of games (some as late as 5 AM UK time) is central to understanding why the media ecosystem around the tournament has exploded.
The World Cup Time Zone Problem for UK Viewers
With games kicking off at 8 PM, 11 PM, 2 AM and 5 AM UK time, the 2026 World Cup is one of the most inaccessible tournaments for British fans. The result: people want the content around the games, not the games themselves.
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