World Cup 2026: Messi, the Muppets and hydration breaks

Available for over a year

After six weeks, the FIFA 2026 men's World Cup, held across the United States, Canada and Mexico and featuring a record 48 teams is over. Spain are champions for a second time after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra-time in the final at the New York-New Jersey stadium. More than the Score's Mike McCarthy is joined by the chief football writer at the i paper, Daniel Storey and by CBS Sport's Lisa Carlin to reflect on the match and the tournament as a whole. Daniel discusses his mammoth road trip across the US covering the event and why watching the great Lionel Messi, perhaps for the last time at a World Cup, has been a privilege. He also explains why FIFA must address high ticket prices going forward. Lisa explains why the tournament has been well received among Americans and why she enjoyed the controversial half-time show featuring Justin Bieber, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo and the Muppets. More than the Score brings you more than the men’s football World Cup - the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, BBC World Service promises to take you deeper - from the group stages to the final. Search for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.