Behind your favorite sport, there is always something else at play.
The World Cup is watched by billions. It has also been used by authoritarian regimes to project power, shape public perception, and influence what the world does—or doesn’t—see.
Power Plays is a new investigative podcast from the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) hosted by sports journalist and HRF Sports & Dictators Program Lead Karim Zidan.
Across five episodes, the series explores how the world’s most popular sporting event became a stage for propaganda, political influence, corruption, resistance, and human rights abuses.
All five episodes are now available
Ep. 1: The Fascist World Cup
The 1934 FIFA World Cup was more than a sporting event. It was a carefully orchestrated showcase for Benito Mussolini’s Fascist regime. Discover how the tournament helped shape the playbook authoritarian governments continue to use today.
Ep. 2: Pelé, the Dirty Wars, and the Monster in the Seas
As Argentina hosted the 1978 World Cup, thousands were being detained, tortured, and disappeared under the military junta. This episode explores how football became a tool for distraction, image-building, and control.
Ep. 3: Pussy Riot and Putin’s World Cup
Russia’s 2018 World Cup projected an image of openness and national pride. But beneath the spectacle was a different reality. This episode follows the corruption behind the tournament and the activists who risked everything to challenge the narrative.
Ep. 4: The Story of Qatar’s World Cup Whistleblower
Through the story of Abdullah Ibhais, a Qatar 2022 World Cup insider turned whistleblower, this episode investigates how the Qatari regime abused migrant workers to host the world’s biggest sporting event.
Ep. 5: The Power of Football
From the politics surrounding the 2026 World Cup to future tournaments in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, the season finale examines football’s future and asks what responsibility fans, organizations, and governing bodies have in shaping it.
Now Available in Spanish on YouTube
Want to watch the series in Spanish?
We’ve partnered with La Media Inglesa to bring the Power Plays series in Spanish through full-length video episodes on YouTube.
Listen to Power Plays
Whether you’re a football fan, interested in global affairs, or simply curious about the intersection of sport and power, Power Plays reveals the stories hidden behind one of the world’s most celebrated events.
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies.
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