What do World Cup footballers eat? - The Food Chain podcast, BBC World Service

What do footballers really eat at a FIFA World Cup? Do these elite athletes stick rigidly to nutrition plans, or do they still sneak the occasional treat? Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM Chef Giulio Caccamo cooked for the US Men's National Team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In this interview from The Food Chain on the BBC World Service, he reveals what goes on behind the scenes to feed an international squad, from carefully timed pre-match meals to post-match burgers and desserts. He explains why chefs are sometimes caught between footballers and nutritionists, the secret requests players made when no one was looking, and why keeping a team happy can be just as important as getting the nutrition right. From Thanksgiving turkeys flown in from the US to shawarma nights in Qatar, Giulio shares the surprising stories behind feeding footballers on the world's biggest stage. 00:00 Introduction 00:39 How did Giulio get the job? 02:36 What was the biggest surprise logistically? 03:47 Is it difficult to work alongside a nutritionist? 04:34 How Giulio was accepted into the US team 06:01 What’s the first job as a World Cup team chef? 07:07 What was on the menu? 09:07 Did players ever ask for anything off menu? 09:52 Where does the cooking take place 11:08 Bringing Thanksgiving to Qatar 12:19 Why team integration is important 12:57 How much of his role was being a friend to the players, as well as chef? 14:18 The joy of watching the team play Check out more episodes of The Food Chain here 👉🏽    • The Food Chain   Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Izzy Greenfield Video Journalist: Matt Pintus Editor: Sara Wadeson ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Twitter 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Facebook 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #worldcup #worldcup2026 #food #nutrition #sportsnutrition