Why This World Cup Matters w/ Roger Bennett

Why does the World Cup matter to so many people? Roger Bennett, founder of Men in Blazers, has a lot to say about it. From its role as a political tool for host nations, to its ability to bring people together, Bennett writes about it all in his latest book "We Are the World (Cup): A Personal History of the World’s Greatest Sporting Event". 00:00 Intro 02:00 Everyone's Investing in Soccer 02:54 Soccer's Rising Popularity in the US 05:06 What Makes the World Cup & Soccer Special? 07:27 Hooligan Era & Roger's Early Soccer Memories 10:58 1978 Argentina World Cup 11:41 Politics, Power & the World Cup 16:15 How Has the World Cup Changed? 18:45 Why Roger Moved to the US 21:33 Grant Wahl 22:35 Community and Memory 25:49 2026 World Cup 30:25 Roger's Hopes