Will the World Cup rip-off pay off?

On the eve of the World Cup getting underway there are many outstanding off-field issues to discuss. Ahead of the tournament Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Jay Harris to explore issues such as visas, ticketing and what success represents to each of the host nations. Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and Jay Harris. 00:00 Intro 00:58 The eve of the World Cup 04:20 Somali referee denied access to the U.S. 08:05 Other nations with Visa issues 11:21 Did FIFA underestimate border regulations? 18:08 Kansas City’s incomplete jail 23:21 What would success be for the host countries? 30:47 The impact of USA and Iran tensions 38:28 What will define this World Cup? 41:32 Outro Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Jay Beale The Athletic FC Podcast is your essential guide to football's biggest stories, six times a week during the World Cup... Listen on Apple and Spotify: theathletic.lnk.to/tafcpod Subscribe to The Athletic FC Podcast channel 👉 http://bit.ly/athleticuk | 🔔Make sure to enable all push notifications!🔔 Follow The Athletic FC Podcast: Instagram: @theathleticfc TikTok: athleticfcpod Thumbnail: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Contributor / AFP via Getty Images Sam Hodde / Stringer / Getty Images Sport  via Getty Images #worldcup #fifa #football