Football, Friendship and the Fun Police

Los Angeles wasn’t supposed to be a football stop. After weeks on the road, this episode becomes a chance to catch my breath, spend time with an old friend and take stock of the FAN48 journey so far. Along the way I meet a New Zealand supporter who misses England more than New Zealand, chat football and Liverpool with a British-Egyptian producer, and discover that Los Angeles might be the most underwhelming World Cup city I’ve visited so far. But the real heart of the episode comes high above the city at Griffith Observatory, where my friend Mark reflects on launching the FIFA World Cup 2026 brand three years ago. Standing in the very place where the world first saw the tournament identity, it feels like a full-circle moment. There are reflections on friendship, travel, connection and why sometimes stepping away from the football is exactly what you need before diving back in. Next stop: Miami, Brazil v Scotland, and my first World Cup match inside the stadium. Host:   / robshawcameron   FAN48: http://fan48.info Instagram:   / fan48pod   WhatsApp: +44 7518 715948 #NewZealandFootball #WorldCup2026 #FootballFans #FAN48 #TravelStories