Nations & Numbers: Group K — The Financial, Cultural and Commercial Stakes of the 2026 World Cup

How David Beckham Won the 2026 World Cup Without Playing

How did David Beckham become one of the biggest winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup without kicking a ball? While one country will lift the trophy and receive $51 million in prize money, the financial impact of this World Cup extends far beyond the teams competing on the pitch. FIFA is expected to generate a record $11 billion from the tournament, participating nations are receiving unprecedented payouts and breakout players have gained millions of new followers. But perhaps nobody has benefited more than David Beckham. Throughout the tournament, Beckham has appeared in campaigns for brands including Bank of America, Home Depot, Stella Artois, McDonald’s, Lay’s, Adidas and Lenovo. When he is not appearing in commercials, he is being shown inside the stadium. In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli examine how Beckham became the unofficial face of the 2026 World Cup and why his influence over American soccer continues to grow more than a decade after his retirement. They discuss: How Beckham transformed his move to LA Galaxy into a long term business strategy Why his arrival helped reshape Major League Soccer How he recreated the Beckham model by bringing Lionel Messi to Inter Miami Why Inter Miami’s valuation has skyrocketed How his documentary helped reintroduce Beckham to a new generation Why American brands continue to choose Beckham over current USMNT players Whether Lionel Messi could eventually become the next David Beckham of American soccer David Beckham may not be one of the ten greatest footballers of all time, but when football, celebrity and business come together, very few people have built a more powerful brand. Listen now to Finance of Football. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Is This the Best World Cup Ever?

Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup already one of the best tournaments ever? From Cabo Verde’s incredible Cinderella story to Norway shocking Brazil, this World Cup has already delivered drama, upsets, global stars, late winners, penalty shootouts and some of the best fan moments in recent memory. But off the pitch, the tournament has been just as intense. In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli break down the good, the bad and the ugly of the 2026 World Cup so far, including the expanded 48 team format, the rise of African football, expensive tickets, FIFA’s controversial hydration breaks, extra advertising inventory and the uncomfortable truth about modern football. Fans may hate the prices. They may hate the commercial breaks. They may hate how much FIFA is squeezing the tournament. But they are still watching, still paying and still showing up. So is this the best World Cup ever? Or just the most commercial World Cup ever? Listen now to Finance of Football. For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa [https://www.instagram.com/brefootcontessa/] Michael - @michale.lore [https://www.instagram.com/michael.lore] And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2VKZ19YeWZ4YTRiQl9XOWRyQzNuRWM4WGl2Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttV3g3SVpTVkR6LVNKZjBqaWxzeUFsYVhqdXJRVzBnYmZITVBYcEE3ck5VUFlBWWl1enhmeHFKOG1ZYnNfX1lQb2huYzdvZ1ZNaHVlVDR2Z1V6QmxVWXBBVDZCN0kxQVdUbFRTdklkcTk4M2ZLbmRoNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffinanceoffootballpod%2F] On Facebook - /financeoffootball [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWlvUkNpYzZDMGVNdVd2a0cySzB5TnFFNnk3d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSkV6MnBpNWJwbVZ3Z2NiSmNUaVk2R2Fac004ZFlxX3dyTHNWTUxON1YwajViWnFQWlljbTFDdkp5N1MxTkFOQzJlMk1LXzA5YkpJQjcwczRQelVDcWttS1ExV3F6OFVMM1lCdWtKYUZucVJ5VlAyVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffinanceoffootball] --- Finance of Football - Nations and Numbers, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports [https://www.frequencymachine.com/undercoversports], a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com [http://frequencymahine.com] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Why World Cup Tickets Are So Expensive — And Still Selling Out

Why are World Cup tickets so expensive — and why are fans still paying? With the 2026 FIFA World Cup already delivering packed stadiums, record demand and eye-watering resale prices, FIFA’s ticketing strategy is under the spotlight. In this episode of Finance of Football, Asli Pelit is joined by Jim McCarthy, founder of Impresario Strategic Growth Services and co-founder and former CEO of Goldstar and Stellar Live, to break down the economics behind World Cup ticket prices. They discuss how FIFA has used dynamic pricing, secondary markets and huge global demand to maximise revenue — while still filling stadiums at extraordinary levels. The conversation looks at the biggest questions around World Cup ticketing right now: Why are World Cup tickets so expensive? Did FIFA get its pricing strategy right? Why are resale prices moving so quickly? How do team matchups affect ticket prices? What happens to prices if the USMNT keeps winning? Could this model work again at future World Cups in Europe or Saudi Arabia? And has the World Cup become a once-in-a-lifetime purchase for fans? Jim also explains why the North American ticket market is so different from Europe, how the secondary market helped FIFA find the right price level, and why clubs have to think very differently from FIFA when it comes to long-term fan loyalty. From dynamic pricing and resale demand to USMNT knockout games and future World Cups, this episode asks a simple question: has FIFA cracked the code on modern sports ticketing? --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa [https://www.instagram.com/brefootcontessa/] Michael - @michale.lore [https://www.instagram.com/michael.lore] And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2VKZ19YeWZ4YTRiQl9XOWRyQzNuRWM4WGl2Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttV3g3SVpTVkR6LVNKZjBqaWxzeUFsYVhqdXJRVzBnYmZITVBYcEE3ck5VUFlBWWl1enhmeHFKOG1ZYnNfX1lQb2huYzdvZ1ZNaHVlVDR2Z1V6QmxVWXBBVDZCN0kxQVdUbFRTdklkcTk4M2ZLbmRoNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffinanceoffootballpod%2F] On Facebook - /financeoffootball [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWlvUkNpYzZDMGVNdVd2a0cySzB5TnFFNnk3d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSkV6MnBpNWJwbVZ3Z2NiSmNUaVk2R2Fac004ZFlxX3dyTHNWTUxON1YwajViWnFQWlljbTFDdkp5N1MxTkFOQzJlMk1LXzA5YkpJQjcwczRQelVDcWttS1ExV3F6OFVMM1lCdWtKYUZucVJ5VlAyVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffinanceoffootball] --- Finance of Football - Nations and Numbers, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports [https://www.frequencymachine.com/undercoversports], a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com [http://frequencymahine.com] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Man Who Built Modern Soccer in America | Alan Rothenberg

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, there’s no better time to revisit one of the most important conversations we've ever had on Finance of Football. Long before MLS, packed soccer-specific stadiums, billion-dollar club valuations, and the arrival of global stars like David Beckham and Lionel Messi, there was Alan Rothenberg. As CEO of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, founder of Major League Soccer, former President of U.S. Soccer, and one of the key architects of modern soccer in America, Rothenberg helped transform the sport from a niche interest into one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. In this episode, Alan reflects on: • How the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics convinced FIFA that America could host the World Cup • The strategy behind the groundbreaking 1994 FIFA World Cup • Building MLS from scratch • The growth of women's soccer and the legacy of the 1999 Women's World Cup • Why he believes the World Cup should expand to 64 teams • What success looks like for the 2026 FIFA World Cup • The future of MLS, media rights, club valuations and soccer investment If you've ever wondered how soccer became a major force in the United States, this is the story from the man who helped make it happen. #WorldCup2026 #USSoccer #MLS #AlanRothenberg #FinanceOfFootball #FIFAWorldCup #SoccerBusiness #FootballBusiness --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa [https://www.instagram.com/brefootcontessa/] Michael - @michale.lore [https://www.instagram.com/michael.lore] And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2VKZ19YeWZ4YTRiQl9XOWRyQzNuRWM4WGl2Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttV3g3SVpTVkR6LVNKZjBqaWxzeUFsYVhqdXJRVzBnYmZITVBYcEE3ck5VUFlBWWl1enhmeHFKOG1ZYnNfX1lQb2huYzdvZ1ZNaHVlVDR2Z1V6QmxVWXBBVDZCN0kxQVdUbFRTdklkcTk4M2ZLbmRoNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffinanceoffootballpod%2F] On Facebook - /financeoffootball [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWlvUkNpYzZDMGVNdVd2a0cySzB5TnFFNnk3d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSkV6MnBpNWJwbVZ3Z2NiSmNUaVk2R2Fac004ZFlxX3dyTHNWTUxON1YwajViWnFQWlljbTFDdkp5N1MxTkFOQzJlMk1LXzA5YkpJQjcwczRQelVDcWttS1ExV3F6OFVMM1lCdWtKYUZucVJ5VlAyVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffinanceoffootball] --- Finance of Football - Nations and Numbers, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports [https://www.frequencymachine.com/undercoversports], a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com [http://frequencymahine.com] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Jozy Altidore: USMNT Can Win the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here — and the USMNT has already made a statement. In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael is joined by Jozy Altidore, one of the top goal scorers in U.S. soccer history, to break down the pressure, opportunity and expectation around the U.S. men’s national team at a home World Cup. After a strong opening performance from the USA, Jozy explains why he believes this team has the talent to make a serious run, how home-field advantage can change a tournament, and why the real legacy of 2026 could be felt for the next 10 to 15 years. The conversation also looks at the business and human side of football. With the World Cup expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, the Club World Cup growing, and the football calendar becoming more crowded than ever, Jozy discusses why player health has to remain central to the conversation. Jozy also reflects on representing the United States at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, preparing for life after football, investing across sports and business, and working as a World Cup analyst for Telemundo. From USMNT expectations to player burnout, this episode asks a simple question: how far can the United States really go at its own World Cup? --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa [https://www.instagram.com/brefootcontessa/] Michael - @michale.lore [https://www.instagram.com/michael.lore] And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2VKZ19YeWZ4YTRiQl9XOWRyQzNuRWM4WGl2Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttV3g3SVpTVkR6LVNKZjBqaWxzeUFsYVhqdXJRVzBnYmZITVBYcEE3ck5VUFlBWWl1enhmeHFKOG1ZYnNfX1lQb2huYzdvZ1ZNaHVlVDR2Z1V6QmxVWXBBVDZCN0kxQVdUbFRTdklkcTk4M2ZLbmRoNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffinanceoffootballpod%2F] On Facebook - /financeoffootball [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWlvUkNpYzZDMGVNdVd2a0cySzB5TnFFNnk3d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSkV6MnBpNWJwbVZ3Z2NiSmNUaVk2R2Fac004ZFlxX3dyTHNWTUxON1YwajViWnFQWlljbTFDdkp5N1MxTkFOQzJlMk1LXzA5YkpJQjcwczRQelVDcWttS1ExV3F6OFVMM1lCdWtKYUZucVJ5VlAyVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffinanceoffootball] --- Finance of Football - Nations and Numbers, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond, Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports [https://www.frequencymachine.com/undercoversports], a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com [http://frequencymahine.com] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].