Special World Cup Episode: Football between Africa and the Gulf

In this special World Cup episode of the WASSAP podcast, we explore how football is increasingly shaping relations between Africa and the Gulf, from the expanded 2026 tournament to Saudi Arabia’s hosting ambitions for 2034. Host Desirée Custers is joined by Hubert Kinkoh and Dr. Sebastian Sons to examine how football has evolved into a field of geopolitical competition, diplomacy, and strategic engagement. The discussion highlights the growing role of Gulf states as key actors in global sports and unpacks how major tournaments and investments are embedded in broader political and economic agendas. At the same time, the episode considers how these dynamics extend beyond elite football. It touches on the role of Sport for Development (S4D) initiatives and the ways in which football can contribute to education, youth empowerment, and social inclusion, particularly in African contexts. The conversation also reflects on how these developments affect African stakeholders — from national federations to local football ecosystems — raising important questions about agency, sustainability, and the distribution of benefits within these evolving partnerships. The WASSAP podcast is supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation. Guests: - Dr. Sebastian Sons, Senior Researcher, CARPO - Hubert Kinkoh, Senior Researcher, CARPO Show notes CARPO Pulse: Peace by Other Means? The 2026 World Cup and the Weaponization of the ‘Beautiful Game’ by Hubert Kinkoh (https://carpo-bonn.org/en/publications/carpo-pulse/peace-by-other-means-the-2026-world-cup-and-the-weaponization-of-the-beautiful-game)) More information on the host: - Desirée Custers: https://carpo-bonn.org/en/about-us/team/team/desiree-custers More information on the guests: - Dr. Sebastian Sons: https://carpo-bonn.org/en/about-us/team/team/dr-sebastian-sons - Hubert Kinkoh: https://carpo-bonn.org/en/about-us/team/team/hubert-kinkoh Follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/carpo-–-center-for-applied-research-in-partnership-with-the-orient-e-v/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/carpo\_bonn/ Big thanks for the support to our editor Marco Bussi https://www.marcobussi.de/