Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Russia didn’t just host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It turned the tournament into a carefully managed display of state power, strengthening its global legitimacy while tightening control at home.

⚽️ In Episode 3 of Power Plays, Karim Zidan explores how Vladimir Putin’s government secured the World Cup in the first place and what hosting it meant politically.

But beyond the sport and ceremonial cheers was another story unfolding in parallel: one about control, fear… and four people willing to publicly challenge power despite the life-threatening risks.

🎧 Listen to Episode 3, out now wherever you get your podcasts: https://power-plays.captivate.fm/listen

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