Saturday, July 18, 2026

Special Edition: World Cup’s Biggest Moments & Final Match

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The World Cup final is here: Spain vs. Argentina.

But before the final whistle blows on this year’s tournament, longtime soccer writer Leander Schaerlaeckens joins us to look back at the biggest storylines so far, from soccer’s growing place in America to the standout players, memorable moments, and complicated controversies.

Plus, what to watch in the final, and what this World Cup may mean for the future of soccer in America and around the world.

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Guest: Leander Schaerlaeckens

Leander Schaerlaeckens is a long-time soccer writer and has worked for ESPN, FOX Sports, and Yahoo Sports, among others, covering the United States men’s national team at three World Cups.

He currently writes about soccer for The Guardian and The Ringer. He teaches journalism and sports communication at Marist University.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Belgium, he went to college in London and Washington, D.C. He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with his wife, son, and their mutt/squirrel-murderer, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Check out Leander Schaerlaeckens’ book, The Long Game.

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