Explainer 342: Qatar World Cup: how did ...

Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

As last year’s rapid descent of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad attests, when a dictator falls, they fall fast. But what are the conditions under which that fall occurs? And how can they be sparked?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Andrew Mueller explains the relocation ballot being offered to Tuvaluans by Australia and what’s in it for the host nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Jim White and Simon Jordan were joined in studio by Arsenal legend Martin Keown to look ahead to the headline act of the 2022 World Cup, as France take on Argentina on Sunday afternoon. Also on the agenda, should third-place play-offs be scrapped? Plus, reaction to Fifa's plans f ... Show More

Qatar is in the spotlight as the host of this year’s World Cup — and the small, oil-rich nation has had to confront a lengthy human rights record with the world watching. The FT’s Gulf correspondent Simeon Kerr breaks down Qatar’s larger goals due to hosting the tournament, and w ... Show More

The World Cup, the biggest single sporting event on the planet, began earlier this month. By the time the tournament finishes, half the global population is expected to have watched. The 2022 World Cup has also been the focus of over a decade of controversy because of its unlikel ... Show More

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Tom Roddy, Matt Lawton and Owen Slot in Qatar. From last minute u-turns to questions over the authenticity of some fans - what are our experiences of the World Cup in Qatar so far? (00:00) How will Qatar 2022 be seen in the future? Will football ever ... Show More

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Jonathan Northcroft and Matt Dickinson in Qatar. What has Qatar 2022 been like for our journalists so far? Has the lack of alcohol and location made the event feel safer? (00:00) We discuss our best moments on the pitch as two teams stand out (09:52) ... Show More

Hugh Woozencroft is in Qatar and is joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd in London. Qatar lost 2-0 to Ecuador in the opening game - but only two thirds of the stadium were there to see the final whistle. Will this be a problem going forward? (00:00) Gianni Infantino gave on ... Show More