Sports Politika

Pre-order my new book: THE ULTIMATE STRONGMEN
Wondering how the UFC evolved from a fringe combat sport into one of the most influential cultural and political institutions in America? Do I have a…
 • Karim Zidan
How Egypt Became the Arab World's Team
As Egypt continues its historic World Cup run, its victories are resonating far beyond the pitch, offering millions across the Arab world a rare moment…
 • Karim Zidan
Eleven Men and a Witch Doctor
Why black magic remains one of football's most enduring—and controversial—subjects.
 • Karim Zidan
The World Cup View From Gaza
While watching the World Cup, do not look past this view from Gaza, writes Khaled Beydoun, author of American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and…
 • Khaled Beydoun
Revenge of the Tunisian Frankenstein
Tunisia's humiliating World Cup campaign has made it a global punchline. But the real crisis runs far deeper than football.
 • Karim Zidan
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The Bread and Football Project
A powerful artistic series on football and politics, by Iranian visual artist and poster designer Behnam Raeesian, who works at the intersection of…
 • Behnam Raeesian
For One Night, Egypt Had Something to Celebrate
After 92 years, Egypt secured its first World Cup win in Vancouver on Sunday night. It is a historic moment for a nation that has had very few reasons…
 • Karim Zidan
Two Flags, a Pair of Boots, and a Matador
Lamine Yamal’s World Cup boots were meant to honour his family roots. Instead, they ignited a debate in Spain over national identity, with critics…
 • Karim Zidan
1:10:05
Breaking down the UFC White House spectacle w/ Luke Thomas
Following our conversation in the lead-up to the UFC White House spectacle, it only made sense to catch up with Luke Thomas again afterwards to make…
 • Karim Zidan and Luke Thomas
The UFC-Trump machine is just getting started
The UFC White House event looked like the final triumph of the UFC-Trump alliance. But it was actually something more consequential: the first act in a…
 • Karim Zidan
1:04:24
What you need to know about the UFC White House event w/Luke Thomas
I've done a lot of media over the past few weeks about the UFC White House event. But I wanted to share this one with my favourite voice in MMA, Luke…
 • Karim Zidan and Luke Thomas
Anduril, UFC, and our Dystopian Future
Anduril, the UFC’s new defense tech partner, wants to transform warfare & surveillance with AI—and host military-themed boxing events.
 • Karim Zidan
28:22
Ep 5. The Power of Football
Listen now | In the 5th and final episode of Power Plays, we look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, as well as future stops in Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
 • Karim Zidan

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