On June 2nd, the Our Copa podcast will premiere ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup kick off. The limited series traces the history of the World Cup and soccer fandom across the globe through a pro-democracy, anti-authoritarian lens. The English-language 6-episode podcast will kick off exploring the World Cup’s emergence in Italy under Mussolini and how geopolitical power struggles began to play out on the field as reigning champions Uruguay boycotted the second Cup.
Our Copa is hosted by Merritt Mathias, an American professional soccer player whose long career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has made her a respected and versatile presence in U.S. women’s soccer; Musa Okwonga, a British-Ugandan author, podcaster and journalist whose keen insights into the sociopolitical dimensions of sports have made him one of the UK’s most sought-after analytical voices; and Julio Ricardo Varela, an award-winning journalist and media advocate who has been central in building a robust Latinx media ecosystem. The podcast is distributed by Valor Media and will feature guest appearances.
The eponymous podcast is part of the Our Copa campaign. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest sporting event in North America’s history, played across an entire continent for the first time. Working Families Power and Mijente Support Committee created the Our Copa campaign to show the world what’s always been true: There is no World Cup sin la gente del mundo – without the people of the world.
In addition to the podcast, Our Copa has launched a petition to halt ICE raids during the World Cup and lift the racist travel ban on Haiti, Iran, Cotê d’Ivoire and Senegal – sign on here. Our Copa’s in-person World Cup watch party events will kick off on June 18th in Los Angeles, CA for the Mexico vs Republic of Korea game and on June 19th in Brooklyn, NY for the Brazil vs Haiti game with more details and additional watch parties across the country to be announced.
Working Families Power is a multiracial movement with a simple focus: to build real power for everyday people so the government works for the people. Working Families Power organizes year-round, not just during election cycles, to bring together organizers, workers, community groups, and advocates, to push for policies that materially improve everyone’s lives – not just the wealthiest or most powerful. In 2026, Working Families Power launched the Be Good-ICE Out campaign with a coalition of leaders and organizations to honor those who have been killed or harmed by ICE. The campaign has been an enduring symbol of resistance throughout awards season, with pins worn by A-list cultural leaders including Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Carole King, Eva Longoria, Jean Smart, Joni Mitchell, Justin Bieber, Kerry Washington, Lady Gaga, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon, Meg Stalter, Natalie Portman, Olivia Rodrigo, Rob Rausch, Samuel L. Jackson, Wunmi Mosaku, and many more. GQ calls it “The Celebrity Accessory of the Moment.”
Mijente Support Committee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the collective power of Latinx, Chicanx, and Caribbean communities in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through organizing, digital engagement, and cultural strategy, Mijente Support Committee works to shape narratives, mobilize communities, and create pathways for people to take action around the issues that impact their daily lives. From national campaigns to grassroots initiatives, Mijente Support Committee bridges culture and politics — meeting people where they are, including through art, media, and popular culture — to strengthen community, amplify stories, and build long-term power.
The show will be aired on the YouTube channel of the Valor Media Network. You can find new episodes here.
