World Cup is here, Atlanta’s Not Ready, Ronaldo’s Not Done, and Nigeria’s Not There

Description

The Five A Side Podcast is BACK — and we're coming in hot with the World Cup already underway right here in Atlanta 🔥 We reunite the full crew — Dalu, AK, Temi, Haruna, and special guest Tobi — to break down everything World Cup 2026. From the vibe (or lack of it) in Atlanta, to who's actually winning this thing, to the African teams we're riding with all tournament long. We get into France's squad depth, Spain's scary balance, Portugal's Ronaldo problem, and why England under Tuchel might actually be different this time. Plus — Nigeria didn't make it. We had to talk about it. Then things get real when we debate the Thomas Partey handshake situation, the Somali referee denied a US visa, and what it means to host a World Cup in this political climate. Oh, and we close it out with the most memorable World Cup moments of all time — '82 Brazil, '06 Zidane vs Brazil, Uruguay vs Ghana 2010 — the nostalgia hit DIFFERENT. ⚽ Topics Covered: World Cup vibe in Atlanta — is the city ready? Full tournament predictions: France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina Portugal's midfield depth vs the Ronaldo problem African teams built for the heat — Morocco, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire England squad selection debate: Palmer, Maguire, Bellingham, Henderson Group of Death breakdown MVP predictions for the tournament Thomas Partey controversy Most memorable World Cup moments ever 🎙️ Subscribe, like, and share with your people. Five Aside will be at the games in Atlanta all tournament — stay locked in. #WorldCup2026 #FiveAsidePodcast #Atlanta #WorldCup #Football #Soccer #PremierLeague #Nigeria #Arsenal #France #Spain #Portugal #England #africanfootball Timestamps 0:00 – Intro / Banter & Setup 1:45 – Welcome Back / Temi Returns to the Pod 3:00 – World Cup in Atlanta: Vibe Check & Is the City Ready? 7:00 – Atlanta World Cup Energy vs. European Host Cities 8:45 – Who's Winning the World Cup? Predictions Begin 9:00 – AK's Pick: France — Why They're the Most Balanced Squad 14:00 – Dalu's Pick: Spain — The Most Complete Team 17:30 – Haruna's Heart: Por