The World Comes to Play - FIFA World Cup

Billy Galligan - Author
Billy Galligan - Author

A nostalgic journey through the sights, sounds, absurdities, and deeply personal memories of the greatest tournament on Earth. Hosted by Billy Galligan, this series traces the World Cup from the ticker-tape blizzard of Argentina '78 to the early morning family chaos of South Korea & Japan 2002 and onto the December 2022 World Cup in Qatar and ending with full coverage of World Cup 2026 in USA, Mexico and Canada

  1. Episode 1

    Panini Dreams and Northern Ireland’s 1982 World Cup Miracle

    An affectionate trip back to childhood sticker albums, schoolyard trading, and the magical pull of the 1982 World Cup for kids in Ireland. The episode also explores Northern Ireland’s unlikely run in Spain, from Pat Jennings and Norman Whiteside to the heat, hostility, and unforgettable match in Valencia.

    Panini Dreams and Northern Ireland’s 1982 World Cup Miracle

  2. Episode 2

    World Cup 1978: Ticker Tape, Tragedy, and Kempes

    Billy Galligan looks back on the 1978 World Cup through the eyes of a kid watching Buenos Aires from a pub in Ireland, where Argentina’s dazzling football first felt like a glimpse of another world. He revisits Scotland’s heartbreaking near-miss, France’s borrowed shirts, Kempes’ breakout run, and the troubling political darkness that shadowed Argentina’s triumph.

    World Cup 1978: Ticker Tape, Tragedy, and Kempes

  3. Episode 3

    Maradona’s Mexico 86 Masterclass

    Relive the chaotic brilliance of Mexico 1986, where Diego Maradona turned a World Cup into a one-man spectacle. From the infamous Hand of God to the Goal of the Century, this episode explores how he dragged Argentina to glory against England, Belgium, and West Germany.

    Maradona’s Mexico 86 Masterclass

  4. Episode 4

    Italia '90: Tears, Penalties and a Pope

    A vivid tour through the unforgettable drama of Italia '90, from Ireland’s penalty shootout breakthrough and audience with the Pope to Cameroon’s joyous run and Roger Milla’s iconic dance. It also revisits Gazza’s tears, West Germany’s tense march to the final, and the tragic, unforgettable finish in Rome that made the tournament feel like pure theater.

    Italia '90: Tears, Penalties and a Pope

  5. Episode 5

    USA 94: Diana Ross, the Swamp, and Baggio’s Heartbreak

    Relive the glitz and chaos of USA 94, from Diana Ross’s infamous opening-ceremony miss to Ireland’s famous upset of Italy in the sweltering Meadowlands. The episode closes with Roberto Baggio’s dramatic rise and devastating final penalty miss against Brazil in Pasadena.

    USA 94: Diana Ross, the Swamp, and Baggio’s Heartbreak

  6. Episode 6

    World Cup 2026: 48 Teams, 3 Nations, 104 Matches

    Simon Carver and Billy Galligan break down the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, from the 48-team format and best third-place qualifiers to the travel, heat, and squad depth that could decide it all. They also preview the opening match at the Azteca, the pressure on the co-hosts, and make early predictions for who will lift the trophy at MetLife Stadium.

    World Cup 2026: 48 Teams, 3 Nations, 104 Matches

  7. Episode 7

    Zidane, Ronaldo, and France’s Iron Wall in 1998

    Relive France’s improbable 1998 World Cup run, from a defense that barely conceded to unforgettable knockout-stage heroics by Blanc, Thuram, and Zidane. The episode also dives into the Ronaldo final mystery, Beckham’s red card, and how the Black-Blanc-Beur team united a nation.

    Zidane, Ronaldo, and France’s Iron Wall in 1998

  8. Episode 8

    Saipan, Silent tea, and the Chaos of 2002

    An emotional look back at Ireland’s fractured Saipan saga, Roy Keane’s explosive fallout, and the unforgettable highs and heartbreaks of the 2002 World Cup. From silent dawn celebrations to Ronaldo’s legendary redemption, it captures the tournament that changed how fans around the world watched football.

    Saipan, Silent tea, and the Chaos of 2002
See All (30)

About

A nostalgic journey through the sights, sounds, absurdities, and deeply personal memories of the greatest tournament on Earth. Hosted by Billy Galligan, this series traces the World Cup from the ticker-tape blizzard of Argentina '78 to the early morning family chaos of South Korea & Japan 2002 and onto the December 2022 World Cup in Qatar and ending with full coverage of World Cup 2026 in USA, Mexico and Canada

Information

More From Billy Galligan - Author