iHeartPodcasts has announced a new original podcast series titled “The Away End,” hosted by Daniel Alarcón and John Green. The show will focus on the global appeal of international football as anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Alarcón, known for his work with the My Cultura Podcast Network’s “Radio Ambulante,” and Green, a New York Times bestselling author, will bring their journalistic experience and personal friendship to the podcast. Each episode is set to feature discussions about memorable soccer matches, childhood experiences, and stories that highlight why soccer is considered one of the world’s most significant sports.
“Soccer has always been a part of my life, my identity and my story,” said Alarcón. “‘The Away End’ is a celebration of how the game connects us all – especially as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup where John and I will be, at least spiritually, the same age we were when we saw our first game as kids in 1986.”
Green added: “For me, soccer is a lens through which to consider everything about life. Soccer is about hope and community and also corruption and cruelty. It contains multitudes, and I can’t wait to explore those multitudes with one of my oldest friends.”
Daniel Alarcón covers Latin America for The New Yorker and has authored four works of fiction. He teaches at Columbia University School of Journalism in New York and has received honors such as the Maria Moors Cabot prize in 2022 and the MacArthur Fellowship in 2021.
John Green is recognized for novels including “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Looking for Alaska,” which have collectively sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Alongside his brother Hank Green, he co-founded Crash Course, an educational video project reaching millions globally.
“The Away End” will premiere on January 21, 2026. New episodes are scheduled to release weekly on Tuesdays. The podcast will be accessible via the iHeartRadio app as well as other major podcast platforms.
