The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. But for host cities, it's about far more than what happens on the pitch.

Hosting a global event of this scale comes with enormous public investment, high expectations and no shortage of debate. Is it money well spent? Or could those dollars be better used elsewhere?

In this episode of Change My Mind, Lynda Steele is joined by veteran sports broadcaster, Don Taylor, to explore whether mega-events like the World Cup are still worth it in an era of housing shortages, affordability pressures and competing public priorities.

Together, they examine the promises that accompany events like FIFA 2026, including tourism, global exposure and civic pride. They also dive into concerns about rising costs, public risk and who ultimately benefits.

Drawing on decades of experience covering sports, Don also offers a perspective that extends beyond economics. He shares why he thinks major sporting events have the power to unite communities, inspire the next generation and create moments people remember for years, even decades. Despite all the controversy and complexity, there’s still something undeniably powerful about watching a city and a country rally around the same moment.

This episode isn't about choosing between celebration and skepticism. It's about exploring whether both can exist at the same time, and whether the value of hosting a global event can be measured by more than a balance sheet.

No debate. No winning. Just talking it through.