iHeart launches a bilingual soccer podcast network with FOX Sports, timed to the World Cup knockout rounds
iHeartMedia launched the iHeart Soccer Podcast Network on June 25, timed to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds. The bilingual network spans more than 20 podcasts in English and Spanish, including a new show hosted by Mexican soccer star Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez. iHeart is the official radio partner for FOX Sports' U.S. coverage of the tournament. The company says the network is designed as a year-round soccer destination, not a tournament-only activation. The launch adds a dedicated soccer vertical to iHeart's existing sports podcast infrastructure at a moment when U.S. interest in soccer is at a record high due to the tournament's North American hosting.
THE BREAKDOWN
A bilingual, year-round sports podcast network backed by the U.S.'s largest audio company is an immediate sponsorship target for brands chasing the U.S. Hispanic audience or general soccer fans through the knockout phase and beyond. For talent managers with sports podcasters or former athletes with shows, iHeart is actively building a network that needs talent right now. The year-round commitment means appearances and hosting deals should be negotiated as multi-season contracts, not per-episode fees. The Chicharito signing at the top of the roster sets a rate benchmark for comparable athlete-hosted sports shows, and agents should use it in any current audio talent negotiation.
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