The Football World Cup 2026 Quiz

The Football World Cup 2026 Quiz

The Curious Off Side Football World Cup Quiz

The Curious Off Side Football World Cup Quiz – Learn English with the Football World Cup 2026

Are you a fan of football ? If you are, you are in for a real football festival, if not, you are in for 4 very tedious weeks !

Whatever your view, it is a world event with billions of viewers for every match.

Some basic facts:

  • 48 national teams which are put into 12 groups of 4 teams.
  • The 2 top teams of each group will go through to the knockout rounds (quarter finals, semi finals and the final).
  •  The final will take place with an estimated TV audience of over 4 billion.
  • Each team is allowed a final squad of 23 players (three of whom must be goalkeepers). 
  • One of the favorites to win is  Brazil, and indeed Brazil and Italy have won 9 World Cup titles between them and Brazil. has won 47% of the 19 tournaments held.

But of course here at english-podcasts.com we love the off-the-wall facts and this quiz includes the crazy, unusual aspects of such a world event. So you definitely don’t need to be a football expert to get tops marks in this quiz, just use your imagination and common sense !

So are you ready for kick off ? Get your boots on and let’s get started……

You’ll certainly expand your vocabulary and learn some strange facts along the way. 

You’ll find that these questions are great for a pub quiz evening too !

The Curious Offside Football World Cup Quiz

Try this quiz with a friend, there will be plenty to discuss !

In keeping with the sporting theme, you can test your knowledge of sporting expressions with this quiz.

 

 

 

Grammar: Present Perfect Simple

Grammar: Present Perfect Simple

Most learners find the concept of the Present Perfect difficult to grasp. It is a particularly of the English language which takes a bit of time to get used to.

It is formed by the the auxiliary “have” plus the past participle of the verb you want to use.

Listen as we explain the main principles of how to use this tense and the examples we cite.

Before listening, take the time to think about these examples which you’ll hear in the podcast:

I have lived in Toulouse for 30 years (I still live here). Write your own example……………..

I have worked for the company for 30 years (I still work for the same company ). Write your own example…………

For a question: Have you ever been to China? (We are asking about your life experiences up to the present time). Write your own example…..

A possible answer: I have never been to China (I’m talking about my experiences up to the present time).  Write your own example …………

The weather has been warm recently (this is a recent action). Write your own example of a recent action……..

Now take a moment to think about this example before listening:

I have learned a lot (present perfect simple) since I started (past simple) studying Spanish. Why is this ?

 

 

Go one step further and check your understanding with this quick quiz

Present Perfect Simple Quiz

 

 

India Part 1 Is India going Green?

India Part 1 Is India going Green?

26, July, 2026

Episode 180: Is India really ready to go Green?

In this podcast, recorded in 2020, Chris asks Renu, a resident of Delhi, about India’s attitude to European Green policies.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode Chris talks to Renu about Mother Earth, inconsistent Green policies and the Ganges.

Notes

Since the 2020–2021 climate negotiations, especially after the COP26 in Glasgow, India has significantly strengthened its green policies while balancing development needs. A major milestone was the announcement of a net-zero emissions target by 2070, marking the country’s first long-term commitment to carbon neutrality.

India also introduced a set of ambitious short- and medium-term goals known as the “Panchamrit” commitments. These include reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity and sourcing 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030, alongside reducing emissions intensity by 45% compared to 2005 levels. These targets signal a rapid expansion of solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies, supported by national and state-level policies.

In addition, India submitted a Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy outlining transitions in energy, transport, industry, and urban systems. Legislative measures such as the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022 also promote carbon markets and energy efficiency.

Recent progress shows that India achieved 50% non-fossil electricity capacity ahead of schedule, though overall emissions continue to rise due to economic growth.

Overall, India’s post-2020 green policies demonstrate growing ambition and progress, but challenges remain in aligning development with stricter climate targets.

Language Focus

Renu says that where she lives used to be ruled by the monkeys, now it’s ruled by what ?

What does Renu say about public transport?

Why is she shocked about the behaviour of worshippers on the banks of the Ganges?

What exactly is the “dichotomy” of thos attitude?

What is the hope inspired by the Clean Up the Ganges campaign?

How far does Renu say India is behind Europe in this attitude?

Summarise the discusion about solar energy.

What does Renu say young people are doing with their clothes?

What is Renu’s philosophy about Mother Earth?

 

Stay Tuned For Our Latest Episodes

Subscribe to our Facebook group and page, our Youtube channel and to our Instagram to get all the latest podcasts, quizzes and blog posts.

India Part 2. Empowering Women

India Part 2. Empowering Women

26, July, 2026

Episode 178: India. Part 3. Empowering Women.

In this podcast,  Renu, explains about the business she set up to help empower women in India.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this episode Chris talks to Renu about the company she set up to help women’s empowerment through craft work.

Notes

Before listening to the podcast check out this information about Renu’s start up.

What “Stree” in Rishikesh is

  • boutique / organic shop and wellness space based in the Tapovan area
  • Focuses on eco-friendly fashion, natural products, and conscious living
  • Offers things like:
  • Organic cotton clothing
  • Handmade soaps and essential oils
  • Natural skincare and incense
  • Artisan goods made by local women 

🌿 Bigger idea behind it

Stree isn’t just a shop — it’s part of the “conscious lifestyle” culture that Rishikesh is known for. It promotes:

  • Sustainability and ethical production
  • Support for local artisans (especially women)
  • Wellness and Ayurveda-inspired living

Some descriptions even mention that the owner has Ayurvedic knowledge and that the space feels like a calm retreat from the busy streets. 

🧘 Additional activities

There are also links to Stree Wellness, which runs:

  • Yoga retreats
  • Meditation and wellness experiences in Rishikesh 

 In short:
“Stree” in Rishikesh is a small, ethical lifestyle brand/shop, not a large company. It blends eco-fashion, spirituality, and women-led local production, which fits perfectly with the vibe of the town.

en

 

 

Language Focus

As a language learner listen out for the pronunciation of the word “women”  as “wim  in”.

Why did Renu set up her company?

What is her connect with the concept of “Mother Earth”.

How does she measure “success”?

Why did she set up a company, not a charity?

What is Renu’s educational background?

How does she aim to give women more automony?

What is the problem is sourcing materials?

What did she say about China?

Is she optimistic about the success of her enterprise? 

 

Stay Tuned For Our Latest Episodes

Subscribe to our Facebook group and page, our Youtube channel and to our Instagram to get all the latest podcasts, quizzes and blog posts.

India Part 3 North Indian Food

India Part 3 North Indian Food

26, July, 2026

Episode 180: India Part 3. North Indian Food.

In this podcast, recorded in 2020, Chris does a deep dive into North Indian food.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode Chris asks Renu about curries, vegetables, rice and spices.

Notes

North Indian food is known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse range of dishes. It is heavily influenced by history, geography, and culture, especially the legacy of the Mughal Empire. One of the defining features of North Indian cuisine is the use of dairy products like ghee, butter, cream, and yogurt, which give many dishes a creamy texture.

Staple foods include wheat-based breads such as naan, roti, and paratha, often served with flavorful curries. Popular dishes include butter chicken, paneer tikka, dal makhani, and biryani. These meals are typically seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, creating deep and complex flavors.

Vegetarian cuisine is also very prominent, with dishes made from lentils, vegetables, and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Street food such as chaat, samosas, and pakoras is widely enjoyed and reflects the vibrant food culture of the region.

North Indian food is not just about taste but also about tradition and hospitality. Meals are often shared with family and friends, making dining a social and cultural experience.

Language Focus

 Chris and Renu talk alot about a grain called Millet. Do you know what it is? What is it used for now in India, and how is it cooked insouth west France?

What are the spices mentioned throughout the podcast?

What do Chris and Renu call tea? When is it drunk, and when did it become so popular?

What do they say about cheese? Which ones do they like ?

Where would Renu eat out if money was no object? What would she eat if “the Western chef was off”?

What does Chris say about chillis?

What does Renu recommend tourists avoid in terms of food?

 

Stay Tuned For Our Latest Episodes

Subscribe to our Facebook group and page, our Youtube channel and to our Instagram to get all the latest podcasts, quizzes and blog posts.

English Podcasts

Pin It on Pinterest