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Mark the Week: The World Cup is a massive success

Author
Mike Hosking ,
Publish Date
Fri, 17 Jul 2026, 11:30am
Lionel Messi of Argentina He was carried on his teammates' shoulders. during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina He was carried on his teammates' shoulders. during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. 

 

ACT: 8/10 

A lot has yet to unfold but the Paul Henry move, so far, looks like a stroke of political genius. 

 

NZ Inc: 7/10 

An encouraging week with manufacturing, services, and confidence all up. Slowly but surely. 

 

The World Cup: 8/10 

There isn't an economically associated story I have seen that hasn’t been glowing and/or upbeat about it. It's a massive success. 

 

Brendon McCullum: 6/10 

On balance, he's been a net gain for England cricket, and he has kept 66% of the jobs. 

 

Keir Starmer: 4/10 

To hear him leave was an exercise in self-important gibberish. He lasted five minutes and cocked it up to the point they knifed him. Give the man the Legion of Honour... 

 

LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW 

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