Dean Karlan Launches Substack with World Cup Rooting Guide
7 reported
Dean Karlan has started a Substack newsletter, according to a post on marginalrevolution.com. His first essay updates a 2014 New York Times column in which he argued that if a reader’s own team is not in the World Cup, they should root for the team whose victory would do the most good. For the 2026 tournament, which features 48 teams, Karlan says he rebuilt the guide with more nuance and at a lower cost using AI. The guide updates itself as games are played. Karlan currently argues that readers should root for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
What’s reported
Dean Karlan has started a Substack newsletter.
His first essay updates a 2014 New York Times column about World Cup rooting.
The 2014 column recommended rooting for Nigeria.
The 2026 World Cup has 48 teams, including more poorer and first-time sides.
Karlan rebuilt the guide using AI at a fraction of the old cost.
The guide updates itself as games are played.
Karlan currently argues readers should root for the DRC.
Key figures
Dean Karlan, author of the Substack essay and 2014 New York Times column.
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
