The Athletic's flagship football podcast - hosted by Adam Leventhal and Emma Paton - will be with you six days a week during the World Cup, bringing unrivalled analysis and colour from every single host city. Featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and James Horncastle, the show will takes audience inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters.
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France's superstars continue to sparkle, as Kylian Mbappe's brace helped to see off Sweden 3-0 in at the MetLife. Emma Paton is joined by Mark Critchley and Carl Anka to discuss France's free-flowing attack with Adam Crafton also posing the question: are France unstoppable? We also hear from Felipe Cardenas after Mexico's 2-0 win over Ecuador setting up a potential Round of 16 clash with England. David Ornstein drops by with the latest from the transfer window as Tottenham Hotspur win the race t...
Four-time World Cup winners Germany are out. So too are the Netherlands and Japan after a dramatic day at the World Cup. Emma Paton is alongside Mark Critchley and Cerys Jones to look back on the action. Matt Slater shares his view from Boston after seeing Germany dumped out on penalties, losing their first-ever World Cup shootout to Paraguay. David Ornstein joins us to discuss the latest in the transfer market including Chelsea's move for Granit Xhaka as well as their reaction to confirmation E...
Canada saw off South Africa as the knockout stages got underway at the World Cup, with some big games to come on Day 19. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Liam Tharme as they assess Canada's win with Josh Kloke explaining the significance of a knockout victory for the co-hosts. There's then a look at the World Cup bracket with the panel making their predictions as to who will make the final four of the competition. Ahead of the Netherlands taking on Morocco in one of the tie...
Despite a 2-0 win over Panama with Jude Bellingham playing a crucial role, Thomas Tuchel's England still lack conviction. Joining Adam Leventhal to get stuck into England's final group stage performance are Tim Spiers and Art De Roche, with Jack Pitt-Brooke sharing his thoughts from the MetLife Stadium. With the group stage now completed there's also discussion around some of the big talking points as Lionel Messi moves onto six goals at the tournament, nine of the 10 African sides have reached ...
This episode delves into Manchester City's unprecedented £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, examining the rationale behind the record deal and its impact on City's midfield and future transfers. The discussion also covers Ecuador's thrilling World Cup comeback against Germany, raising questions about group stage formats and controversial refereeing decisions. Additionally, the panel highlights breakout players and celebrates the inspiring story of Iran's resilient goalkeeper, Alireza Beiranvand.
The Athletic FC podcast examines Brazil's World Cup journey, evaluating Carlo Ancelotti's functional tactics and their historical challenges against European sides. It also covers Scotland's disappointing early exit, Canada's struggle to maintain home advantage, and the viral Endrick meme. The episode delves into wider tournament issues, including controversial hydration breaks, the MetLife Stadium pitch concerns, North America's embrace of global fans, and the commercial impact of merchandise, concluding with a look at Japan's star player Ayase Ueda and favorite goal celebrations.
This episode delves into England's unexpected 0-0 draw against Ghana, analyzing why Thomas Tuchel's side struggled and debating potential lineup changes for their next match. It also covers Cristiano Ronaldo's return to form with two goals for Portugal and the impact on his critics. The hosts then explore World Cup knockout bracket projections, discuss Scotland's challenging match against Brazil, celebrate the fan experience, and profile Bosnia & Herzegovina's young star Kerim Alajbegovic.
As the World Cup ticks over to Day 13, the summer transfer window is still making waves. Emma Paton is joined in-studio by Mark Critchley and Tim Spiers as we discuss the World Cup action as well as getting the latest from David Ornstein on the midfield merry-go-round. With Sandro Tonali, Lucas Bergvall, Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott potentially on the move, the dominos are starting to fall into place. David also brings us his latest one to watch from this week's DealSheet on ...
With 121 goals scored across 40 games, the excitement just keeps coming at this summer's World Cup. To dive into the latest action, Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Mark Critchley and Cerys Jones. Pol Ballus reports from Atlanta after seeing Spain secure their first win of the tournament. Attention also turns to both France and Argentina ahead of their second group matches with both having put in statement showings last time out, while Jack Pitt-Brooke feeds back the mood in the England ca...
It’s Day 10 of the World Cup, and the USMNT are through to the knockouts after a 2-0 win over Australia. Ian Irving is joined in-studio by Liam Twomey and Liam Tharme as we discuss another impressive performance from Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Henry Bushnell drops in to give the lowdown from Seattle and asks if the USA can actually go all the way. We catch up with James Horncastle who was in Philadelphia for Brazil’s win over Haiti, and, we analyse Scotland’s chances of progression to the last-...
While all eyes are on the World Cup, the summer transfer window is also now beginning to hot up! Ian Irving is joined in-studio by Jay Harris and Tim Spiers as we discuss the latest from the World Cup as well as checking in with David Ornstein on the latest on the transfer front. With Liverpool confirming the signing of Victor Munoz what could it mean for their pursuit of Yan Diomande, while Spurs have signing Jan Paul van Hecke but remain interested in Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali. We also ...
England's World Cup started with an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia, with Harry Kane scoring twice. Emma Paton is joined by Liam Twomey and Liam Tharme to react to England's performance, especially as they burst into life in the second half, with England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke sharing his thoughts from Dallas. Nick Miller in Houston reports on Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing tournament opener as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. We also have our daily 'Do you know' quiz, Le...
The stars have arrived at the World Cup! After Kylian Mbappe became France's all time top scorer with a brace against Senegal, Lionel Messi did Lionel Messi things, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria to equal Miroslav Klose's record for World Cup goals. Join Emma Paton, Mark Critchley and Liam Twomey as they reflect on a day where the superstars truly arrived, as Erling Haaland also made his mark on his first World Cup appearance. We hear from Oli Kay who was at Kansas City Stadium to witness M...
Day five of the World Cup saw all four matches end in draws, including Cape Verde's shock 0-0 stalemate against European champions Spain. Adam Leventhal is joined in-studio by Jay Harris and Mark Critchley with our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke providing the latest from the Three Lions camp in Kansas City, including dressing room dynamics and selection dilemmas for Thomas Tuchel. Pol Ballus reacts to the surprise Spain result and Laurie Whitwell is on hand to recap what happened on and ...
Day four of the World Cup saw no fewer than 19 goals, while away from the tournament Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. Adam Leventhal is joined in-studio by Charlie Eccleshare and Tim Spiers with David Ornstein dropping by to discuss Real Madrid's deal to sign Cucurella, how Jose Mourinho is looking to rebuild at the Bernanbeu and how the deal impacts Chelsea. Chris Branch and Matt Slater look back on Germany's win over Curacao and Yan Diomande starring in Iv...
Join Adam Leventhal, Art de Roché and Tim Spiers as they reflect on the USMNT's thrashing of Paraguay, before turning their attention to whether Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil can win a sixth World Cup ahead of their opening fixture against Morocco. Plus, we hear from Henry Bushnell who was at Los Angeles Stadium & Jordan Campbell drops by to preview Scotland's opener against Haiti. Access to all of The Athletic's World Cup coverage is free via our app during the duration of the World Cup! Host: A...
The 2026 World Cup is underway! Join Adam Leventhal, Art de Roché and Cerys Jones as they reflect on an eventful opening day before asking why the USA have never produced a truly global superstar. Jack Lang was at Estadio Azteca and recounts Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa that saw him showered in beer, while Henry Bushnell looks ahead to the USMNT’s opener against Paraguay. Plus, we hear from Joshua Kloke on Canada’s first game, in what he describes as ‘the biggest in Canadian soccer his...
The 2026 World Cup starts here! Well, in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa. Join Adam Leventhal, Jay Harris and Cerys Jones as they give you the lowdown on everything you need to know ahead of the tournament getting underway. Jack Lang reflects on Gianni Infantino's press conference on the eve of the tournament, while Felipe Cardenas gives us the lowdown on what to expect from Mexico, before we analyse their bright-young hope, Gilberto Mora as part of The Athletic's Stars of So...
On the eve of the World Cup getting underway there are many outstanding off-field issues to discuss. Ahead of the tournament Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Jay Harris to explore issues such as visas, ticketing and what success represents to each of the host nations. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and Jay Harris Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
Today we're continuing our build up to The World Cup. as we assess the favourites to win the tournament - and even make some predictions too. So who are the contenders, and who could spring a surprise this summer? Plus, we ask former England goalkeeper Rob Green what it’s actually like to play at a World Cup. Host: Emma Paton Guests: Rob Green, Mark Critchley, Liam Twomey Exec Producer: Guy Clarke Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
As the World Cup gets underway on Thursday, we're here to look ahead to which deals could happen this summer. David Ornstein joins The Athletic FC's new signing Emma Paton as well as Jay Harris and Mark Critchley to discuss a number of the big deals that could be completed. There's the latest on Man City's pursuit of Elliot Anderson as well as Liverpool's interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande. Plus, who are the players to watch out for at the World Cup this summer - and which are the best World ...
We're delighted to welcome Emma Paton to The Athletic FC Podcast team for the World Cup. Emma is a renowned presenter and broadcaster in the UK having worked as a presenter at Sky Sports since 2019 and will join the rest of the team, including Adam Leventhal, David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, James Horncastle and many more from the biggest sports newsroom ever assembled. Join us from Monday June 8th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
With the World Cup right around the corner, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast discuss the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament. Plus, how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As excitement builds for the 23rd edition of the World Cup, it’s time to look back on the defining moments in the competition's recent history. From ghost goals, to headbutts and… the Hand of God - we’ll attempt to rank the top 10 iconic performances and incidents from the last 10 tournaments. Host: Duncan Alexander Guests: Jack Lang, Oli Kay, Will Jeanes, Felipe Cardenas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, four of our writers were tasked with creating an all-time World Cup draft. From your Yashin’s to your Mbappe’s, we’ll attempt to build the ultimate XI spanning all 32 editions of the competition. Host: Duncan Alexander Guests: Oli Kay, Jack Lang, Carl Anka, Felipe Cardenas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Jay Beale & Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
After a “painful” defeat in the Champions League final. What do Arsenal need to do to close the gap on PSG next season? And what next for Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot? Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Tom Williams & Art de Roché, James Pearce Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal and PSG face off in Budapest in the 2026 Champions League final. Can Arsenal capture their first ever Champions League trophy, or will PSG win - as Tom Williams calls it - 'le back to back'. Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Tom Williams & Adrian Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A year after winning the FA Cup - Crystal Palace have yet more silverware! Oliver Glasner’s parting gift was to deliver the Conference League. So, what comes next for Palace? Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Matt Woosnam and Dom Fifield Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After ending the season 18 games unbeaten, Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth with Europa League football to come. But without a job lined up, has he left the Cherries too soon? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jon Mackenzie & Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick Thomson Videographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Liverpool will play Champions League football next season Despite finishing closer in points to the relegation zone - than champions Arsenal! So, is that enough for Arne Slot to keep his job at Anfield? Host: Adam Leventhal With: James Pearce and James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick Thomson Videographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
