The Athletic FC Podcast
The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring journalists like David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton, and Matt Slater. It provides in-depth coverage of the biggest stories in football, cutting through the noise to explain what's really happening and why it matters.
Episodes
What If... the Super League had happened?
On this week's episode of What If, we're diving into the 2021 European Super League project, which collapsed within a matter of days.Host Emma Paton is joined by Matt Slater and Dan Kilpatrick to see what would've happened if the idea actually went ahead.Could it have worked, what would it have meant for domestic leagues, the Champions League and the fabric of football?Host: Emma PatonGuests: Matt
Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing
It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season.Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the seas
Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Man United?
Manchester United's 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel has outlined his desire to leave.To discuss why and how this situation has developed Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Matt Slater as well as former England goalkeeper Rob Green.Andy Mitten, co-host, of Talk of the Devils also joins having watched Gabriel extensively at youth team level within the Manchester United a
Are Liverpool adapting to Iraola?
Liverpool saw off Spurs on Tuesday night to make it two wins from two in the cup competitions, but Andoni Iraola’s side have just one Premier League victory so far.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s James Pearce and Cerys Jones, plus author of 'Data Game: The Story of Liverpool FC's Analytics Revolution', Josh Williams to get into whether Iraola’s team are adapting to his principles.Plus, as A
Ornstein latest: Why are Spurs still struggling to score?
Spurs have scored zero goals in their first four Premier League games this season. So why are Roberto De Zerbi's side struggling to find the back of the net despite their £300m summer outlay?Emma Paton is joined by David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss why they're misfiring in front of goal. Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke also drops by to discuss the issue.David also answers que
Has Manchester derby defeat put Carrick under pressure?
Erling Haaland settled the 199th Manchester derby with the only goal as Man City came away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Cerys Jones and former England goalkeeper Rob Green to pick through a controversial meeting.Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell reflects on Michael Carrick's anger at the decision to allow Haaland's goal with former Premier L
What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010?
Ahead of the Manchester derby, this week on What If... we're talking about Wayne Rooney and the hypothetical around whether he could have possibly made the switch across Manchester from United to City back in 2010.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Dan Kilpatrick, as well as Andy Mitten from Talk of the Devils to delve into Rooney's at times strained relationship with Sir
Man United v Man City + underlying data buys
This week on the Tactical Preview we're looking ahead to the first Manchester derby of the season, as Manchester United welcome Man City to Old Trafford.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and The Athletic's Thom Harris to analyse City's midfield having been reconstructed during the summer transfer window with the arrival of Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez.The Athletic's Man City
Champions League boom + Garry Cook on Manchesterism
As the Champions League returns, a number of big match-ups have played out including Real Madrid taking on Inter Milan and Liverpool facing Atletico Madrid, but where is the jeopardy?Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to analyse the growth and investment within the Champions League and discuss whether the change to the league phase format has led to a closed-shop for t
Is Mourinho's Real Madrid return working?
Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Inter in their opening Champions League fixture was far from convincing.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to get into Jose Mourinho’s return to the Spanish capital, the panel discuss whether he’s the man to bring silverware back to the Bernabeu amid familiar problems to last season.Plus, with the shortlist for the Ballon
Inside Everton's transfer window frustrations with Ornstein and Horncastle
After seeing a late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed Everton have been left with 18 senior first team players, something manager David Moyes seems less than pleased by.Emma Paton is with David Ornstein and James Horncastle to analyse Everton's transfer dealings, discuss why things played out in the manner they did - including looking likely to strike a deal to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingh
Who can challenge Arsenal for the title?
Arsenal made it three wins from three at the start of the new Premier League season, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates.Emma Paton is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Matt Slater to look back on the weekend's action.Art de Roche shares his thoughts on Arsenal's attacking rotations on show against Chelsea, with Liam Twomey assessing how far off be
What If... Abramovich bought Spurs instead of Chelsea?
For episode two of What If... we're talking Chelsea's former owner Roman Abramovich - and the parallel universe where he buys Spurs, or even Arsenal, instead of the Blues.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Spurs writer Jack Pitt-Brooke and Chelsea writer Liam Twomey to delve into the influence of Abramovich and how he changed the game forever.Our alternative timeline ponders wha
Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad
Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side.The panel also discuss
Was this the summer the Premier League ate itself?
This summer the Premier League smashed the record for spending within the division, with £1.7bn worth of transfers between Premier League clubs alone. Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to get into what this means for football here in the UK and why player prices are so high.Plus, Tim Bridge, lead partner of Deloitte's Sports Business Group, drops in to talk about
Inside the summer transfer window, with Ornstein and Horncastle
The transfer window is now closed after another summer of truly bonkers spending. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & James Horncastle to get into the deals that stood out and the deals that fell through, including Folarin Balogun's failed move to Everton that had repercussions for Chelsea.Plus, the panel reveal their favourite signing of the summer, the transfer that
Transfer Deadline Day reaction, with David Ornstein
Welcome to our Deadline Day coverage with The Athletic's transfer specialist, David Ornstein, hosted by Emma Paton. They are joined by football analyst JJ Bull and other The Athletic reporters to figure out what transfers could still happen and analyse the latest news.Host: Emma PatonCo-hosts: David Ornstein, JJ Bull, Seb Stafford-BloorExec Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Don Ma, Mike Stavrou&
Can Chelsea's attack sustain a title challenge?
Chelsea made it two wins from two against Brighton & Hove Albion, having scored seven goals in their opening two whilst also conceding five in that time.Emma Paton is alongside former Chelsea and England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Cerys Jones to assess the Blues' chances of challenging under Xabi Alonso.Elsewhere over the Premier League weekend, Manchester United got their first w
What If… Guardiola never became a manager?
Welcome to the first episode of a new series on The Athletic FC Podcast: What If…Every week, host Emma Paton will be joined by a selection of The Athletic’s writers to dive into monumental sliding doors moments in football’s recent history.From Roman Abramovich’s interest in Spurs before buying Chelsea, to how the career of Brazil's Ronaldo might look if he had avoided serious injury.On episode on
Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window?
The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to dissect where the game will be won and lost. They focus on Villa's frailties in beating the press, Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The Athletic's Villa correspondent Jacob
Are the Big Six 'cartel' more protected than ever?
Aston Villa have seen their Europa League-winning squad torn apart during the summer transfer window, despite qualifying for this season's Champions League.Adam Crafton and Matt Slater join Kate Mason to get stuck into one of the biggest talking points in the game right now around the competitive balance within the Premier League, brought on by the spending controls set by the league.Hannah Vanbib
How can Iraola fix Isak and Wirtz?
After arriving for a combined £225m, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak’s Liverpool careers are yet to get going.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Simon Hughes, Jay Harris and Seb Stafford-Bloor to get into why the pair are still struggling, and whether Andoni Iraola is the man to get the best out of them.Plus, after Jamie Carragher called Liverpool's 2025 summer transfer window the 'worst in P
Ornstein transfer latest: Enzo, Barcola + Alvarez
The final week of the transfer window is the busiest time of the year and we've got you fully covered on the podcast.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss the latest market moves.The panel talk Man City's major summer rebuild including their latest big-money move for Ayoubb Bouaddi and whether they could swoop in to sign Chelse
Man United's alarming Hull defeat + Spurs stung by Brentford
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both fell flat on the opening weekend of the Premier League season losing to Hull City and Brentford respectively.Emma Paton is joined by Jay Harris and Cerys Jones to assess the shortcomings for both sides, with The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell sharing his views having been at the MKM Stadium.Mamadou Sangare stole the show on-d
Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends
Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast: our Tactical Preview show.Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an analytical lens.This week, we talk tactical trends we expect to take hold this season, while our primary focus is on the big battle at St James’ Park as Newcastle host Liverpool.The panel also touch on champions Arsenal
Bezos and Liverpool: Is a full sale inevitable?
FSG have sold nearly 40 per cent of Liverpool to a consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, as exclusively revealed by The Athletic earlier this week.Kate Mason is joined by senior news reporter Matt Slater, former England goalkeeper Rob Green and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss the significance of the investment as well as Liverpool’s preparations ahead of the new season.The Athletic’s Liverpo
Transfer latest: Baleba, Konsa and big-spending Ipswich
With just two days until the new Premier League season starts, Manchester United have made their move for Carlos Baleba.Emma Paton is joined by Jay Harris, Cerys Jones and Laurie Whitwell to discuss why after long term interest in the Brighton midfielder, the club are once again exploring a deal to sign him.Plus, with the promoted sides having spent £330m between them already this summer, The Athl
Which new manager will have the biggest impact?
With nine of the 20 Premier League managers being new into their roles ahead of the new season, today we're exploring how they may fare.Emma Paton is alongside James Horncastle and Tim Spiers to analyse who may succeed and who may struggle.The Athletic's Newcastle United correspondent George Caulkin also drops by to discuss the introduction to life at St James' Park that Matthias Jaissle has exper
Does Rodri's exit make Arsenal unstoppable?
With just four days to go until the new Premier League season starts, Arsenal have made a statement with their 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield, with news also emerging that City midfielder Rodri is on the verge of leaving for Barcelona.Emma Paton is back in the chair, alongside former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Cerys Jones to discuss the strength of Arsena
Premier League predictions: contenders, pretenders, surprises
With the Premier League just around the corner, it’s time for our predictions for the 2026/2027 season.Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Art de Roche and Jay Harris to get into the runners and riders for the title, relegation and more.Will Arsenal defend their crown, who will challenge them? And can the promoted sides stay up?With so many new managers coming into the league,
Mourinho and Madrid Mark II: Magic or madness?
After 13 years away, Jose Mourinho is heading back to Real Madrid but after two trophyless seasons can he return them to winning ways?Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Thom Harris to analyse why Madrid have turned back to Mourinho as well as the make-up of the squad he has inherited.The Athletic's Guillermo Rai also joins to explain the view from Madrid on his return as well as their work
Premier League transfer window winners and losers
As the new Premier League season approaches, we've been taking a look at which sides have impressed with their summer transfer business, and those left with work to do.Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jay Harris as well as our ranking expert Tim Spiers to look through the eye-catching summer business to date.The market continues to be dominated by midfield
Why have Chelsea changed their transfer strategy?
Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers, Liam Tharme and Simon Johnson to discuss why after years of signing young talent, Chelsea have recruited two veterans in Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.The panel break down BlueCo's change in philosophy and whether new boss Xabi Alonso might've influenced the decision. Plus, Mykhailo Mudryk returns to action following 20 months on the sidelines, and
Ornstein transfer latest: Bruno, Vini Jr & Salah
David Ornstein is back with the latest from a busy transfer market, as champions Arsenal look to reinforce their squad with a couple of Brazilian superstars: Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr.Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Jay Harris and Art de Roche to break down how transformational those two signings would be for Mikel Arteta’s side.Plus there’s the latest on moves for R
Is Infantino's exit now inevitable?
Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, and James Horncastle to unpack a week that shook global football. The panel dissects how Gianni Infantino’s multi-billion-dollar plans to sell off stakes in FIFA tournaments fell apart, the scale of pushback, and whether this historic U-turn leaves Infantino’s presidency in serious jeopardy.Plus, UEFA Vice-President Laura McAlli
How can MLS become an elite league?
As the World Cup packs up and leaves New York, we have one final show from the Big Apple as Paul Tenorio joins Adam Leventhal to look at the opportunity the popularity of this summer’s World Cup offers MLS.We bring you insight from MLS Commissioner Don Garber on the league’s mission statement as they declare: “we’ll take it from here”. NYCFC CEO Brad Sims and multiple MLS Cup winning executive Gar
Spain conquer the world + Ornstein's summer transfers
Live in New York for the final time, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Adam Crafton to reflect on Spain's deserved victory in a disappointing World Cup final against 10-man Argentina.With a month to go until the start of the Premier League season, David shares his insights ahead of what is expected to be a busy period in the transfer market.Host: Adam LeventhalWith
World Cup final preview + Ornstein on Rogers to Chelsea
Adam Leventhal is live in New York City alongside James Horncastle and Adam Crafton as they preview the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.A little later, The Athletic’s Football Correspondent David Ornstein joins with all the details on his exclusive on Chelsea’s £117m agreement to sign Morgan Rogers.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Adam Crafton, James Horncastle, David OrnsteinExecut
Has Infantino's expanded World Cup worked?
The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal, Adam Crafton, and Paul Tenorio are live from NYC to debate how successful the expanded World Cup has been.They will also look ahead to the spectacle of this week’s final, featuring a Super Bowl-style halftime show and Donald Trump in attendance.Plus, your questions are put live to the team, and you'll have a chance to take on today's 'Do You Know' World Cup trivia ch
What now for Tuchel and England?
England’s World Cup dream is officially over. Live from New York City, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Reuben Pinder to break down a Messi-inspired semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina.Did Thomas Tuchel’s tactics cost England a place in the World Cup final? They also look at what lies ahead for the manager and this squad.From Atlanta, Jack Pitt-Brooke and David Orn
Spain stun France + can England overcome Argentina?
Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Editor-in-Chief Laura Williamson and Reuben Pinder, for our latest instalment from New York City.They reflect on Spain’s comprehensive victory over France to secure their place in Sunday’s World Cup Final, before looking ahead to tonight's other semi final - the monumental clash between old rivals England and Argentina.Plus, we dive into our ‘Discuss
Ornstein transfer latest: Bouaddi, Alvarez & Bruno Guimaraes
We are live from New York City! Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein and Reuben Pinder to break down a massive World Cup semi-final clash between powerhouse nations France and Spain.We also get stuck into the latest transfer market movements, including Manchester City’s concrete interest in Lille and Morocco’s breakout midfield sensation, Ayyoub Bouaddi.
World Cup semi-final preview and transfers, with David Ornstein
Adam Leventhal is live from New York City alongside The Athletic's editor in Laura Williamson and Football Correspondent David Ornstein to look ahead to two heavyweight World Cup semi finals.James Horncastle drops by to explain what he thinks has been the secret to Argentina’s success at this World Cup ahead of facing England - one of football's most iconic rivalries.Then Stuart Jam
Can Bellingham win England the World Cup?
England are through to just their fourth-ever World Cup semi-final, after needing extra time to get past Norway in the last eight, thanks to another double from Jude Bellingham.Ian Irving is joined by Carl Anka and Liam Twomey to look back on a dramatic evening of action, with Jack Pitt-Brooke reflecting the mood in Miami as England's mentality once again came to the fore.As well as Bellingham's b
How do England stop Erling Haaland?
It’s Day 30 and France are into the semi-finals of the World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Morocco.Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss the first quarter-final and the Golden Boot race, with Kylian Mbappe now level with Lionel Messi on eight goals for the tournament. Adam Crafton drops in from Boston for this one.Man City correspondent Sam Lee also joins
FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup
On Sunday, The Athletic broke the world exclusive that USA striker Folarin Balogun's ban for the USMNT's round of 16 tie against Belgium had been suspended.Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon, who broke the news, join Ian Irving and Cerys Jones to look back on the controversy, which included the involvement of US President Donald Trump calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the build-up to the USA's
Argentina are inevitable + Ornstein on Man United transfers
Argentina are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after an incredible comeback win against Egypt.Emma Paton is in the studio alongside The Athletic’s Mark Critchley and Liam Twomey to discuss how Lionel Scaloni’s side are able to look unconvincing, yet still win. James Horncastle drops in from Atlanta for this one.With Switzerland also through after beating Colombia on penalties, the pa
Was the USA's World Cup a success or failure?
The USMNT are out of the World Cup after defeat to Belgium.While the Folarin Balogun situation dominated the build-up, the headlines centre around the USA’s elimination, after falling to a 4-1 defeat in the Round of 16.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s Jay Harris and Mark Critchley in the studio to dissect the match, with Henry Bushnell dropping by for immediate reaction from Seattle.Elsewher
England’s Azteca heroics + inside Trump’s Balogun call
England are through the quarter-final of the World Cup, following an instant classic in the Azteca against Mexico.Emma Paton is joined by Art De Roche and Cerys Jones to pick the bones out of England's 3-2 win over Mexico, with Jack Pitt-Brooke providing his take from Mexico City.Matt Slater also drops by from Times Square, reacting to Norway's 2-1 win over Brazil, to set-up Saturday's semi-final
How can England conquer the Azteca?
It’s Day 24 and our focus is fully on England’s trip to the Azteca to take on Mexico.Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Liam Tharme to recap the World Cup action as Argentina edged past Cape Verde to secure their place in the Round of 16 - James Horncastle drops in from Miami for that one.In terms of England, there’s been plenty of drama in the build-up to this one. Kick-off is still 1AM
Portugal survive + why are Newcastle selling their best players?
Newcastle United are set to receive £100m for midfielder Sandro Tonali, but where does that leave their aspirations?Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Art De Roche to discuss the latest at the World Cup and in the transfer window.David Ornstein reports on Tonali's imminent move to Spurs, before we look at the latest from the World Cup with Matt Slater recapping an enthralling 2-1 win for
Can Kane keep saving England?
England left it late but got the job done, thanks to Harry Kane.Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Liam Twomey after England's emotional come-from-behind win against DR Congo as our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke poses the question; is Kane England's greatest player ever?Away from England's win, the USA and Belgium also progressed to face one another in the Round of 1
France look unstoppable + Spurs win Fernandes race
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.Da
Germany hit new low + Ornstein transfer latest
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 tra
Which dark horse will go furthest at the World Cup?
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 ma
Why are England struggling to convince?
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
How did Man City win the Elliot Anderson race?
The transfer window is truly up and running as Manchester City have agreed a £116million deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest - the most ever paid for a British player.Adam Leventhal is joined in-studio by Cerys Jones and Tim Spiers to discuss the massive move for the England midfielder. Football correspondent David Ornstein drops in for the latest details on the deal, and Man City
Are Ancelotti's Brazil serious World Cup contenders?
Brazil broke Scottish hearts on day 14 at the World Cup, running out 3-0 winners to leave the Scots' hopes of securing qualification hanging by a thread.Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Carl Anka to react to just how strong Brazil are, with James Horncastle highlighting the demeanour of boss Carlo Ancelotti.Canada saw their hopes of staying on home soil in the knockout phases slip throu
Why were England so flat against Ghana?
The storylines keep on flowing at this summer’s World Cup, this time, the goals dried up for England in a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Group L.Emma Paton is joined in-studio by Carl Anka and Liam Twomey as we discuss the World Cup action on Day 14.Jack Pitt-Brooke drops by to try and explain why Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to break down Ghana. Plus, Nick Miller reports from Houston on the day Cristia
Ornstein transfer latest: Tonali, Bergvall, Balogun
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 starti
Who is winning the World Cup so far?
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
How far can Pochettino take the USA?
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
Ornstein transfer latest: Liverpool + Spurs make big moves
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 h
Are England fun again? Will Ronaldo ever be dropped?
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 ope
Messi outshines Mbappe and Haaland + why Amorim for Milan?
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 o
Spain stunned + inside England's preparations
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
Ornstein latest: Real Madrid sign Cucurella + Diomande lights up World Cup
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.Ch
USA's statement win + can Brazil lift a sixth World Cup?
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 T
Will the USMNT ever produce a global superstar?
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
An Idiot's Guide to the 2026 World Cup
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 Mexi
Will the World Cup rip-off pay off?
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 LeventhalWith: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Guy Cla
Who will actually win the World Cup?
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 PatonGuests: Rob Green, Mark Critchley, Liam TwomeyExec Producer: Guy ClarkeProdu
David Ornstein's World Cup transfer watchlist
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,
Emma Paton joins The Athletic FC Podcast for The World Cup
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
The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams
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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 10 greatest World Cup moments
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 AlexanderGuests: Jack Lang, Oli Kay, Will Jeanes, Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Adey Moor
World Cup Draft: Picking our Best XIs ever... with a twist
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 AlexanderGuests: Oli Kay, Jack Lang, Carl Anka, Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Liam Warburton Hosted
What next for Arsenal? & Is Iraola better than Slot?
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 LeventhalGuests: Tom Williams & Art de Roché, James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Preview: Champions League Final
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-AdamsGuests: Tom Williams & Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do Palace build on Glasner's legacy?
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-AdamsWith: Matt Woosnam and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
