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The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic 1364 Episodes Jul 21, 2026

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

How can MLS become an elite league?
How can MLS become an elite league? Jul 21, 2026 37:50 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
Spain conquer the world + Ornstein's summer transfers Jul 20, 2026 42:26 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
World Cup final preview + Ornstein on Rogers to Chelsea Jul 19, 2026 48:20 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?
Has Infantino's expanded World Cup worked? Jul 17, 2026 48:25 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?
What now for Tuchel and England? Jul 16, 2026 47:41 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?
Spain stun France + can England overcome Argentina? Jul 15, 2026 45:56 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
Ornstein transfer latest: Bouaddi, Alvarez & Bruno Guimaraes Jul 14, 2026 49:49 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
World Cup semi-final preview and transfers, with David Ornstein Jul 13, 2026 49:00 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?
Can Bellingham win England the World Cup? Jul 12, 2026 37:54 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?
How do England stop Erling Haaland? Jul 10, 2026 38:40 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
FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup Jul 9, 2026 43:29 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 inevitable + Ornstein on Man United transfers Jul 8, 2026 43:05 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

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