The Athletic FC Podcast

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 brilliance, Thomas Tuchel's substitutions are also examined before looking ahead to the last four showdown with Argentina. Adam Crafton was in Kansas to see...

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 the panel to talk Erling Haaland, who England will have the tough task of attempting to stop when they face Norway on...

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 game with Belgium.

Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard shares his perspective from a players' perspective as to the impact the whole episode will have had on the...

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 panel look ahead to the quarter-finals with all eight teams now in the draw.

And David Ornstein brings us the latest in the transfer mark...

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.

Elsewhere, Reuben Pinder witnessed Spain beating Portugal 1-0 - with Cristiano Ronaldo the story once again.

Plus, Paul Taylor brin...

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 in Miami with England.

While there was plenty of drama on the pitch, Dan Sheldon and Adam Crafton join to explain their...

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 UK time - despite a day of confusion. Matt Slater brings us all of the de...

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 Portugal over Croatia.

The Athletic's Newcastle United writer also joins to discuss the impact of the sale of Tonali as w...

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 16. Henry Bushnell reports from the USMNT's win over Bosnia & Herzegovina including a controversial red card for Folarin Balogun, while Belgium had to come from 2-0 down to...

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 to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in a deal...

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 Enzo Maresca has succeeded Pep Guardiola as manager of...

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...

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 the knockout stage - and Scotland head coach Steve Clarke resigns, with...

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 writer Sam Lee joins the panel to analyse why the club were so adamant on signing Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, at the World Cup, E...

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 through their fingers, while we're also joined by Adam Crafton to discuss some of the key themes of the tournament so far two weeks into...

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 Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first two goals at this summer’s tournament in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekist...

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 The Athletic - USMNT’s Folarin Balogun.

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 camp from Kansas.

Plus there's our latest 'do...

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-32 after defeat to Morocc...

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, Lee Kang-In is our latest Star of Soccer...

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 Messi's magic, twenty...

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 off-pitch as Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand.

Plus...

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 Ivory Coast's victory against Ecuador.

Plus...

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: Adam Leventhal

With: Art d...

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 history'.

Acc...

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 Soccer!

Access to all of The...

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 information.

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 fo...

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...

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.

West Ham have been relegated from the Premier League just three years after winning the Europa Conference League.

But just how costly will the drop be for the Hammers?

Meanwhile, Spurs survived on the final day, so how do they avoid another worrying season next time around?

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Roshane Thomas, Matt Slater and Jack Pitt-Brooke

Executive Producer: Guy Clarke

Producer: Paul Iliffe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.