More than the Score

Odcinki

• 
  Sigrid Haugset and Steve Cummings: How cyclists escape to victory 23.09.2026 28min

  If you've watched cycling on TV, you've probably seen people racing away from the rest of the pack, or peloton - then struggling alone for mile after mile, before eventually being caught again. It's a hard, risky way to go for the victory, and doesn't often succeed.But what's it like when it does?Sigrid Haugset shocked the cycling world this summer when she rode nearly 90km on her own to win a stage of the Tour de France Femmes - the longest solo breakaway in the race's history. Her efforts also saw her become the first Norwegian woman to wear its famous yellow jersey.During his competitive career, Steve Cummings gained a reputation as one of cycling's most adventurous racers, winning stages of the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana, as well Olympic and World Championship medals for Great Britain. He now works as a directeur sportif for the Jayco AlUla team, masterminding the victories of other riders.They talk to More than the Score's Lee James and the BBC's Matt Warwick about the art of the breakaway - how to know when to go, and what it takes to stay away. They also give an insight into the kind of thoughts that go through a rider's head when they take on the world alone.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  The World Athletics Championships come to Kenya 21.09.2026 24min

  Kenya is the second-most successful country in the history of the World Athletics Championships, but none of its 72 gold medals have been won on home soil. But in 2029, the tournament will head to Nairobi - and Africa - for the first time in its history. More than the Score's Lee James talks to BBC Africa's Celestine Karoney and former Boston and Los Angeles Marathon winner Wesley Korir about the years of work that have gone into bringing the Championships to Kenya, from developing infrastructure to lessons learned from other major sporting events - including the Africa Cup of Nations. Will this be a tournament that connects with Kenya's huge and passionate athletics fanbase, and what could its wider significance be for the country? Plus, with so many current champions hailing from Africa, what does it mean to them for one of the sport's biggest occasions to finally be held on the continent?Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  US tennis: Can Ben Shelton's generation claim men's Grand Slam glory? 16.09.2026 21min

  Ben Shelton's defeat by Alexander Zverev in the US Open final means it's now been 23 years since an American last won a men's Grand Slam singles title. That didn't seem likely when Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi ruled men's tennis - but what does it really say about America's place in the tennis world?More than the Score's Delyth Lloyd talks to former professional player Denis Kudla, who's now a coach at Maryland's Junior Tennis Champions Centre - the place where US Open men's semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe and women's doubles finalist Robin Montgomery learned the game. He tells Delyth about his journey through the US developmental system, and how he built a 16-year career that saw him play at all four Grand Slams. He also shares the lessons he's now instilling in young players, and the importance of role models in their development.Delyth's also joined by Ben Rothenberg, editor of tennis magazine Bounces, who talks about why US women have had much more recent success at Grand Slams than their male counterparts - and why he believes a breakthrough on the men's side could happen very soon.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  Are tennis and influencers a good match? 09.09.2026 21min

  This year, the US Open gave accreditation to nearly 100 social media influencers and content creators. The tournament sees them as crucial to helping promote tennis to younger audiences - but they've also been accused of disrupting matches. Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka are among the players who have complained about crowd behaviour at Flushing Meadows, with umpires having to pause some matches due to excess noise and bright lights in the stands.But do influencers deserve this criticism - and what are content creators and tennis gaining from each other?Rachel Stuhlmann, one of the world's leading tennis influencers, tells More than the Score's Delyth Lloyd how she's built her career over the past decade, and the day-to-day realities of creating content at the world's biggest tournaments.Delyth's also joined by Sara Gordano from the sports business site Sportico, who explains tennis's relationship with the creator economy - and why the US Open's "party" atmosphere gives it a very different character from other Grand Slams.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  Are Schalke back for good? 02.09.2026 24min

  Schalke are one of the traditional giants of German football, with seven top-flight titles and the UEFA Cup among their list of honours. Their imposing stadium, the Arena AufSchalke, has hosted World Cup games and the Champions League final. But in recent years, the team from the former mining city of Gelsenkirchen have been in the doldrums. They spent four of the past five seasons in German football's second tier - but have now returned to the Bundesliga. Can fans start dreaming big once more?More than the Score's Mani Djazmi talks to former player Christian Fuchs and BBC Sport's Nathan Edwards about Schalke's past and present, their bitter rivalry with Borussia Dortmund, and what it will take for them to return to their former glories. We also hear from Schalke's head coach Miron Muslic, who told the BBC's Euro Leagues podcast about what legendary Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko has brought to the club.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  Was an action-packed Wafcon a good sign for African women's football? 26.08.2026 29min

  The build-up to the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations was chaotic, with short-notice changes to qualification and even the dates of the tournament itself. But once the action got under way, it was packed with shocks and surprises.Cameroon scored upset wins over Nigeria and Morocco on their way to their first-ever Wafcon title, with star-making performances from the likes of Monique Ngock and Michaely Bihina. Malawi also had a fairytale run to the final, fuelled by goals from the Chawinga sisters.But does this changing of the guard mean a brighter future for African's women football? Sophia Hartley talks to journalists Busisiwe Mokwena and Biola Solace-Chukwu about the big takeaways from this year's Wafcon, and what's next for the players and teams that made their names at the tournament.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  The WPBL and the future of women's baseball 19.08.2026 26min

  The Women's Professional Baseball League, or WPBL, is the first attempt this century to establish a professional women's baseball competition in the US. Four teams, representing New York, LA, San Francisco and Boston, are facing off in Springfield, Illinois for its inagural title.Can the WPBL follow in the footsteps of what the WNBA and PWHL have done for basketball and ice hockey - and why has baseball yet to create a successful pro league for women? Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  Can Jose Mourinho put Real Madrid back on top? 12.08.2026 47min

  Jose Mourinho has been appointed as manager of Real Madrid for a second time, 14 years after leading them to the La Liga title. The "Special One" has one of the most formidable reputations in world football - but it's been more than a decade since he last won a league title. His last two managerial roles, at Fenerbahce and Benfica, both ended without trophies. More than the Score's John Bennett is joined by BBC pundit Pat Nevin and Spanish football journalist Eduardo Alvarez to analyse Mourinho's return to Madrid, and whether he can still get the best out of superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon also gives his verdict on whether Mourinho is the right man for the job.Plus, Robert Huth and Chris Smalling give their insights into how Mourinho runs a dressing room, and we get perspectives from Portugal and Italy with journalists Duarte Monteiro and Daniele Verri.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  Is Tadej Pogacar unstoppable? 05.08.2026 22min

  Tadej Pogacar has dominated the Tour de France once again, and now has his sights set on this year's Vuelta a Espana - the only one of cycling's triple crown races he's yet to win. Few would bet against him taking that title too. But how has one man become the dominant force in one of the world's most notoriously gruelling sports - and does anyone have a hope of stopping him?Jonathan Vaughters is the general manager of the EF Education-EasyPost team, one of the rivals of Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates squad. He tells More than the Score's Mani Djazmi why taking on Pogacar is so difficult, and why he believes the 27-year-old may be his own biggest competition. Vaughters also shares his thoughts on drug testing in cycling, and argues its approach is far more rigorous than other sports.Mani's also joined by the BBC's Matt Warwick, who discusses what Pogacar's dominance means for the sport as a spectacle.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  Neeraj Chopra: India's javelin ace aims for Commonwealth gold 29.07.2026 19min

  In 2018, Neeraj Chopra won javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games. It was the first major senior victory of his career, and he followed it up with gold at the Olympics and World Championships. More than the Score's Lee James talks to Neeraj about the medal that changed his life, and the effect it's had on Indian sport. Neeraj also discusses this year's Commonwealth Games, where he's facing a field packed with Olympic and world champions, including Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, Kenya's Julius Yego and Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago - and explains why he's learned important lessons about listening to his body.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  What's next on More than the Score 28.07.2026

  The World Cup may be over, but there's a whole world of sport to explore - and every week, we'll be doing just that. Search More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts, and follow and subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode.
• 
  Wafcon 2026: Can Morocco end Nigeria’s dominance? 24.07.2026 53min

  After another disrupted build-up, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations returns, just one year on from the last tournament. Now expanded to 16 teams, Wafcon enters a new era. Can Nigeria complete "Mission XI" by claiming an unprecedented 11th continental title? Will hosts Morocco, runners-up in the last two tournaments, finally lift the trophy on home soil? Can South Africa bounce back after a disappointing finish at the last edition? Or will Zambia’s talented golden generation continue their resurgence?This year also marks a milestone for tournament debutants Malawi and Cape Verde, whose participation reflects the growing reach of the women’s game across Africa. Does the expanded format offer more opportunities for smaller nations to make history?Maz Farookhi is joined by two of Africa’s leading women’s football journalists, Busisiwe Mokwena and Biola Solace-Chukwu. Together, they assess the title contenders, examine the biggest talking points on and off the pitch, and explore what this Wafcon could reveal about the future of women’s football on the continent.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  The Commonwealth Games fights for its future 23.07.2026 22min

  The Commonwealth Games has arrived in Glasgow, but in a very different format to before. Around 3,000 athletes will compete in 10 sports, six of them including a para-sport element - far fewer than any of the previous editions this century. Glasgow also only took over this year's edition after the intended host, the Australian state of Victoria, pulled out as costs spiralled.So do this year's Games represent a chance to build a more sustainable future, or are they a sign of its decline?Earlier this month, More than the Score's Mani Djazmi spoke to Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, who gives an insight into what it took to put Glasgow 2026 together, and why she thinks the Games's new model could be more attractive to potential host cities.Mani also speaks to the BBC's Shabnam Younus-Jewell, who's reporting on the Games in Glasgow, and Mo Allie, who gives us his perspective from Cape Town. What kind of anticipation is there for the next 11 days of competition?You can hear more of Mani's discussion with Katie Sadleir in The Interview podcast from the BBC World Service.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  Is LA ready to welcome the Olympics? 22.07.2026 24min

  Los Angeles hosted eight games at the World Cup - but in 2028, the city will take on an even bigger test when it welcomes the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic games. Is it ready for sport's other "greatest show on Earth"?More than the Score's John Bennett talks to Libby Rainey, who's reporting on the Olympic preparations for Los Angeles public media organisation LAist. She discusses the political, logistical and economic challenges the city faces - including whether one of the most famously car-dependent cities on Earth can build a public transit system to keep everyone moving.They're also joined by the BBC's Isaac Fanin, who reported on the World Cup from LA for the World Service. He shares his perspective on the city as a visitor, and why a visit to the Walk of Fame revealed a surprising problem.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  How 'baby boy' Haaland conquered America at the World Cup 21.07.2026 25min

  Erling Haaland's Norway went out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage - but on social media, he's arguably been the tournament's biggest winner.From shopping for a cowboy hat in Texas to coming home with a taxidermied raccoon, Haaland's American adventures have seen his online following explode, and his fame has now spread into wider US pop culture. But what is it about him that America has fallen in love with - and just how big a star could he become?Crystal Bell, digital culture editor at Mashable, tells More than the Score's John Bennett how Haaland's authenticity has been a huge draw for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why the way he uses Snapchat is key to his appeal. She also analyses how he's been building his brand in China and beyond.Tobias Hovland also joins the show to discuss what he's seen while reporting from the US for Norwegian broadcaster NRK, and how Haaland's exploits have been received back home.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  World Cup 2026: Messi, the Muppets and hydration breaks 20.07.2026 32min

  After six weeks, the FIFA 2026 men's World Cup, held across the United States, Canada and Mexico and featuring a record 48 teams is over. Spain are champions for a second time after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra-time in the final at the New York-New Jersey stadium.More than the Score's Mike McCarthy is joined by the chief football writer at the i paper, Daniel Storey and by CBS Sport's Lisa Carlin to reflect on the match and the tournament as a whole. Daniel discusses his mammoth road trip across the US covering the event and why watching the great Lionel Messi, perhaps for the last time at a World Cup, has been a privilege. He also explains why FIFA must address high ticket prices going forward. Lisa explains why the tournament has been well received among Americans and why she enjoyed the controversial half-time show featuring Justin Bieber, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo and the Muppets. More than the Score brings you more than the men’s football World Cup - the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, BBC World Service promises to take you deeper - from the group stages to the final. Search for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
• 
  Alex Rose: The engineer making athletics history for Samoa 18.07.2026 24min

  Last September, Alex Rose made athletics history by winning bronze in the men's discus at the World Athletics Championships. It was the first-ever medal at the championships for the Pacific island of Samoa.What made the feat even more remarkable is that Alex isn’t a full-time athlete. He has to fit training around working and travelling as a sales engineer in his native Michigan – meaning he often has to train on his lunch breaks, or before or after work, trying to find facilities wherever he can.In March of this year, Alex Rose talked to More than the Score’s Ade Adedoyin about his long road to making history for Samoa, and why he decided to compete for his father’s native land rather than the US. He also talks about the realities of raising two young sons while competing as a world-class athlete, and why his wife Samantha is his “rock”.Unexpected questions and beyond the scoresheet chat. More than the Score tells stories from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels. And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
• 
  World Cup 2026: The rebirth of the New York Cosmos 17.07.2026 40min

  The New York Cosmos were the original Galacticos, the ultimate glamour club and now they’re back in 2026. Lee James tells the story of the original club, which was founded in the 1970s and featured star players like Pele, before charting their rebirth in 2026.He discovers the impact the Brazilian legend Pele had both on and off the pitch. Hearing from former teammates, including goalkeeper Eddie Edgar, finds out how celebrity fans including Mick Jagger followed the team, and learns about the cultural impact the Cosmos also had on the United States.Lee also attends a training session at the new Cosmos club as they return to professional soccer and speaks to the former Manchester United forward Guiseppe Rossi, who is the Cosmos head of soccer and Erik Stover the CEO who tell us why competing in a league with promotion and relegation will change the domestic game in the US.More than the Score brings you more than the men’s football World Cup - the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, BBC World Service promises to take you deeper - from the group stages to the final. Search for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
• 
  World Cup 2026: Will Messi and Argentina lift the trophy again? 16.07.2026 20min

  Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final, after overcoming England in a semi-final that once again showcased their battling spirit - but will Lionel Messi lift the trophy again in New York?Mani Djazmi is joined by South American football expert Tim Vickery and ESPN Argentina's Francisco Canepa to analyse why the Albicelestes are one game away from retaining their title. Francisco shares what it was like to be part of the crowd in Atlanta, and Tim explains how Messi's changing role with the squad has transformed their fortunes.We also hear from Argentina's Geronimo Rulli, the Marseille goalkeeper who's taking part in his second World Cup, about his memories of victory in 2022 - and what it's like playing for coach Lionel Scaloni.More than the Score brings you more than the men’s football World Cup - the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, BBC World Service promises to take you deeper - from the group stages to the final. Search for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
• 
  World Cup 2026: Spain shock favourites France to reach the final 15.07.2026 23min

  Spain produced a masterclass in control to beat pre-tournament favourites France 2-0 in Dallas and secure their place in just their second World Cup final. BBC football reporter John Bennett tells Lee James why the performance of the European champions is one of the best he's ever seen at a World Cup. Spanish football journalist Ernest Macia explains why their current midfield, led by Rodri, can be compared to that of Xavi and Andrés Iniesta - the engine room of their 2010 World Cup winning side. French football journalist Sara Menai explains where it all went wrong for Didier Deschamps’ side, while South American football expert Tim Vickery looks ahead to the second semi-final between defending champions Argentina and 1966 winners England. More than the Score's Delyth Lloyd joins the show from New York, where the atmosphere ahead of Sunday's final is building. More than the Score brings you more than the men’s football World Cup - the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, BBC World Service promises to take you deeper - from the group stages to the final. Search for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.