The Athletic FC Podcast

Epizode

• Has Infantino's expanded World Cup worked? 17.07.2026 48min

  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 challenge.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Adam Crafton and Paul TenorioExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale, Liam Warburton and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• What now for Tuchel and England? 16.07.2026 47min

  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 Ornstein share their reflections on England while Felipe Cardenas joins to explain how Argentina got the job done.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Adam Crafton and Reuben PinderExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale, Liam Warburton and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Spain stun France + can England overcome Argentina? 15.07.2026 45min

  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 ‘Discussion of the Day’ asking what is the biggest rivalry in world football, and of course bring you our Daily World Cup Quiz!Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Laura Williamson and Reuben PinderExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale, Liam Warburton and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Ornstein transfer latest: Bouaddi, Alvarez & Bruno Guimaraes 14.07.2026 49min

  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.Plus plus we'll have our ‘Discussion of the Day' asking which World Cup star should your club sign and our daily quiz.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: David Ornstein, Reuben PinderFeaturing: Henry BushnellExec Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• World Cup semi-final preview and transfers, with David Ornstein 13.07.2026 49min

  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 James joins the show to preview the other heavyweight semi-final - how can Spain stop France from scoring?We also check in on how our pre-tournament predictions are aging, answer your questions and test your knowledge with today's 'Do you know' World Cup trivia question.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: David Ornstein, Laura WilliamsonFeaturing: James Horncastle, Stuart JamesExec Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Can Bellingham win England the World Cup? 12.07.2026 37min

  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 Lionel Messi and co once again go to extra time, this time with Switzerland.Plus there's a reflection on France and Spain having also reached the final four as well as our daily 'Do you know' trivia.Host: Ian IrvingWith: Carl Anka and Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How do England stop Erling Haaland? 10.07.2026 38min

  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 Saturday.There’s also the latest on selection doubts for Thomas Tuchel over key pair Declan Rice and Marc Guehi ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Liam Twomey, Cerys JonesFeaturing: Sam Lee, Adam CraftonExec Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike StavrouVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup 09.07.2026 43min

  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 USA's preparations for the game, while Jerry Brewer, senior columnist for The Athletic gives his view on the damage the controversy will have on soccer in the USA as well as US Soccer.Host: Ian IrvingWith: Cerys Jones, Adam Crafton and Dan SheldonFeaturing: Tim Howard and Jerry BrewerExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Argentina are inevitable + Ornstein on Man United transfers 08.07.2026 43min

  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 market, from Manchester United’s midfield search, to Arsenal’s inactivity and Newcastle’s potential incomings.Host: Emma PatonWith: Liam Twomey and Mark CritchleyFeaturing: James Horncastle and David OrnsteinExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Was the USA's World Cup a success or failure? 07.07.2026 42min

  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 brings us the latest on Nottingham Forest’s move for former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.Host: Emma PatonWith: Jay Harris and Mark CritchleyFeaturing: Henry Bushnell, Reuben Pinder and Paul Taylor Executive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• England’s Azteca heroics + inside Trump’s Balogun call 06.07.2026 38min

  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 the news they exclusively broke that USA's Folarin Balogun is now available for their round of 16 clash with Belgium, with it later emerging US President Donald Trump made a phone call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of Balogun's one-game ban being suspended.Host: Emma PatonWith: Art De Roche and Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How can England conquer the Azteca? 04.07.2026 42min

  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 details on that situation, while Jack Lang has the lowdown on what Thomas Tuchel’s side will face in the Azteca.And ahead of the Round of 16, we look ahead to Saturday’s matches - France vs Paraguay and Canada vs Morocco - as well as a quick preview of Sunday’s big one - Norway vs Brazil.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Cerys Jones and Liam TharmeFeaturing: James Horncastle, Matt Slater and Jack LangExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Portugal survive + why are Newcastle selling their best players? 03.07.2026 39min

  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 well as interest in other key players including captain Bruno Guimaraes.Plus, we have a look ahead to Day 23 at the World Cup with Lionel Messi looking to go clear of Kylian Mbappe in the golden boot race.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Cerys Jones and Art De RocheFeaturing: David Ornstein, Matt Slater and Chris WaughExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Can Kane keep saving England? 02.07.2026 41min

  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 see off Senegal.And ahead of the Day 22 action, Matt Slater joins us from Toronto ahead of Portugal taking on Croatia to discuss how the cities he's visited have connected with the tournament as well as what tournament preconceptions he had that he may have changed his opinion on.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Carl Anka and Liam TwomeyFeaturing: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Henry Bushnell and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• France look unstoppable + Spurs win Fernandes race 01.07.2026 39min

  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 worth £85m. Where does this leave Man United's search for midfield reinforcements?Plus, ahead of the USA taking on Bosnia & Herzegovina, Henry Bushnell drops by to preview the game and the significance reaching a run to the quarter-finals could have for the USMNT.Host: Emma PatonWith: Mark Critchley and Carl AnkaFeaturing: Adam Crafton, Felipe Cardenas, David Ornstein and Henry BushnellExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Germany hit new low + Ornstein transfer latest 30.06.2026 42min

  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 Man City.Plus, there's a look ahead to England's Round of 32 tie with DR Congo, a preview of the Day 20 action as well as our daily 'do you know' trivia.Host: Emma PatonWith: Mark Critchley & Cerys JonesFeaturing: Matt Slater, David Ornstein and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale & Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Which dark horse will go furthest at the World Cup? 29.06.2026 33min

  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 ties of the round, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero joins from Monterrey to preview the game, explain the mood in the city as well as the possibility of an England v Mexico tie in the Azteca Stadium in the next round.Host: Emma PatonWith: Liam Twomey and Liam TharmeFeaturing: Josh Kloke and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Why are England struggling to convince? 28.06.2026 37min

  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 Jordan Campbell providing reaction in Boston.Plus, ahead of the knockouts beginning there's some bracket projections before our Canada correspondent Josh Kloke previews Canada's tie with South Africa.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers and Art De RocheFeaturing: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jordan Campbell and Josh KlokeProducers: Guy Clarke and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How did Man City win the Elliot Anderson race? 26.06.2026 30min

  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, Ecuador had its greatest football moment as they qualified for the knockout stages with a 2-1 win over Germany, while Ivory Coast, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden joined the USA in booking their place in the next round.The panel also discuss their breakout player of the tournament so far, plus, there's our daily 'do you know' trivia as well as a profile of our latest Star of Soccer, Iran’s BeiranvandHost: Adam LeventhalWith: Cerys Jones & Tim SpiersFeaturing: David Ornstein & Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale & Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Are Ancelotti's Brazil serious World Cup contenders? 25.06.2026 36min

  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 action.Plus there's our daily 'do you know' trivia and Japan's Ayase Ueda features as our Star of Soccer ahead of their final group game against Sweden.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Cerys Jones and Carl AnkaFeaturing: James Horncastle and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.