Football Daily

Mark Chapman is joined by former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, former England captain Steph Houghton and Chris Sutton out in Mexico City to preview the start of the 2026 World Cup.Correspondent John Murray joins the show to discuss FIFA president Gianni Infantino's press conference addressing some of the off-field issues affecting the buildup to the tournament.Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith talks about how their squad has settled in the USA and former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith explains how he deals with the conditions now he's in charge at Charlotte FC in the MLS.Cesar Azpilicueta gives his opinion on Spain's hopes of backing up their Euro 2024 victory - and talks about working with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.And of course the panel get their crystal ball out - including Chris' much anticipated Austria v Jordan prediction!You can hear coverage of every game during the World Cup on 5 Live and BBC Sounds.Join Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith on Football Daily every morning from the USA, getting you closer to the biggest talking points at the World Cup 2026 — plus there’s extra insight, big-name guests and interviews from inside the England and Scotland camps. Just search ‘Football’ on BBC Sounds. TIMECODES - 01:07 - John Murray breaks down FIFA president Gianni Infantino's press conference 15:34 - The panel talk Scotland 22:26 - Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith 28:27 - Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith 42:41 - Cesar Azpilicueta on Spain's chances and Thomas Tuchel 56:20 - Prediction time

Mark Chapman is joined by the Guardian's Jonathan Wilson to look back and reminisce on the magic of Mexico '86. The pair reflect on everything from the size of the goals, to Denmark's iconic kit and how Alex Ferguson led a Scotland side marred by tragedy. Scotland striker Graeme Sharp speaks both about the death of their manager Jock Stein, and how Scotland were drawn into the tournament's first 'Group of Death'. Jono Vernon-Powell, an England fan who witnessed Maradona's iconic 'Hand of God' in person, joins the pod to discuss that unforgettable match. Mark speaks to commentator Barry Davies about his commentary of Maradona's iconic 'Goal of the Century' too. And finally, Argentinian football writer Marcela Mora y Araujo joins the pod to discuss the Argentinian perspective of Maradona and their tournament win.Timecodes: 01:35 Mark & Jonathan reflect on goal sizes & shouting "Josimar!" on the school playground 08:14 Scotland's Group of Death & the loss of Jock Stein 22:02 Jono Vernon-Powell speaks about following England in Mexico 30:04 Barry Davies on Maradona & his iconic goals 39:30 Marcela Mora y Araujo on the Argentinian perspective of Mexico '86

The last time the World Cup was on North American soil in 1994, many football fans were sceptical. But it planted the seed of America’s soccer culture today, and it has lived long in the memory of two nations in particular. Rick Edwards is joined by Brazil fan Edson and two Ireland fans - Rodney and Phelim - who all travelled to the United States. They describe a sometimes underwhelming atmosphere gripped by the stifling heat, but punctuated with unforgettable moments for their teams.02:20 - Expectations of the US 1994 World Cup 05:00 - The lack of a ‘soccer culture’ 8:10 - Edson growing up watching Brazil 10:07 - Ireland coming up against Roberto Baggio’s Italy 16:35 - The excruciating heat 18:40 - John Aldridge’s famous outburst 20:40 - Why things ended in disappointment for the Irish 22:50 - An unconventional Brazil team 25:20 - Brazil vs Netherlands 27:10 - Phelim and Rodney causing chaos in Fort Lauderdale 29:15 - Brazil and Ireland welcomed home 32:30 - The significance of the 1994 World Cup for both nations

Russia 2018 was the World Cup that changed everything for England. In one summer alone, the mood changed, the pressure lifted, and arguably for the first time since Euro 1996, the fans fell in love with the England men’s national team once more. To look back on that time, Rick Edwards is joined by Ceylon, Seb and Dan, who were swept along by it – so much so, that two of them ended up in Moscow for that fateful semi-final. They share their stories and emotions from a truly special summer.01:46 - Pre-tournament expectations for the 2018 World Cup 06:30 - A new relationship with the England team 12:08 - England hitting Panama for six 15:20 - The Colombia game and England’s first shootout victory at a World Cup 17:55 - What Gareth Southgate got so right in those early years 22:36 - Seb and Dan’s journey to the semi-final 27:30 - How the semi-final vs Croatia unfolded 30:40 - The feeling after England’s defeat 33:53 - A new relationship with Englishness 39:40 - The legacy of this World Cup

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball answer listener questions ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. From preparing for foreign player pronunciations, to the matches they’re most looking forward to. And from logistical travel arrangements to their favourite national anthems. Messages, questions and voicenotes welcome throughout the tournament on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk00:30 John prepares for Mexico, 03:00 International commentary styles, 07:25 Preparing for player pronunciations, 16:40 First World Cup memories, 21:30 Is World Cup prep different? 30:45 Which matches are they most excited for? 34:00 Which cities are they most excited to visit? 36:55 Favourite national anthems & fanbases, 40:50 Thoughts on sharing commentaries, 42:40 Will the commentators be working in teams? 48:00 What does a rare summer off look like? 50:20 Will there be a World Cup TCV?5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Fri 2000 Spain v England in Women’s World Cup qualifying, Sat 2100 England v New Zealand in friendly, Tue 2000 England v Ukraine in Women’s World Cup qualifying, Thu 2000 Mexico v South Africa, Fri 0300 South Korea v Czech Republic, Fri 2000 Canada v Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Kelly Cates, Pat Nevin and Roddy Forsyth take a trip down memory lane to reflect on Scotland’s World Cup tournaments of the past and look at what it means to be a Scottish football fan, and the cultural significance of the tournament. Former players Willie Miller, Alan Rough and Kevin Gallacher join the pod to chat about their experiences at a World Cup, and we can’t talk about the finals without mentioning a World Cup song – and Scotland have had a fair few bangers over the years! So, Belle and Sebastian lead singer Stuart Murdoch pops by to tell the guys about writing this year’s World Cup song, and the inspiration behind that too – and Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie comes on to tell us about writing the song for Scotland’s 1998 tournament. Timecodes: 06:30 – Willie Miller. 21:52 – Alan Rough. 32:18 – Kevin Gallacher. 51:00 - Stuart Murdoch. 53:30 – Justin Currie.

Ian Dennis is joined by former England defender Stephen Warnock, as well as BBC Sport Senior Football Correspondent Sami Mokbel, as England land in Florida ahead of the World Cup.The team discuss the hot Florida conditions within England's camp at West Palm Beach, and how the heat might affect the squad. Then, we hear from players Ollie Watkins, Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo on everything from motivation, manifestation and how it feels to finally be in America ahead of the World Cup.Timecodes: 00:50 - Discussion about the hot Florida conditions & acclimatising to the weather 09:16 - Jordan Henderson on his England career & what he brings to the squad 19:42 - Ollie Watkins on missing out in March, getting called up & manifestation 26:32 - Kobbie Mainoo on his qualities & what he's learned through the season

Mark Chapman is joined by Conor Coady, Chris Sutton and, Adam Crafton as they react to Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint Germain. PSG won their second consecutive Champions League title after beating Arsenal on penalties. The panel dissect Arsenal’s setup throughout the game and, whether Arsenal need to change their approach. Why do people get so frustrated watching Arsenal? How will Gabriel missing the deciding penalty impact him? Does Luis Enrique’s PSG need to be in the conversation with the great teams such as Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.Is Andoni Iraola the right replacement for Arne Slot at Liverpool? Liverpool have opened talks with the former Bournemouth manager. The panel discuss how hard the step up to manage a ‘Big 6’ club is. Slot spent two seasons at Anfield winning a Premier League title in his first season, so where did it all go wrong for the Dutchman?And a number of rule changes have come in ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Our Football Issues Correspondent Dale Johnson joins the Monday Night Club to discuss them all.TIME CODES00:00 Intro 00:30 Chris Sutton and Columbo 02:34 The Champions League final 10:00 Could Arsenal have approached the game better? 12:30 Do Arsenal need more quality? 14:40 Should Arteta change his style of play? 17:30 Gabriel taking the deciding penalty 19:30 PSG retain the Champions League 23:40 Liverpool sack Arne Slot 28:00 Did Mo Salah have an impact on Slot’s departure? 30:00 Where it all went wrong for Slot 31:10 Will Andoni Iraola be the right replacement 39:40 The impact of character and personality at Liverpool 43:00 World Cup rule changes 52:00 New VAR checks

No World Cup has left us with more iconic images than Italia ‘90. For England fans, it remains the tournament that truly got away, encapsulated by Paul Gascoigne’s tears in the semi-final against West Germany.Rick Edwards is joined by Mark and Andy - two England fans who went to 1990 and never looked back, attending hundreds of England games ever since - and Neal, a Welshman who was swept up with the Tartan Army after arriving in Italy with no money and no plan. Together, they look back on the myths and the realities of the 1990 World Cup.TIMECODES 01:50 - The mythical quality of Italia ‘90 04:00 - Anticipation around England 08:50 - Why this was a unique World Cup on the ground for fans 15:22 - England’s terrible group stage 19:20 - England fans on Sardinia 21:40 - Taking on Belgium and Cameroon 27:10 - England’s famous night in Turin vs West Germany 31:10 - Andy’s journey to the World Cup final 34:02 - The enduring legacy of Italia 90 40:50 - What changed from USA ‘94

Matt Upson, Chris Sutton, John Murray and Julien Laurens join Steve Crossman to react to Arne Slot being sacked by Liverpool. The panel discusses whether the decision is harsh after Slot won the club's 20th Premier League title in his first season, before performances on the pitch declined the next season, before discussing how the passing of Diogo Jota impacted the season, and whether current PSG manager Luis Enrique could take over.

Steve Crossman is joined by Guillem Balague and Julien Laurens as the panel look ahead to PSG against Arsenal in the Champions League final. There's an in-depth analysis of both managers, Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta. Plus, a closer look at two Ecuador international team mates who could play against each other in the final. Enrique's former assistant Jesus Casas is a special guest.00:33 Steve Crossman sets the scene in Budapest 02:30 PSG are favourites according to Guillem Balague 05:07 Are Arsenal the biggest team not to have won Europe's top competition? 09:07 Which manager would you take out for dinner? 16:25 Guillem's lunch with Emery 24:35 Interview with Enrique's former assistant Jesus Casas 34:10 Mbappe and Zlatan 47:40 Hincapie and Pacho's former manager Miguel Angel Ramirez joins the show5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Saturday 1700 - PSG v Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League Final, Sunday 1500 - Brighton & Hove Albion v Man City in the Women’s FA Cup Final.

Hull City assistant Dean Holden joins Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff & Bromley boss Andy Woodman as they react to the EFL play-off finals. Plus hear from Steven Schumacher, Dave Challinor, Martin Paterson and Karl Robinson. Messages and voicenotes always welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369.01:15 How’s Bromley prep for League One going? 02:15 Hull City assistant Dean Holden joins the pod, 08:25 How Hull did it even with a transfer embargo, 10:35 Coming through Spygate & late change in opponent, 14:15 Working with ‘old-school’ Sergej Jakirović, 18:45 What does summer look like for Hull City? 21:15 Middlesbrough’s Wembley curse continues, 26:50 Bolton’s Steven Schumacher, 32:05 Stockport’s Dave Challinor, 34:40 Is it right for the play-off finals to have VAR? 37:30 Notts County’s Martin Paterson, 41:30 Salford’s Karl Robinson.5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Wed 2000 Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League Final, Sat 1700 PSG v Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League Final, Sun 1500 Brighton & Hove v Man City in the Women’s FA Cup Final.