The Athletic FC Podcast

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.We also round-up the Lionel Messi show as the Argentine inspired his nation to a 2-0 win over Austria, becoming the World Cup’s top goalscorer of all time in the process. Matt Slater checks in from a rain-delayed 3-0 win for France over Iraq, as Kylian Mbappe also netted twice. Plus, Erling Haaland was at it again with a brace in a 3-2 win over Senegal.There's also our daily 'do you know' trivia as well as a profile of our latest Star of Soccer, Croatia’s Martin BaturinaHost: Emma PatonWith: Mark Critchley and Tim SpiersFeaturing: Matt Slater and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Morocco.There's also our daily 'do you know' trivia as well as a profile of our latest Star of Soccer, Ecuador and Chelsea’s Kendry Paez.Host: Ian IrvingGuests: Liam Twomey & Liam TharmeFeaturing: Henry Bushnell, James Horncastle, Jordan CampbellExec Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike StavrouVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and Jacob Whitehead joins us to discuss Elye Wahi being arrested for alleged fixing offences on eve of tournament.Host: Emma PatonWith: Liam Twomey and Liam TharmeFeaturing: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Nick Miller and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Argentina's Nico Paz is our Star of Soccer as the reigning champions prepare to kick off their World Cup campaign against Algeria.Check out Nick Miller's piece on 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7363785/2026/06/15/vozinha-cape-verde-goalkeeper-spain/Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jay Harris and Mark CritchleyFeaturing: Pol Ballus, Laurie Whitwell and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 LeventhalWith: Art de Roché and Tim SpiersFeaturing: Henry Bushnell & Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale & Liam Warburton 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-AdamsWith: Matt Woosnam and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool will play Champions League football next seasonDespite 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 LeventhalWith: James Pearce and James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick ThomsonVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2025/26 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and Europe.The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Tim Spiers join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Tim SpiersExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay BealeVideographer: Rachael Tinde  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.