The Athletic FC Podcast

The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams

<p>With the World Cup right around the corner, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast discuss the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.</p><br><p>Plus, how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad.</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill &amp; Liam Tharme</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The 10 greatest World Cup moments

<p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Host: Duncan Alexander</p><p>Guests: Jack Lang, Oli Kay, Will Jeanes, Felipe Cardenas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

World Cup Draft: Picking our Best XIs ever... with a twist

<p>With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, four of our writers were tasked with creating an all-time World Cup draft. </p><br><p>From your Yashin’s to your Mbappe’s, we’ll attempt to build the ultimate XI spanning all 32 editions of the competition.</p><br><p>Host: Duncan Alexander</p><p>Guests: Oli Kay, Jack Lang, Carl Anka, Felipe Cardenas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; Liam Warburton</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What next for Arsenal? & Is Iraola better than Slot?

<p>After a “painful” defeat in the Champions League final.</p><br><p>What do Arsenal need to do to close the gap on PSG next season?</p><br><p>And what next for Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Tom Williams &amp; Art de Roché, James Pearce</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: Champions League Final

<p>Arsenal and PSG face off in Budapest in the 2026 Champions League final.</p><br><p>Can Arsenal capture their first ever Champions League trophy, or will PSG win - as Tom Williams calls it - 'le back to back'. </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Tom Williams &amp; Adrian Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke &amp; John Rogers</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How do Palace build on Glasner's legacy?

<p>A year after winning the FA Cup - Crystal Palace have yet more silverware!</p><br><p>Oliver Glasner’s parting gift was to deliver the Conference League.</p><br><p>So, what comes next for Palace?</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Matt Woosnam and Dom Fifield</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producer: Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Where next for Iraola?

<p>After ending the season 18 games unbeaten, Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth with Europa League football to come.</p><br><p>But without a job lined up, has he left the Cherries too soon?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Jon Mackenzie &amp; Jack Pitt-Brooke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p>Videographer: Grayson Moody</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Will Champions League save Slot at Liverpool?

<p>Liverpool will play Champions League football next season</p><br><p>Despite finishing closer in points to the relegation zone - than champions Arsenal!</p><br><p>So, is that enough for Arne Slot to keep his job at Anfield?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: James Pearce and James Horncastle</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p>Videographer: Grayson Moody</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How much will relegation cost West Ham?

<p>West Ham have been relegated from the Premier League just three years after winning the Europa Conference League.</p><br><p>But just how costly will the drop be for the Hammers?</p><br><p>Meanwhile, Spurs survived on the final day, so how do they avoid another worrying season next time around?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Roshane Thomas, Matt Slater and Jack Pitt-Brooke</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producer: Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Athletic's 2025/26 season awards

<p>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.</p><br><p>The Athletic's Data &amp; Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa &amp; Football Writer Tim Spiers join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Tim Spiers</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale</p><p>Videographer: Rachael Tinde&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Spurs or West Ham's relegation fate + England squad reaction

<p>Who will beat the drop - Spurs or West Ham? Spurs need a draw against Everton to confirm safety, while West Ham must beat Leeds at the London Stadium.</p><br><p>And elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup has been announced. Who has been left off the plane?</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Jay Harris &amp; Carl Anka</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How Spygate cost Southampton Premier League football

<p>Southampton have been expelled from the Championship Play-Off Final after being caught spying on opponents.</p><br><p>They’ll also start next season with a points deduction.</p><br><p>So, how has Spygate cost Saints a place in the Premier League?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Matt Slater</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How Arteta's Arsenal finally became champions

<p>After 22 years, Arsenal have finally won the Premier League title.</p><br><p>So how did Mikel Arteta transform the Gunners from pretenders to champions?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein, Adrian Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ornstein latest: Guardiola leaving, is Maresca the answer?

<p>Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City this summer.</p><br><p>And with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca the man expected to replace him.</p><br><p>How on earth do you follow Pep?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Sam Lee, Liam Twomey</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How does Xabi Alonso fix Chelsea?

<p>Xabi Alonso has been announced as Chelsea’s next manager.&nbsp;</p><br><p>As their campaign peters out, is he the man to reignite them next season?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Liam Twomey &amp; James Horncastle</p><p>Featuring: James Pearce</p><p>Executive Producers: Guy Clarke &amp; Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: Chelsea vs Man City

<p>It's FA Cup Final weekend. Can City avoid a third consecutive FA Cup Final defeat? Could this be Pep's final trip to Wembley? Can Chelsea end the season with silverware?</p><br><p>Plus we preview the penultimate weekend in the Premier League.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Mark Critchley &amp; Cerys Jones</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are FIFA exploiting World Cup fans?

<p>The World Cup is just four weeks away!</p><br><p>From tickets to hotels, broadcast agreements to squads - there’s a lot still to sort out.</p><br><p>But are FIFA exploiting fans?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Henry Bushnell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ornstein latest: Chelsea want Alonso & Carrick done deal?

<p>Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as head coach.</p><br><p>So could he bring calm to the chaos at Stamford Bridge?</p><br><p>David Ornstein is joined by Cerys Jones to discuss whether Alonso would be a success at Chelsea.</p><br><p>Plus, The Athletic’s Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell drops in to bring us his story that Michael Carrick is line to take the United job on a permanent basis.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein, Cerys Jones, Laurie Whitwell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why do Spurs keep hitting the self-destruct button?

<p>The relegation race looks set to go to the wire after Tottenham’s draw against Leeds.</p><br><p>So have West Ham been given a lifeline?</p><br><p>And why do Spurs keep pressing the self-destruct button?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan Kilpatrick</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><p>Videographer: Liam Warburton</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How Real Madrid descended into violence and chaos

<p>After a week of chaos at Real Madrid, involving in-fighting, things got even worse.</p><br><p>Defeat at the Camp Nou meant Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions, again.&nbsp;</p><br><p>So, how has Real Madrid’s season fallen apart?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero, Pol Ballus</p><p>Executive Producers: Guy Clarke &amp; Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: West Ham vs Arsenal

<p>A big game in the title and relegation fight as 1st faces 18th - could this game crown Arsenal and relegate West Ham?</p><br><p>And Spurs could take a big step towards safety if they can get a third win in a row, this time against Leeds.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Carl Anka &amp; Jay Harris</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou &amp; John Rogers</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Luis Enrique is PSG's biggest star

<p>Paris Saint-Germain are through to a second successive Champions League final.</p><br><p>Luis Enrique will be aiming to win his third European Cup as a manager. </p><br><p>So, is he PSG’s biggest star?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Tom Williams</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are Arsenal finally embracing the pressure?

<p>Arsenal are into their first Champions League final in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid.</p><br><p>Mikel Arteta’s side are on the brink of a historic double.</p><br><p>So can they get it over the line?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: James Horncastle, Art de Roche</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Have Man City blown the title?

<p>It’s advantage Arsenal in the title race after Man City’s slip-up at Everton.</p><br><p>The Gunners are five points clear with three to play</p><br><p>So… have City thrown it all away?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Jack Pitt Brooke, Jay Harris, Sam Lee</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How will Man United cope in the Champions League?

<p>Manchester United have confirmed their place in next season's Champions League.</p><br><p>So, what do the club need to handle being back amongst Europe’s elite?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton &amp; Laurie Whitwell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The World Cup and War

<p>This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less than 40 days. Co-hosts USA remain at war with Iran, with fellow Middle East participants and historic allies drawn into the conflict - and FIFA caught in the middle. Travel bans, political protests and fears over ICE guarantee a turbulent countdown.</p><br><p>This special episode of The Athletic FC hears from players, coaches, fans, regional experts and human rights advocates on the geopolitical backdrop to World Cup 2026.</p><br><p>Presenter: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Producer: Paul Iliffe</p><p>Audio from: AP, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, FIFA, England Records, beIN, C-SPAN</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Keith Andrews Interview: Set-piece coach to Premier League manager of the year?

<p>Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.</p><br><p>On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, we’ll be bringing you an interview with head coach Keith Andrews, discussing his transition from set-piece coach to Premier League manager and the journey that led him to this point.</p><br><p>The interview took place in Gunnersbury Park where Brentford's Community Sports Trust were putting on an event, in conjunction with new front of shirt sponsor Indeed, at their Clubhouse Cafe a social impact and community-led space that opened in September 2025.</p><br><p>Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay &amp; Caoimhe O'Neill to reflect on the occasion, and discuss the incredible work Brentford FC do in the local community.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Oli Kay &amp; Caoimhe O’Neill&nbsp;</p><p>Featuring: Keith Andrews &amp; Caoimhin Kelleher</p><p>Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: Man United vs Liverpool

<p>Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool.</p><br><p>Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs Tottenham - a big fixture at both ends of the table.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Stu James &amp; Oli Kay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou &amp; John Rogers</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are Newcastle's Saudi owners losing interest?

<p>Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park.</p><br><p>With the ownership in town for talks - could they lose interest in Newcastle?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Chris Waugh and Matt Slater</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mourinho & Madrid: Why? What? How?

<p>Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu.</p><br><p>So is the Special One <strong><em>really </em></strong> the man to save Real Madrid?</p><br><p>Plus, the panel react to Tuesday night's remarkable Champions League semi-final first leg, as PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-Bloor</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><p>Videographer: Liam Warburton</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>