The Athletic FC Podcast

Ornstein latest: Real Madrid sign Cucurella + Diomande lights up World Cup

<p>Day four of the World Cup saw no fewer than 19 goals, while away from the tournament Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.</p><br><p>Adam Leventhal is joined in-studio by Charlie Eccleshare and Tim Spiers with David Ornstein dropping by to discuss Real Madrid's deal to sign Cucurella, how Jose Mourinho is looking to rebuild at the Bernanbeu and how the deal impacts Chelsea.</p><br><p>Chris Branch and Matt Slater look back on Germany's win over Curacao and Yan Diomande starring in Ivory Coast's victory against Ecuador.</p><br><p>Plus, Laurie Whitwell reports from Iran's preparations to face New Zealand in Los Angeles and there's focus on today's Star of Soccer Fede Valverde.</p><br><p>Check out The Athletic's World Cup predictor <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/fifa-mens-world-cup-2026-tracker/group-knockout-team-by-team-forecast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Charlie Eccleshare and Tim Spiers</p><p>Featuring: Chris Branch, Matt Slater, David Ornstein, Laurie Whitwell</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and 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>

USA's statement win + can Brazil lift a sixth World Cup?

<p>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.</p><br><p>Plus, we hear from Henry Bushnell who was at Los Angeles Stadium &amp; Jordan Campbell drops by to preview Scotland's opener against Haiti.</p><br><p>Access to all of The Athletic's World Cup coverage is free via our app during the duration of the World Cup!</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Art de Roché and Tim Spiers</p><p>Featuring: Henry Bushnell &amp; Jordan Campbell</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</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>

Will the USMNT ever produce a global superstar?

<p>The 2026 World Cup is underway!</p><br><p>Join Adam Leventhal, Art de Roché and Cerys Jones as they reflect on an eventful opening day before asking why the USA have never produced a truly global superstar.</p><br><p>Jack Lang was at Estadio Azteca and recounts Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa that saw him showered in beer, while Henry Bushnell looks ahead to the USMNT’s opener against Paraguay.</p><br><p>Plus, we hear from Joshua Kloke on Canada’s first game, in what he describes as ‘the biggest in Canadian soccer history'.</p><br><p>Access to all of The Athletic's World Cup coverage is free via our app during the duration of the World Cup!</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Art de Roché and Cerys Jones</p><p>Featuring: Jack Lang, Henry Bushnell, Joshua Kloke</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and 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>

An Idiot's Guide to the 2026 World Cup

<p>The 2026 World Cup starts here! Well, in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa.</p><br><p>Join Adam Leventhal, Jay Harris and Cerys Jones as they give you the lowdown on everything you need to know ahead of the tournament getting underway.</p><br><p>Jack Lang reflects on Gianni Infantino's press conference on the eve of the tournament, while Felipe Cardenas gives us the lowdown on what to expect from Mexico, before we analyse their bright-young hope, Gilberto Mora as part of The Athletic's Stars of Soccer!</p><br><p>Access to all of The Athletic's World Cup coverage is free via our app during the duration of the World Cup!</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Jay Harris and Cerys Jones</p><p>Featuring: Jack Lang and Felipe Cardenas</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and 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 the World Cup rip-off pay off?

<p>On the eve of the World Cup getting underway there are many outstanding off-field issues to discuss.</p><br><p>Ahead of the tournament Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Jay Harris to explore issues such as visas, ticketing and what success represents to each of the host nations.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and Jay Harris</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and 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>

Who will actually win the World Cup?

<p>Today we're continuing our build up to The World Cup. as we assess the favourites to win the tournament - and even make some predictions too.</p><br><p>So who are the contenders, and who could spring a surprise this summer?</p><br><p>Plus, we ask former England goalkeeper Rob Green what it’s actually like to play at a World Cup.</p><br><p>Host: Emma Paton</p><p>Guests: Rob Green, Mark Critchley, Liam Twomey</p><p>Exec Producer: Guy Clarke</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>

David Ornstein's World Cup transfer watchlist

<p>As the World Cup gets underway on Thursday, we're here to look ahead to which deals could happen this summer.</p><br><p>David Ornstein joins The Athletic FC's new signing Emma Paton as well as Jay Harris and Mark Critchley to discuss a number of the big deals that could be completed.</p><br><p>There's the latest on Man City's pursuit of Elliot Anderson as well as Liverpool's interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande.</p><br><p>Plus, who are the players to watch out for at the World Cup this summer - and which are the best World Cup signings of years gone by?</p><br><p>Host: Emma Paton</p><p>With: Jay Harris, Mark Critchley and David Ornstein</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and 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>

Emma Paton joins The Athletic FC Podcast for The World Cup

<p>We're delighted to welcome Emma Paton to The Athletic FC Podcast team for the World Cup.</p><br><p>Emma is a renowned presenter and broadcaster in the UK having worked as a presenter at Sky Sports since 2019 and will join the rest of the team, including Adam Leventhal, David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, James Horncastle and many more from the biggest sports newsroom ever assembled.</p><br><p>Join us from Monday June 8th!</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'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>