The Athletic FC Podcast

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

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.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.Chris Branch and Matt Slater look back on Germany's win over Curacao and Yan Diomande starring in Ivory Coast's victory against Ecuador.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.Check out The Athletic's World Cup predictor here.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Charlie Eccleshare and Tim SpiersFeaturing: Chris Branch, Matt Slater, David Ornstein, Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

32 min

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

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.

40 min

Will the USMNT ever produce a global superstar?

The 2026 World Cup is underway!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.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.Plus, we hear from Joshua Kloke on Canada’s first game, in what he describes as ‘the biggest in Canadian soccer history'.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 Cerys JonesFeaturing: Jack Lang, Henry Bushnell, Joshua KlokeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

40 min

An Idiot's Guide to the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup starts here! Well, in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa.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.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!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: Jay Harris and Cerys JonesFeaturing: Jack Lang and Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

44 min

Will the World Cup rip-off pay off?

On the eve of the World Cup getting underway there are many outstanding off-field issues to discuss.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.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45 min

Who will actually win the World Cup?

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.So who are the contenders, and who could spring a surprise this summer?Plus, we ask former England goalkeeper Rob Green what it’s actually like to play at a World Cup.Host: Emma PatonGuests: Rob Green, Mark Critchley, Liam TwomeyExec Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45 min

David Ornstein's World Cup transfer watchlist

As the World Cup gets underway on Thursday, we're here to look ahead to which deals could happen this summer.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.There's the latest on Man City's pursuit of Elliot Anderson as well as Liverpool's interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande.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?Host: Emma PatonWith: Jay Harris, Mark Critchley and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

38 min

Emma Paton joins The Athletic FC Podcast for The World Cup

We're delighted to welcome Emma Paton to The Athletic FC Podcast team for the World Cup.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.Join us from Monday June 8th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 min

The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams

With the World Cup right around the corner, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast discuss the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.Plus, how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36 min

The 10 greatest World Cup moments

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.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.Host: Duncan AlexanderGuests: Jack Lang, Oli Kay, Will Jeanes, Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

83 min

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

With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, four of our writers were tasked with creating an all-time World Cup draft. From your Yashin’s to your Mbappe’s, we’ll attempt to build the ultimate XI spanning all 32 editions of the competition.Host: Duncan AlexanderGuests: Oli Kay, Jack Lang, Carl Anka, Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

63 min

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

After a “painful” defeat in the Champions League final.What do Arsenal need to do to close the gap on PSG next season?And what next for Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot?Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Tom Williams & Art de Roché, James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

47 min

The Preview: Champions League Final

Arsenal and PSG face off in Budapest in the 2026 Champions League final.Can Arsenal capture their first ever Champions League trophy, or will PSG win - as Tom Williams calls it - 'le back to back'. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tom Williams & Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

46 min

How do Palace build on Glasner's legacy?

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.

35 min

Where next for Iraola?

After ending the season 18 games unbeaten, Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth with Europa League football to come.But without a job lined up, has he left the Cherries too soon?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jon Mackenzie & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick ThomsonVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36 min

Will Champions League save Slot at Liverpool?

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.

38 min

How much will relegation cost West Ham?

West Ham have been relegated from the Premier League just three years after winning the Europa Conference League.But just how costly will the drop be for the Hammers?Meanwhile, Spurs survived on the final day, so how do they avoid another worrying season next time around?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Roshane Thomas, Matt Slater and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

40 min

The Athletic's 2025/26 season awards

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.

61 min

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

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.And elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup has been announced. Who has been left off the plane?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Jay Harris & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

59 min

How Spygate cost Southampton Premier League football

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship Play-Off Final after being caught spying on opponents.They’ll also start next season with a points deduction.So, how has Spygate cost Saints a place in the Premier League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

32 min

The Athletic FC Podcast

Episodes

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

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