Share
Full Time: A show about women's soccer
The impossible choice for Iran’s women’s national team: Defect or return to a war zone
•
When five players made their decision to defect in the 24 hours following Iran’s final match of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, a 2-0 loss to the Philippines, they faced a near-impossible choice. Return to a war zone or leave everything behind and stay in Australia. If they remained in Australia, they had to consider the risks faced by their family back home.
On this episode of the Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Jacob Whitehead to discuss his extensive reporting on the journey of Iran women’s national team at the Asian Cup. The Athletic has spoken to over two dozen sources with knowledge of the team’s experience at the Asian Cup, including people close to the women who defected. In the end, seven members of Iran’s group defected, but five changed their minds and returned home, with two remaining in Brisbane, Australia.
PLUS: The latest on this year’s Asian Cup ahead of Saturday’s final in Sydney, Australia, and the six teams who have qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
_______________
HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Jacob Whitehead
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
The Iran women footballers faced with an impossible choice: Defect or return to a war zone
Iran football team returns home after week-long journey, two players remain in Australia
Five Iran Women soccer players defect with help of police following Asian Cup in Australia
FIFA, Australian government hold urgent talks over Iran women’s team’s future after Asian Cup exit
_______________
Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
More episodes
View all episodes
Women's Soccer's guide to the men's World Cup
37:15|On this episode of Full Time Review, The Athletic’s Meg Linehan sits down with Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing for the NWSL, Andrew LeRay, to discuss the NWSL’s plan to engage fans during the men’s World Cup. The two talk about the league’s bus tour, the upcoming Challenge Cup and bringing in new fans. Then, host Jillian Sakovits and Meg talk about how women’s soccer fans can engage with the tournament._______________HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Meg LinehanGUEST: Andrew LeRayThis podcast was produced by The Athletic._______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Gotham’s $35 million dollar training facility with Yael Averbuch West
26:12|On this episode of Full Time Focus, The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei sits down with Gotham FC head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West for a conversation about Gotham’s new training facility. They discuss the details about the training center and how it will help further the ambitions of the club. Then host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan to continue the discussion. _______________HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Meg Linehan GUEST: Yael Averbuch WestThis podcast was produced by The Athletic._______________Referenced on the show:Gotham FC to construct $35 million training facility, a first for the club: ‘This is absolutely huge’_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
U.S. women fight back in Brazil
37:03|The second United States-Brazil match had it all: eight red cards, an own goal and the Americans’ first victory in Brazil since 1997.Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan to break down the play on the field and the misconduct, including the ejection of Brazil manager Arthur Elias. Then, Meg and Jill look back at the history of the rivalry and look ahead to what it might mean for a potential U.S.-Brazil clash at the 2027 World Cup – and whether legend Marta might actually say goodbye on home turf._______________HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Meg LinehanThis podcast was produced by The Athletic.______________Referenced on the show:Red-card clash the latest in a fierce USWNT-Brazil rivalry: ‘A team that broke our hearts’Brazil outraged after red cards in USWNT defeat: ‘The players were disrespected’Brazil shown 8 red cards in physical 1-0 loss to USWNT______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Grades for the U.S. women's performance after loss to Brazil
35:27|On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan to give the USWNT some grades on their performance in their 2-1 loss to Brazil and look forward to Tuesday’s game. Later, Jillian is joined by USWNT and San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley. The duo discuss Wesley’s trip so far, coming up against her Brazilian club teammates and the Wave’s rise to the top of the NWSL table._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Meg Linehan, Kennedy WesleyThis podcast was produced by The Athletic.
Manifesting with U.S. midfielder Croix Bethune
23:25|On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with USWNT and Kansas City Current midfielder Croix Bethune for a one-on-one interview. The duo chats about the 25-year-old’s career-shaping move away from Washington Spirit, the U.S. women's national team's trip to Brazil one year before the World Cup and her three manifestations for 2026. Plus, hear Croix's thoughts on Current head coach Chris Armas, what it's like to have Triple Espresso back with the national team and the brook she brought with her to Brazil._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Croix BethuneThis podcast was produced by The Athletic._______________Referenced on the show:Mallory Swanson returns to USWNT as ‘Triple Espresso’ reunites for Brazil friendliesTriple Espresso, to go: USWNT trio happy to be back together ahead of friendlies in BrazilNWSL championship returning to Washington, D.C., in 2026: Sources_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub hereNWSL at the break: What we're buying, selling & debating
50:00|Trinity Rodman is thriving, Sam Kerr is leaving Chelsea and possibly heading back to the NWSL — and Meg Linehan is back with a lot of questions. A third of the way through the 2026 season, Jillian and Tamerra are in the hot seat as Meg puts the league's biggest narratives to the buy or sell test. Are the Utah Royals for real? Will the Washington Spirit finally break their runners-up curse with the championship coming to DC? And can the salary cap keep up with a league growing faster than anyone expected? Buckle up._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Tamerra Griffin and Meg LinehanThis podcast was produced by The Athletic._______________Referenced on the show:NWSL championship returning to Washington, D.C., in 2026: SourcesNWSL predictions, trends and where things stands at the midseason break_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Is the U.S. ready for 2 top women's professional soccer leagues?
38:10|She said she was still here — and then she proved it. Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's dramatic contract saga ended with a record deal, a Wembley goal and a domestic double for Manchester City. Meanwhile across the Atlantic, Barbra Banda's stunning NWSL season hit a frightening pause. And in Lexington, Kentucky, a team that finished dead last a year ago lifted a championship trophy in front of a sellout crowd. Women's football never stops delivering._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Tamerra Griffin and Meg LinehanThis podcast was produced by The Athletic._______________Referenced on the show:Khadija Shaw will earn at least £1.6m per year at Manchester City: Why the deal is so significantChelsea confirm Katie McCabe signing from Arsenal on three-year dealThere is cynicism about the World Sevens — but this is why women’s football needs it_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
U.S. forward Madison Haley's journey from Dallas to Brighton
33:19|On this episode of Full Time Focus, The Athletic’s Megan Feringa sits down with Brighton forward Madison Haley for a conversation about her journey from Dallas, Texas to Brighton. They discuss Haley’s decision to play abroad instead of in the NWSL, her best-ever season with Brighton and the importance of Buc-ee’s._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Madison HaleyThis podcast was produced by The Athletic._______________Referenced on the show:Brighton reach Women’s FA Cup final and set ambitions high: ‘We want to be historic’_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub hereU.S. women's national team welcomes back Triple Espresso
39:21|On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin to break down the latest U.S women's national team roster headlined by the return of Triple Espresso: Mallory Swanson, Sophia Wilson and Trinity Rodman. The duo discusses notable omissions from the roster, including North Carolina's Ashley Sanchez, and looks forward to the team’s doubleheader against Brazil in June. Tamerra also gives her wild card pick to be selected for the 2027 World Cup roster. They also recap Club America’s win over the Washington Spirit in the Concacaf W Champions Cup._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Tamerra GriffinThis podcast was produced by The Athletic.______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here