The Athletic FC: Daily Cup

Welcome to the Daily Cup as we officially enter the knockout stage of the World Cup! Today, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Hannah Vanbiber are joined by Adam Crafton to break down his exclusive report on the USMNT's contract extension offer to head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Tifo Football Podcast stops by to explain yellow card rules, and Jay Harris breaks down the knockout bracket. Finally, we explore the USMNT's puppy therapy sessions and how they are lowering stress in camp. Will the USMNT secure Poch for the future?

On today's show, we look back at the United States' final group stage match against Turkey and evaluate their readiness for the Round of 32. Manchester City insider Sam Lee joins us to preview the tournament's first true superstar heavyweight clash as Kylian Mbappe and France square off against Erling Haaland and Norway in a battle for Group I supremacy. Plus, The Athletic's Jay Harris is back in the studio to break down the latest bracketology, advancement percentages, and qualification permutations for Groups G, H, and I using The Athletic's World Cup Tracker.

Welcome to The Athletic FC: Daily Cup. Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down a decisive slate of six World Cup group stage matches. Senior soccer writer Paul Tenorio joins the show to unpack Mauricio Pochettino’s unexpected team selection puzzle ahead of the USMNT's final Group D match against Turkey. Plus, soccer writer Jay Harris enters the studio to analyze the tight qualification scenarios for Groups D, E, and F using The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker. We also examine Norway's viral "Viking Row" celebration and preview the highly anticipated Group I clash between superstar forwards Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down a massive six-match World Cup slate as group stages reach their climax. Soccer insider David Ornstein joins the show to discuss the escalating transfer market buzz surrounding USMNT star Folarin Balogun and Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall. Plus, the team highlights The Athletic's interactive World Cup Tracker with Jay Harris to map out the complicated qualification pathways for Group A, B, and C. Can the USMNT line up a favorable Round of 32 matchup? Senior Editor Hannah Vanbiber also dives into the debate surrounding Jeremy Doku’s departure for the birth of his child.

Join Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas on The Athletic FC: Daily Cup as they break down the latest 2026 World Cup action. Senior soccer writer Henry Bushnell joins the show to discuss Harvard-educated USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese, his unique path to becoming Mauricio Pochettino's No. 1, and his meticulous pre-game routine. Plus, Nick Miller dives into whether Cristiano Ronaldo has become a tactical and social media problem for Portugal after a frustrating opening draw against DR Congo. We also share a wholesome story about an England national team pool table purchased on Facebook Marketplace from a grandmother in Kansas. 

Join Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas on The Athletic FC: Daily Cup as they break down the 2026 World Cup action. Soccer insider Paul Tenorio joins the show to share an exclusive, one-on-one interview with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino following the USA's raucous 2-0 victory over Australia. Plus, James Horncastle does a deep dive into how Lionel Messi prepared for his spectacular tournament-opening hat-trick for Argentina, and senior sports media columnist Andrew Marchand critiques the broadcaster dynamic between FOX pundits Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexi Lalas. Can Pochettino lead the USMNT to a historic World Cup run?