The Athletic FC Podcast

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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