The Athletic FC Podcast

England's World Cup started with an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia, with Harry Kane scoring twice.Emma Paton is joined by Liam Twomey and Liam Tharme to react to England's performance, especially as they burst into life in the second half, with England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke sharing his thoughts from Dallas.Nick Miller in Houston reports on Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing tournament opener as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.We also have our daily 'Do you know' quiz, Lee Kang-In is our latest Star of Soccer and Jacob Whitehead joins us to discuss Elye Wahi being arrested for alleged fixing offences on eve of tournament.Host: Emma PatonWith: Liam Twomey and Liam TharmeFeaturing: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Nick Miller and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton

The stars have arrived at the World Cup!After Kylian Mbappe became France's all time top scorer with a brace against Senegal, Lionel Messi did Lionel Messi things, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria to equal Miroslav Klose's record for World Cup goals.Join Emma Paton, Mark Critchley and Liam Twomey as they reflect on a day where the superstars truly arrived, as Erling Haaland also made his mark on his first World Cup appearance.We hear from Oli Kay who was at Kansas City Stadium to witness Messi's magic, twenty years on from his World Cup debut, while Adam Crafton was at MetLife Stadium to see the Mbappe show.Plus, James Horncastle reveals why AC Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim and Jack Pitt-Brooke reflects on England's press conference where Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane prepare to face Croatia.Host: Emma PatonWith: Mark Critchley & Liam TwomeyFeaturing: Adam Crafton, Oli Kay, James Horncastle, Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody

Day five of the World Cup saw all four matches end in draws, including Cape Verde's shock 0-0 stalemate against European champions Spain.Adam Leventhal is joined in-studio by Jay Harris and Mark Critchley with our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke providing the latest from the Three Lions camp in Kansas City, including dressing room dynamics and selection dilemmas for Thomas Tuchel.Pol Ballus reacts to the surprise Spain result and Laurie Whitwell is on hand to recap what happened on and off-pitch as Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand.Plus, Argentina's Nico Paz is our Star of Soccer as the reigning champions prepare to kick off their World Cup campaign against Algeria.Check out Nick Miller's piece on 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7363785/2026/06/15/vozinha-cape-verde-goalkeeper-spain/Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jay Harris and Mark CritchleyFeaturing: Pol Ballus, Laurie Whitwell and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton

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

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

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

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