The Athletic FC Podcast

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 Leventhal
With: Charlie Eccleshare and Tim Spiers
Featuring: Chris Branch, Matt Slater, David Ornstein, Laurie Whitwell
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Leventhal
With: Art de Roché and Tim Spiers
Featuring: Henry Bushnell & Jordan Campbell
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Jay Beale & Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Leventhal
With: Art de Roché and Cerys Jones
Featuring: Jack Lang, Henry Bushnell, Joshua Kloke
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Leventhal
With: Jay Harris and Cerys Jones
Featuring: Jack Lang and Felipe Cardenas
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Leventhal
With: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and Jay Harris
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.