The Away End with Daniel Alarcón and John Green
iHeartPodcasts
Two novelists, Daniel Alarcón and John Green, friends since they were teenagers, tackle questions big and small around the World Cup and international football more generally. The only soccer podcast that regularly name checks Toni Morrison, The Away End is about much more than sport: it's about politics, literature and culture, with an eye toward those moments and spaces where our collective love of soccer reveals something unexpected about who we are.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 28, 2026 • 51min
Episode 30: A Story of Belonging, the Legend of Barry Fuller, and Our Collective World Cup Journey
A mix of personal soccer stories about finding belonging in pickup games and an international call-up that earned a memorable nickname. A rousing tale of Barry Fuller’s relentless hustle and how small acts can spark big moments. Reflections on how football shapes storytelling, the unseen work of squad members, and listener letters that bring the World Cup season home.
10 snips
Jul 21, 2026 • 52min
Episode 29: La Furia Roja, the Game that Didn’t Matter and Surprising Innovations in Football
They celebrate Spain’s World Cup win and unpack a poor, hard-to-watch final. They revisit England’s surprising run and the entertaining third-place match. Tactical breakdowns of Spain’s midfield control and Messi’s influence come up. Mailbag conversations explore greatest goals, the meaning of Maradona, and emotional reactions to silver medals.
Jul 16, 2026 • 50min
Episode 28: Goals That End Dreams, Cape Verde and Whoever Wins the World Cup, Plus the Friends We Made Along the Way
They relive a dramatic England vs Argentina semifinal and the moments that decided it. They contrast Spain’s possession mastery with France’s failure to fire. They debate tactics like England’s late low block and praise creative playmakers. They preview the Spain vs Argentina final and close with listener letters and reflections on the tournament’s narratives.
Jul 14, 2026 • 38min
Episode 27: New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill Joins The Away End, Self-Celebration and the Everlasting Power of Lionel Messi
Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey governor and former Navy pilot and congresswoman, discusses preparing New Jersey to host World Cup matches. She covers transit planning, negotiating with FIFA, fan zones and economic benefits. She also talks about New Jersey’s soccer culture, why she attends matches, and her favorite World Cup moments.
Jul 9, 2026 • 49min
Episode 26: The Stars and Stripes, The Pharaohs and Los Cafeteros
They unpack the U.S. loss to Belgium and what went wrong under pressure. Daniel shares his first-hand reaction to Colombia’s penalty heartbreak in Bogota. Tributes to departing stars like Luis Díaz and Luka Modric mix with a look at Chris Richards’ rise. Quarterfinal previews spotlight France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium and Argentina. Listener mail and practical tips for following football beyond the tournament round out the chat.
Jul 7, 2026 • 58min
Episode 25: The Guts and Glory of Cape Verde, Those Who Must Tip the Scales and Other Revelations of Truth and Consequence
Janine de Novais, Cape Verdean correspondent and longtime friend of Daniel, breaks down Cape Verde's shock World Cup run and what it means for national pride. She describes the disciplined tactics, Lopez Cabral’s daring goal, and the role of the diaspora in shaping identity. Short takes follow on controversial officiating, defensive matches, and players the hosts will miss.
Jul 1, 2026 • 54min
Episode 24: We Were Wrong About Everything Part 2, USMNT Outlook and the Vozinha Rule
They break down surprising early upsets and why Europe looks less dominant this World Cup. They highlight Africa’s strong group-stage show and praise individual performances like Vozinha and Messi. They debate tournament favorites, confess bracket mistakes, preview the USMNT’s crucial match, and answer listener questions about keeper subs and quirky rule effects.
Jun 24, 2026 • 46min
Episode 23: Even When You’re Wrong, You Can Still Be Right, Americana Culture with an Achy Breaky Heart Vibe, and Unforgettable Moments
They debate Messi versus Ronaldo and what makes World Cup brilliance. They marvel at older goalkeepers, surprising bracket upsets, and teams that entertain despite flaws. They worry about South American form while celebrating African and North American breakthroughs. They also relish communal viewing moments and answer listener questions about sharing football with kids.
12 snips
Jun 17, 2026 • 48min
Episode 22: Pochettino's Redemption, Alarcón vs. Jordan and the First Days of the World Cup
A lively reunion fueled by World Cup fever and late-night watch parties. Tales from a Philly fan zone after Cape Verde’s shock draw and Nordic matchday scenes in Norway. Tactical talk on disciplined defending, Pochettino’s managerial impact, and Gio Reyna’s brilliance. Light-hearted debates on dives, player numbering traditions, and a fictional one-on-one showdown.
8 snips
Jun 10, 2026 • 44min
Episode 21: World Cup Brackets, Predictions, and an Enigmatic, Beautiful Man
A spirited debate over a notorious celebration and the personality behind it. Bracket bets and bold tournament predictions keep tension high. Picks for Golden Boot and standout young players spark lively disagreement. Tactical previews highlight must-watch early matches and intriguing country matchups. Listener letters spark conversations about rooting, politics, and how we watch together.
