The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal joins Raphael Honigstein and James Horncastle to reflect on day four of the World Cup, a day which saw Germany lose 2-1 to Japan after a disjointed performance but they took the headlines pre-match with their show of defiance against FIFA in the ongoing armband row.We discuss both the on and off field issues from that game, plus reflect on Spain's 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, Belgium's underwhelming win over an unlucky Canada, and we have an update from the England camp as David Ornstein brings us news on Harry Kane's ankle injury as well as updates on Kyle Walker and James Maddison.There's also a look at Brazil ahead of their tournament bow against Serbia later today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day three of the World Cup started with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina 2-1, and ended with the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United, the Glazers have put Man Utd up for sale, oh and England captain Harry Kane is having a scan on his ankle ahead of Friday's game vs USA.Here to reflect on all of that is the Athletic's Adam Leventhal, who is joined by Matt Slater following his trip to the Saudi/Qatar border to look at that shock result amid the backdrop of Messi's commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia, plus Matt gives us his expert view on how things will play out at Man Utd now the Glazers have effectively announced they want to sell.We also hear from David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Laura Williamson on Cristiano Ronaldo's second tenure at Old Trafford finally coming to an end and what it means not just for his world cup but for the rest of his career.Plus we get the latest on the Harry Kane injury situation from our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Day 3 of the World Cup dawns, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to reflect on England's 6-2 win over Iran...They discuss Saka's joy, Kane's influence, why no one's talking about Maguire or Sterling's club form this morning, as well as, which former German international Jude Bellingham reminds Jack of.Plus, Producer Abi spoke to Iranian fan Sahir, about why she is protesting at the World Cup and USMNT writer Paul Tenorio checks in after the 1-1 draw with Wales.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Laurie Whitwell on day two of the World Cup to discuss England's World Cup opener against Iran...The panel reflect on Qatar's opening day defeat, empty seats in the stadium, choreographed support and relations between Qatar and former hosts Russia.Plus, whether England and other nations should risk punishment for their 'OneLove' armbands in support of LGBT rights, comedian Omid Djalili's message to Rashford and co, as well as, American excitement levels ahead their Group B clash with Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for the first of our daily World Cup podcasts throughout the tournament as Adam Leventhal brings you the latest news, views and reaction from Qatar.Ahead of the start of the tournament, Matt Slater reacts to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's speech on the eve of the tournament, before Simon Hughes shares his thoughts having returned from an eight-day trip to Nepal to hear from the migrant families and their families who have prepared Qatar for hosting the World Cup.Plus David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell are at Portugal training with the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke checks in from England's training base in Al-Wakrah.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's dedicated England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to look ahead to how England could get on out in Qatar, as well as USMNT writer Paul Tenorio.The panel look at England's standing and form under Gareth Southgate having led the Three Lions to the semi-final in Russia in 2018 prior to reach the Euro 2020 Final last year at Wembley.Plus, in a group containing USA, Iran and Wales how far are England expected to progress and what does the potential road to glory look like?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, Rafa Honignstein & Adam Leventhal to debate whether managing at international level is an attractive proposition for the very best managers like Jurgen Klopp & Pep Guardiola? On the flip side are national teams managers in the conversation to be the head coach at elite clubs that expect Champions League glory? Plus we’ll hear Mauricio Pochettino’s thoughts on whether he’d take the England job.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Carl Anka, Andy Mitten and Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan to debate whether either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo can finally claim FIFA World Cup glory, in Qatar.The panel look back through the international careers of both Messi and Ronaldo debating and analysing their impact on their national sides' fortunes and the struggle for both to perform to their highest on the international scene.Who is better set for glory in Qatar is also discussed as well as whether or not World Cup victory for one over the other will finally settle the great debate over who is the greatest.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Editor-in-Chief Alex Kay-Jelski, Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and Investigations writer Matt Slater, to pause and reflect, just days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar...How Qatar retained the World Cup following the controversy surrounding their bid to host. The moral dilemmas of covering and even sending reporters to the tournament, how much Doha has changed in the intervening years and what visiting fans from all over the world can expect.Plus, how Gareth Southgate and the FA have navigated human rights issues in the lead up to the biggest festival of football in the world, Gianni Infantino's lamentable letter, Jurgen Klopp's aspersions on the media and if sportswashing is really at the heart of Qatar's World Cup project.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's interview where he criticised the club & his manager. Is this the end for him at Old Trafford?Greg O'Keefe then tells us the challenges Frank Lampard faces in turning round Everton who seem to be slipping into another crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.