The Athletic FC Podcast

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Qatar has hosted the 'best group stage ever' at a World Cup. But what about all of the issues off the field of play casting a large, looming shadow over the tournament?Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and writers Adam Crafton and Matt Slater to dissect all.We hear the tragic story of how a Filipino migrant worker died during the group stage at Saudi Arabia’s training resort in Qatar.The panel also discuss the 'Disney-fication' of the World Cup, LGBTQ+ issues, sportswashing and much, much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Abi Paterson is in Doha, Qatar at the World Cup and has a few burning questions regarding a player who many consider as the greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi.The forward has captained his Argentina side to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, which is widely thought to be his last ever World Cup tournament at 35 years of age.With questions ranging from; is Lionel Messi the greatest? To is he better than fellow Argentine Diego Maradona, or his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo? And has his ambassadorial role with Saudi Arabia effected him?Abi is joined by a host of guests including James Horncastle, Adam Crafton, Felipe Cardenas, Sam Lee, Michael Cox, and a number of other journalists and fans in Qatar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by James Horncastle, Raphael Honigstein & Jack Pitt-Brooke to debate and analyse the values and importance of a no.9 in international football.With the likes of Olivier Giroud, Richarlison and Harry Kane all playing prominent roles in their nations' hopes of winning the World Cup, yet playing the centre forward role in a differing way: what exactly are the hallmarks of a successful no.9?The role of a false nine, target man and wide forward converted into a striker are all evaluated as well as the evolution of the centre forward through football history along with the role academies have played in the 'decline' of no.9 production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Jude Bellingham played the starring role in England's 3-0 last 16 win over Senegal join Adam Leventhal from the Al Bayt Stadium for all the reaction.Michael Cox gives his tactical breakdown on how the 19-year-old dominated on the biggest stage, David Ornstein catches up with Declan Rice and discusses his midfield partner.Plus there's reaction from England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke on Harry Kane scoring his first goal of the tournament and Oli Kay on England's next opponents France - and Charlotte Harpur reflects with Abi Paterson on a day spent with the Senegal fans and their drums! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's England writers Oli Kay and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss England manager Gareth Southgate's starting XI to face Senegal...US soccer correspondent Sam Stejskal reflects on the many positives that USMNT can take from this World Cup and James Horncastle purrs over yet another milestone and masterclass from Leo Messi.Plus, an insight into the mindset of England's opponents from Senegalese journalist Mahmoud Gueye. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Athletic writers Jay Harris and Paul Tenorio to discuss the drama on the final day of the group stages and also look ahead to the USA’s huge knockout clash against Netherlands. South Korea scored a late, late goal to beat Portugal and seal their place in the Round of 16 ahead of Uruguay, leaving Luis Suarez in tears.In the other group, Switzerland edged a five-goal thriller against Serbia to progress, while Brazil topped Group G, despite their 1-0 loss to Cameroon.We also hear from Michael Cox, who gives his thoughts on South Korea’s win, and Cameroonian journalist Francis Ajumane discusses Cameroon becoming the first African team to beat Brazil in a World Cup match. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Michael Cox following another dramatic night in Qatar with two European heavyweights in Germany and Belgium exiting the World Cup.There's reaction from Japan's dramatic win over Spain which eliminated Germany and also sent Japan through as Group E winners. Raphael Honigstein gives immediate reaction to Germany heading home, while Jack Pitt-Brooke revels in Japan's joy.With Belgium also out coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the end of his time in charge with the panel assessing where and what next for the Spaniard before Carl Anka looks ahead to Uruguay v Ghana on Day 13 with a look back to their quarter-final meeting in 2010. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal, James Horncastle and Adam Crafton react to Argentina's 2-0 win over Poland on Wednesday night that saw both teams make it through to the last 16, but it wasn't without its drama as Messi had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny and Poland came perilously close to exiting the tournament on yellow cards.If this World Cup isn't enough for you, we cast ahead to 2026 as Adam Crafton brings us news that FIFA are considering the possibility of having penalty shoot-outs pre-match in the group stages as a way of guarding against possible collusion in the expanded 48-team tournamentWe also hear from the Athletic's Jay Harris who witnessed Australia's triumph over a disappointing Denmark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That’s a wrap for Groups A and B. England sailed past Wales with a resounding 3-0 win, courtesy of a remarkable Marcus Rashford brace and goal from Phil Foden. Gareth Southgate’s side will face Group A runners-up Senegal in the last-16.USA qualify in second place in Group B after their 1-0 win over Iran, and they will go up against Group A winners, the Netherlands. That match was largely overshadowed by the political tension surrounding Iran.Joining Adam Leventhal to bring us the stories of anti-Iranian government protests and how female Iran fans fear they are being spied on whilst attending games are Athletic writers Adam Crafton and Charlotte Harpur, while Jack Pitt-Brooke and Alex Abnos dissect the football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the finale of Group B, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Matt Slater on Day 10 of the Qatar World Cup.Matt reflects on attending all four games on the final day of four separate kick-off times before Michael Cox and Dermot Corrigan reflect on Andre Onana being suspended from the Cameroon squad by coach Rigobert Song.James Horncastle reacts to Brazil's 1-0 win over Switzerland while Laura Williamson and Felipe Cardenas watched Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice - despite Cristiano Ronaldo's best attempts to claim one.Meanwhile, ahead of England v Wales David Ornstein has the latest on the England team news before Sam Stejskal reflects on a heated press conference prior to USA v Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.