ESPN FC

Lindsey Horan, veteran USWNT midfielder and leader now with Denver, reflects on tournament grit and guiding younger players. Kenza Dali, creative attacking midfielder for San Diego Wave, talks role, tactical freedom, and club ambitions. Savvy King, Angel City defender and cardiac arrest survivor, shares her comeback, foundation work on AEDs/CPR, and goals returning to play.

The FC crew react to Barcelona's Copa del Rey semifinals comeback falling a goal short and praise Lamine Yamal for a brilliant effort. Plus, the guys recap Liverpool's 2-1 loss at Wolves and question why the Reds have been so poor this season after winning the title last year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just 100 days to go until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Mark, James and Rob explain what we know about Iran’s participation at the tournament amid the country’s ongoing conflict with the United States. Plus, Fernando Vila joins the show to discuss the situation in Mexico and how it will impact their ability to host the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexis Nunes, Herc Gomez, Jeff Carlisle, and Kasey Keller host a special World Cup Preview Show 100 days out from the tournament this summer. First, they discuss what success would look like for the USMNT at the tournament. Then, they discuss what kind of identity Mauricio Pochettino has instilled in this team and whether the team from 2022 has matured. Then, the crew talks about whether they can trust the spine of the team before moving on to pick the key factors that will make the difference. Finally, they run it back, pick their ideal starting XI for the upcoming friendly vs. Paraguay, and discuss the experience a World Cup hosted by the United States can deliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mario Melchiot, former pro defender turned pundit, offers sharp tactical perspective and player-side insight. He dissects Real Madrid’s cohesion problems without Mbappé and praises Getafe’s disciplined game plan. He also critiques Chelsea’s disciplinary struggles and questions Spurs’ direction under Tudor. Short, punchy takes on tactical responsibility, temperament, and club culture.

They debate whether Arsenal’s title push is built too heavily on set pieces and key saves. They celebrate Lamine Yamal’s first career hat trick and discuss minutes management. Kimmich’s late Der Klassiker winner and Mbappé’s injury update get attention. IFAB rule tweaks, VAR for corners, and club finances also spark debate.

Frank Leboeuf, former France defender with set-piece savvy, and Julien Laurens, Paris-based football journalist, dissect Arsenal’s two corner goals and defensive rehearsals. They debate whether the win reflected Arsenal’s character or Chelsea’s issues. Conversations also cover discipline problems, midfield fatigue concerns, and wider Premier League talking points like United’s comeback and Spurs’ slump.

Don Hutchison, former pro footballer and pundit, and Sid Lowe, Spain correspondent and Barcelona expert, discuss Lamine Yamal’s first senior hat trick and the scrutiny around his form. They debate Barcelona’s style, Pedri’s creative role, fitness and mental toughness. The show also covers big European results and dramatic late winners in high-profile matches.

Jan Aage Fjortoft, former pro and Norwegian pundit, and Julien Laurens, Paris-based journalist and tactical analyst, debate the Champions League draw. They argue Arsenal landed in a favorable half. They preview heavyweights like Man City vs Real, Chelsea vs PSG, Barca vs Newcastle, and build-up to a title-deciding Der Klassiker.

Andy Davies, former professional referee and VAR analyst, joins to unpack contentious Champions League calls. He explains why Lloyd Kelly’s red was given and how UEFA’s process shapes decisions. Conversation also covers studs-up challenges, Koulibaly’s second yellow and PSG’s shaky title defense. Short, sharp takes and lively debate on refereeing standards and big-match tension.