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The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic FC Podcast

By: The Athletic
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The Athletic's flagship football podcast - hosted by Adam Leventhal and Emma Paton - will be with you six days a week during the World Cup, bringing unrivalled analysis and colour from every single host city. Featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and James Horncastle, the show will takes audience inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic
Daily
Episodes
  • Argentina are inevitable + Ornstein on Man United transfers
    Jul 8 2026

    Argentina are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after an incredible comeback win against Egypt.


    Emma Paton is in the studio alongside The Athletic’s Mark Critchley and Liam Twomey to discuss how Lionel Scaloni’s side are able to look unconvincing, yet still win. James Horncastle drops in from Atlanta for this one.


    With Switzerland also through after beating Colombia on penalties, the panel look ahead to the quarter-finals with all eight teams now in the draw.


    And David Ornstein brings us the latest in the transfer market, from Manchester United’s midfield search, to Arsenal’s inactivity and Newcastle’s potential incomings.


    Host: Emma Paton

    With: Liam Twomey and Mark Critchley

    Featuring: James Horncastle and David Ornstein

    Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Guy Clarke

    Producers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    43 mins
  • Was the USA's World Cup a success or failure?
    Jul 7 2026

    The USMNT are out of the World Cup after defeat to Belgium.


    While the Folarin Balogun situation dominated the build-up, the headlines centre around the USA’s elimination, after falling to a 4-1 defeat in the Round of 16.


    Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s Jay Harris and Mark Critchley in the studio to dissect the match, with Henry Bushnell dropping by for immediate reaction from Seattle.


    Elsewhere, Reuben Pinder witnessed Spain beating Portugal 1-0 - with Cristiano Ronaldo the story once again.


    Plus, Paul Taylor brings us the latest on Nottingham Forest’s move for former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.


    Host: Emma Paton

    With: Jay Harris and Mark Critchley

    Featuring: Henry Bushnell, Reuben Pinder and Paul Taylor

    Executive Producer: Guy Clarke

    Producers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    42 mins
  • England’s Azteca heroics + inside Trump’s Balogun call
    Jul 6 2026

    England are through the quarter-final of the World Cup, following an instant classic in the Azteca against Mexico.


    Emma Paton is joined by Art De Roche and Cerys Jones to pick the bones out of England's 3-2 win over Mexico, with Jack Pitt-Brooke providing his take from Mexico City.


    Matt Slater also drops by from Times Square, reacting to Norway's 2-1 win over Brazil, to set-up Saturday's semi-final in Miami with England.


    While there was plenty of drama on the pitch, Dan Sheldon and Adam Crafton join to explain their the news they exclusively broke that USA's Folarin Balogun is now available for their round of 16 clash with Belgium, with it later emerging US President Donald Trump made a phone call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of Balogun's one-game ban being suspended.


    Host: Emma Paton

    With: Art De Roche and Cerys Jones

    Executive Producer: Guy Clarke

    Producers: Jay Beale and Liam Warburton

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    39 mins
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