The Athletic FC Podcast

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.

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.

It’s Day 24 and our focus is fully on England’s trip to the Azteca to take on Mexico.

Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Liam Tharme to recap the World Cup action as Argentina edged past Cape Verde to secure their place in the Round of 16 - James Horncastle drops in from Miami for that one.

In terms of England, there’s been plenty of drama in the build-up to this one. Kick-off is still 1AM UK time - despite a day of confusion. Matt Slater brings us all of the details on that situation, while Jack Lang has the lowdown on what Thomas Tuchel’s side will face in the Azteca.

And ahead of the Round of 16, we look ahead to Saturday’s matches - France vs Paraguay and Canada vs Morocco - as well as a quick preview of Sunday’s big one - Norway vs Brazil.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Cerys Jones and Liam Tharme
Featuring: James Horncastle, Matt Slater and Jack Lang
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United are set to receive £100m for midfielder Sandro Tonali, but where does that leave their aspirations?

Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Art De Roche to discuss the latest at the World Cup and in the transfer window.

David Ornstein reports on Tonali's imminent move to Spurs, before we look at the latest from the World Cup with Matt Slater recapping an enthralling 2-1 win for Portugal over Croatia.

The Athletic's Newcastle United writer also joins to discuss the impact of the sale of Tonali as well as interest in other key players including captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Plus, we have a look ahead to Day 23 at the World Cup with Lionel Messi looking to go clear of Kylian Mbappe in the golden boot race.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Cerys Jones and Art De Roche
Featuring: David Ornstein, Matt Slater and Chris Waugh
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England left it late but got the job done, thanks to Harry Kane.

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Liam Twomey after England's emotional come-from-behind win against DR Congo as our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke poses the question; is Kane England's greatest player ever?

Away from England's win, the USA and Belgium also progressed to face one another in the Round of 16. Henry Bushnell reports from the USMNT's win over Bosnia & Herzegovina including a controversial red card for Folarin Balogun, while Belgium had to come from 2-0 down to see off Senegal.

And ahead of the Day 22 action, Matt Slater joins us from Toronto ahead of Portugal taking on Croatia to discuss how the cities he's visited have connected with the tournament as well as what tournament preconceptions he had that he may have changed his opinion on.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Carl Anka and Liam Twomey
Featuring: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Henry Bushnell and Matt Slater
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.