The Athletic FC Podcast

Adam Leventhal is live from New York City alongside The Athletic's editor in Laura Williamson and Football Correspondent David Ornstein to look ahead to two heavyweight World Cup semi finals.

James Horncastle drops by to explain what he thinks has been the secret to Argentina’s success at this World Cup ahead of facing England - one of football's most iconic rivalries.

Then Stuart James joins the show to preview the other heavyweight semi-final - how can Spain stop France from scoring?

We also check in on how our pre-tournament predictions are aging, answer your questions and test your knowledge with today's 'Do you know' World Cup trivia question.

Host: Adam Leventhal
Guests: David Ornstein, Laura Williamson
Featuring: James Horncastle, Stuart James
Exec Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy Clarke
Producers: Jay Beale
Videographer: Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are through to just their fourth-ever World Cup semi-final, after needing extra time to get past Norway in the last eight, thanks to another double from Jude Bellingham.

Ian Irving is joined by Carl Anka and Liam Twomey to look back on a dramatic evening of action, with Jack Pitt-Brooke reflecting the mood in Miami as England's mentality once again came to the fore.

As well as Bellingham's brilliance, Thomas Tuchel's substitutions are also examined before looking ahead to the last four showdown with Argentina. Adam Crafton was in Kansas to see Lionel Messi and co once again go to extra time, this time with Switzerland.

Plus there's a reflection on France and Spain having also reached the final four as well as our daily 'Do you know' trivia.

Host: Ian Irving
With: Carl Anka and Liam Twomey
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producer: Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Day 30 and France are into the semi-finals of the World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Morocco.

Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss the first quarter-final and the Golden Boot race, with Kylian Mbappe now level with Lionel Messi on eight goals for the tournament. Adam Crafton drops in from Boston for this one.

Man City correspondent Sam Lee also joins the panel to talk Erling Haaland, who England will have the tough task of attempting to stop when they face Norway on Saturday.

There’s also the latest on selection doubts for Thomas Tuchel over key pair Declan Rice and Marc Guehi ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final.

Host: Adam Leventhal
Guests: Liam Twomey, Cerys Jones
Featuring: Sam Lee, Adam Crafton
Exec Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy Clarke
Producers: Mike Stavrou
Videographer: Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, The Athletic broke the world exclusive that USA striker Folarin Balogun's ban for the USMNT's round of 16 tie against Belgium had been suspended.

Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon, who broke the news, join Ian Irving and Cerys Jones to look back on the controversy, which included the involvement of US President Donald Trump calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the build-up to the USA's game with Belgium.

Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard shares his perspective from a players' perspective as to the impact the whole episode will have had on the USA's preparations for the game, while Jerry Brewer, senior columnist for The Athletic gives his view on the damage the controversy will have on soccer in the USA as well as US Soccer.

Host: Ian Irving
With: Cerys Jones, Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon
Featuring: Tim Howard and Jerry Brewer
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.