The Athletic FC Podcast

This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less than 40 days. Co-hosts USA remain at war with Iran, with fellow Middle East participants and historic allies drawn into the conflict - and FIFA caught in the middle. Travel bans, political protests and fears over ICE guarantee a turbulent countdown. This special episode of The Athletic FC hears from players, coaches, fans, regional experts and human rights advocates on the geopolitical backdrop to World Cup 2026. Presenter: Adam Leventhal Producer: Paul Iliffe Audio from: AP, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, FIFA, England Records, beIN, C-SPAN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history. On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, we’ll be bringing you an interview with head coach Keith Andrews, discussing his transition from set-piece coach to Premier League manager and the journey that led him to this point. The interview took place in Gunnersbury Park where Brentford's Community Sports Trust were putting on an event, in conjunction with new front of shirt sponsor Indeed, at their Clubhouse Cafe a social impact and community-led space that opened in September 2025. Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay & Caoimhe O'Neill to reflect on the occasion, and discuss the incredible work Brentford FC do in the local community. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Oli Kay & Caoimhe O’Neill Featuring: Keith Andrews & Caoimhin Kelleher Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool. Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs Tottenham - a big fixture at both ends of the table. Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Stu James & Oli Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park. With the ownership in town for talks - could they lose interest in Newcastle? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Waugh and Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu. So is the Special One really the man to save Real Madrid? Plus, the panel react to Tuesday night's remarkable Champions League semi-final first leg, as PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Videographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the curtain comes down on Mo Salah’s time at Anfield. How prepared are Liverpool for his departure? And will it be another big summer of spending? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: James Pearce, Josh Williams Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior. On Sunday they reached an FA Cup Final. But the question remains, who should be their next manager? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle and Liam Twomey Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss Bruno Fernandes, who is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years? And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Already relegated Wolves host relegation-threatened Tottenham - can De Zerbi's side finally pick up some momentum against the league's bottom team? Elsewhere, with Man City in FA Cup action, Arsenal have the chance to leapfrog them back to the top of the table at home to out of form Newcastle. Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Cerys Jones & Art De Roché Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 years after winning the Premier League title Leicester City have been provisionally relegated to England’s third tier. So, how have the Foxes gone from fairytale to failure? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Rob Tanner, Matt Slater and Jordan Halford Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Liam Twomey, reacting to the news that Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after just 106 days in charge of the club. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: David Ornstein & Liam Twomey Featuring: Dean Ashton, Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Champions League football is slipping further from Chelsea’s grasp after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brighton. They’ve now lost five league games in a row without scoring for the first time in 114 years. So how much worse can Chelsea’s season get? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Dean Ashton, Liam Twomey, Cerys Jones Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs’ nightmare season shows little sign of improving. After West Ham’s draw with Crystal Palace - they remain two points from safety with five matches to go. So does De Zerbi have enough time to save Spurs? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan Kilpatrick Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After defeat at the Etihad, Arsenal have lost control of the title race. Man City can go top of the Premier League with a win at Burnley on Wednesday night. So, after 22 years of waiting have Mikel Arteta's side blown their chance at the title? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein & Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast diiscuss the huge Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal. Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor? Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis is one of European football’s most outspoken and recognisable owners and this week he’s been telling Adam Crafton all about his plans to revolutionise football - including a European Super Championship. They also discuss his relationship Antonio Conte - who guided Napoli to last season's Serie A title the subject of Filmauro's 'Ag4in' documentary. Plus, De Laurentiis shares his thoughts on the influence agents have within the game whilst also discussing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain. This interview is also available to watch on The Athletic FC Podcast YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The top two face off in a massive game in the title race. Will Man City continue their excellent recent form, or can Arsenal spring a surprise at the Etihad? Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Cerys Jones & Art De Roché Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Champions League knockout classic, that Real Madrid for once lost out in! Elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’re staring at a second successive trophyless season for the first time in 16 years. So just how broken are Real Madrid? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan and Guillermo Rai Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The managerial merry-go-round has started up again! The latest mover is Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end the season. So what next for Iraola and the Cherries? And how will this move impact the managerial market? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: David Ornstein, James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue. So will this be the most expensive football tournament ever? And if so, who is this World Cup actually for? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Henry Bushnell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.