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.