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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.