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The Athletic FC: Daily Cup

The Athletic 7 Episodes Jul 20, 2026

The Athletic FC: Daily Cup is a daily pop-up show from The Athletic during the World Cup, bringing listeners to the heart of the biggest sports event on the planet. Hosted by James McNicholas, Tamerra Griffin, and Hannah Vanbiber, the show covers every goal, game, and group with expertise from The Athletic's esteemed reporters. It aims to cut through the noise and provide in-depth coverage of the tournament.

Episodes

Spain wins the 2026 World Cup Jul 20, 2026 23:41 Welcome to the final episode of the Daily Cup! Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down the epic conclusion to the 2026 World Cup, where Spain emerged victorious. Felipe Cardenas joins the desk to analyze the dramatic 120-minute final and Lionel Messi's future. Then, Hannah Vanbiber shares the ultimate cheat sheet on how to follow your favorite stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mba

Messi's Back-to-Back vs Yamal's Spain Jul 19, 2026 33:57 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas deliver the ultimate preview for the historic 2026 World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain. The Athletic’s James Horncastle joins the show to analyze how manager Lionel Scaloni’s emotional connection has fueled Argentina’s never-say-die attitude and positioned Lionel Messi just one win away from back-to-back global titles. Then, Dermot Corrigan dives

World Cup Best Moments & Final Preview Jul 19, 2026 32:57 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas take a look back at the unforgettable highlights and lowlights defining the 2026 World Cup. On the eve of the historic final between Argentina and Spain, The Athletic's global newsroom shares their favorite fan celebrations, shocking underdog runs, and elite superstar skills from the tournament. Plus, Hannah Vanbiber joins forces with the Tifo Football Po

Argentina Triumph As World Cup Final is Set Jul 16, 2026 29:53 Welcome to the Daily Cup! Today, hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas look ahead to the highly anticipated World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Seb Stafford-Bloor stops by to discuss the massive format changes coming to the 2030 Men's World Cup. Then, Paul Tenorio analyzes what's next for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT's road to 2030, while Meg Linehan previews the 2027 Women's Wo

Messi's Final Push As Argentina Face England Jul 15, 2026 28:42 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas prepare for the massive 2026 World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina. The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan joins to share the fascinating story of a young Lionel Messi’s growth hormone treatment, and how Barcelona secured his signature on a napkin. Next, Oliver Kay unpacks the deep, historic rivalry between the two nations on and off the field,

Spain vs. France preview and Pulisic's USMNT future Jul 14, 2026 30:05 Welcome to the Daily Cup! Today, hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas deliver a definitive preview of the massive France vs. Spain semi-final showdown. The Athletic's Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero breaks down Spain's impenetrable defense, while Cerys Jones analyzes whether Kylian Mbappe can guide France to a third consecutive World Cup final. Plus, Paul Tenorio gives a critical evaluation of Chr

The World Cup Enters the Quarterfinal Stage Jul 10, 2026 30:02 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down the latest action from the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, with Belgium, the side that put the USMNT to the sword, taking on Spain this evening.  While Lamine Yamal may be one of the game's biggest stars on the field, it's his three-year-old brother, Kayne, who's become this tournament's biggest breakout social media star: we discover w

Assessing the USMNT's World Cup campaign Jul 8, 2026 30:14 Today, hosts Hannah Vanbiber and James McNicholas dust themselves off to discuss the future of the USMNT following their heartbreaking elimination by Belgium. The host of The Athletic FC Podcast, Emma Paton, stops by to discuss how this World Cup will impact the upcoming Premier League season, including transfer rumors surrounding Folarin Balogun. Plus, Hannah explores the often hilarious origins

USMNT elimination reaction and World Cup conspiracies Jul 7, 2026 32:54 Today, hosts Hannah Vanbiber and James McNicholas react to the USMNT's heartbreaking World Cup elimination against Belgium, breaking down the good, the bad, and the downright ugly with Felipe Cardenas. The Tifo Football Podcast stops by to reveal the surprising truth about pitch dimensions. Then, Tim Spiers opens up soccer's X Files to discuss the wildest World Cup conspiracy theories, including r

Balogun back for USMNT's clash with Belgium Jul 6, 2026 32:57 Hosts Hannah Vanbiber and James McNicholas preview the USMNT's massive round of 16 match against European heavyweights, Belgium. Henry Bushnell gives a scouting report, while Dan Sheldon breaks down the massive story he broke on The Athletic: the shocking suspension of Folarin Balogun's ban. Tifo Football explains the new World Cup format. Then, Tim Spiers joins the show to discuss the epic genera

What's It Like to Face Messi on The Field? Jul 3, 2026 28:55 Welcome to the Daily Cup! Today, hosts Hannah Vanbiber and James McNicholas discuss the USMNT's journey to the last-16. James speaks with Tom Bogert about how the US will cope against Belgium without star striker Folarin Balogun following his red card. Tifo Football explains red card rules. Jay Harris talks with Stu James about the intimidating privilege of playing against Lionel Messi. Plus, Hann

USMNT Advance - But At What Cost? Jul 2, 2026 30:40 Welcome to the Daily Cup! Today, hosts Hannah Vanbiber and James McNicholas celebrate the USMNT's thrilling victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance to the World Cup last-16, breaking it all down with Henry Bushnell. The Tifo Football Podcast stops by to analyze the incredible rise of Spanish star Lamine Yamal. Jay Harris and Tim Spiers take a deep dive into the defining Lionel Messi and Cri

England's World Cup hopes and USMNT Bosnia preview Jul 1, 2026 29:50 Welcome to the Daily Cup! Today, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Hannah Vanbiber preview the USMNT's do-or-die knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina with The Athletic's Simon Hughes. We take a closer look at Bosnia's dangerous players, including rising star Esmir Bajraktarevic. The Tifo Football Podcast stops by to discuss the controversy surrounding hydration breaks. Plus, Jay Harris and Jack P

USMNT Knockout Preview and Mexico's Dark Horse Chances Jun 30, 2026 29:47 Welcome to the Daily Cup as we dive deeper into the win-or-go-home World Cup knockout stages! Today, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Hannah Vanbiber are joined by Henry Bushnell for a USMNT vibe check ahead of their massive knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Tifo Football Podcast stops by to analyze if Kylian Mbappe is getting too big for the game. Jay Harris and Felipe Cardenas discuss

Pochettino's Contract Extension Offer and The Start of The Knockouts Jun 29, 2026 29:59 Welcome to the Daily Cup as we officially enter the knockout stage of the World Cup! Today, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Hannah Vanbiber are joined by Adam Crafton to break down his exclusive report on the USMNT's contract extension offer to head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Tifo Football Podcast stops by to explain yellow card rules, and Jay Harris breaks down the knockout bracket. Finally, we exp

USMNT vs Turkey Recap & Mbappe-Haaland Clash Jun 26, 2026 28:30 On today's show, we look back at the United States' final group stage match against Turkey and evaluate their readiness for the Round of 32. Manchester City insider Sam Lee joins us to preview the tournament's first true superstar heavyweight clash as Kylian Mbappe and France square off against Erling Haaland and Norway in a battle for Group I supremacy. Plus, The Athletic's Jay Harris is back in

Pochettino's USMNT Dilemma & Norway's Fan Row Jun 25, 2026 28:30 Welcome to The Athletic FC: Daily Cup. Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down a decisive slate of six World Cup group stage matches. Senior soccer writer Paul Tenorio joins the show to unpack Mauricio Pochettino’s unexpected team selection puzzle ahead of the USMNT's final Group D match against Turkey. Plus, soccer writer Jay Harris enters the studio to analyze the tight qualificati

Folarin Balogun Transfer Updates, World Cup Tracker and the Doku Debate Jun 24, 2026 26:27 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down a massive six-match World Cup slate as group stages reach their climax. Soccer insider David Ornstein joins the show to discuss the escalating transfer market buzz surrounding USMNT star Folarin Balogun and Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall. Plus, the team highlights The Athletic's interactive World Cup Tracker with Jay Harris to map out the complicat

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Hurting Portugal? Plus USMNT Goalkeeper Matt Freese's Moment Jun 23, 2026 27:44 Join Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas on The Athletic FC: Daily Cup as they break down the latest 2026 World Cup action. Senior soccer writer Henry Bushnell joins the show to discuss Harvard-educated USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese, his unique path to becoming Mauricio Pochettino's No. 1, and his meticulous pre-game routine. Plus, Nick Miller dives into whether Cristiano Ronaldo has become a tact

Pochettino Exclusive Interview and Messi's Hat-Trick Jun 22, 2026 30:01 Join Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas on The Athletic FC: Daily Cup as they break down the 2026 World Cup action. Soccer insider Paul Tenorio joins the show to share an exclusive, one-on-one interview with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino following the USA's raucous 2-0 victory over Australia. Plus, James Horncastle does a deep dive into how Lionel Messi prepared for his spectacular tourna

Tension Builds Between USMNT and Australia While Scotland Fans Take Over Boston Jun 19, 2026 29:51 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas prepare for a massive Group D showdown as the USMNT looks for back-to-back World Cup wins against Australia. The Athletic’s Tom Bogert joins the show to break down how a viral "layup" comment from American pundit Mike Grella ignited a fierce international rivalry and gave the Socceroos ultimate motivation. Plus, Jordan Campbell reports live from the "Bost

Gio Reyna's journey back to USMNT and Uruguay's enigmatic coach, Marcelo Bielsa Jun 18, 2026 32:19 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down the second round of World Cup group stage action. We dive into the curious case of USMNT star Gio Reyna and the controversial 2022 Qatar fallout that nearly derailed his international career. Plus, insider Phil Hay joins to discuss Uruguay's enigmatic head coach, Marcelo Bielsa, and his latest viral "I'm not a model" photo shoot moment. Carl An

Gareth Bale on Ronaldo and US Soccer, plus World Cup Transfers Jun 17, 2026 29:52 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down the latest 2026 World Cup action with an exclusive interview featuring soccer legend Gareth Bale. The five-time Champions League winner discusses the growth of MLS in the US and shares unique insights into former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of his opening match at age 41. Will the Portugal legend dominate his final tournament?

Pochettino’s USMNT Blueprint & Lionel Messi's Last Dance? Jun 16, 2026 26:15 Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James Nicholas break down the opening week of the 2026 World Cup Group Stage! Senior Soccer Writer Tom Bogert joins to demystify USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino following a massive 4-1 opening win over Paraguay. We dive into the billionaire funding behind his hiring, his squad rebuild, and his unique team-building quirks. Plus, MLS insider Paul Tenorio discusses whe

Balogun the USMNT Hero & World Cup Empty Seats Jun 15, 2026 24:21 Tamerra Griffin and Carl Anka recap the USMNT’s dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay by diving into the circuitous journey of two-goal hero Folarin Balogun with senior soccer writer Paul Tenorio. Plus, we investigate the tournament's growing mystery: why are there visible swathes of empty seats at "sold-out" matches in Guadalajara and Santa Clara? Insider Elias Burke joins to explain the stadium att

USMNT Dominant In Opening Win, Brazil vs Morocco Preview & Scotland's World Cup Return Jun 13, 2026 25:57 The group stage is heating up! Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Carl Anka break down the fallout from the USMNT’s massive opening tournament match on today's Daily Cup. We dive deep into the ultimate debate: what did we learn from the United States' performance, and does the squad need a brand new nickname? Plus, we look ahead to the highly anticipated showdown between Brazil and Morocco. The Athletic’s

Breaking Down the US Men's National Team Roster and Recapping The Tournament's Opening Matches Jun 12, 2026 30:12 The World Cup has officially kicked off! Hosts Tamerra Griffin and James McNicholas break down all the early action on today's Daily Cup. The USMNT begins its highly anticipated campaign tonight against Paraguay. The Athletic's senior soccer writer Paul Tenorio joins the studio to deliver an essential scouting report on Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and veteran captain Tim Ream. Can this "golden

2026 World Cup: Hidden FIFA Costs & USMNT Preview Jun 11, 2026 29:01 The historic 2026 World Cup kicks off today! Hosts Tamerra Griffin, James McNicholas and Hannah Vanbiber speak to Adam Crafton and Pablo Torre, who have exposed the hidden taxpayer costs funding FIFA’s expanded tournament. Plus, Tom Bogert helps preview the USMNT’s home-field advantage, and Hannah ranks the best and worst team kits, from Curacao's fan-favorite look to Nike's "shoulder-gate" drama.

Welcome to The Athletic FC: Daily Cup! Jun 5, 2026 1:01 Curious about the World Cup? Ready to absorb the biggest sporting event on the planet?Well The Athletic FC: Daily Cup is here to be your ultimate companion.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic FC: Daily Cup

Episodes

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