First Up: Football - A Daily Football Briefing

West Ham Hit Rock Bottom in Brentford Defeat

It was a night to forget for West Ham - fan protests, empty seats, and a performance so poor even the commentators couldn’t believe what they were watching. Brentford, meanwhile, looked sharp and confident, sealing a dominant 2-0 win that heaps more pressure on Nuno’s struggling side. Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp reflects on life after Liverpool and admits he could “in theory” manage the club again one day, while in Sweden, Mjällby complete one of football’s great modern fairytales - rising from the third tier to national champions in just seven years. Plus: Rangers roll the dice again, Maccabi Tel Aviv have their say on the Aston Villa ticket row, and we share some important news about the future of First Up Football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool Lose Again and Ange's Speedy Sacking

Liverpool’s miserable run rolls on after Manchester United finally win at Anfield for the first time in nearly a decade - and it was Harry Maguire of all people who seals it. Amorim celebrates back-to-back victories, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool side sink deeper into trouble. Elsewhere, chaos reigns at Nottingham Forest as Ange Postecoglou is sacked just 19 minutes after full time, Arsenal edge Fulham, and Aston Villa score a goal-of-the-season contender. Beyond England, Celtic fans stage a surreal protest in Scotland, Marseille leapfrog PSG in France thanks to four goals from Mason Greenwood, and in League Two, Bromley’s refereeing nightmare hits yet another bizarre twist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Liverpool Stop the Slide? Or Will United Finally Click?

The Premier League is back - and it’s a monster weekend. Liverpool and Manchester United both head into Sunday’s clash under real pressure: Arne Slot’s Reds are desperate to stop their losing streak, while Ruben Amorim’s United are hunting their first Anfield win in nearly a decade. Elsewhere, Arsenal head to Fulham and Chelsea visit Forest. But it’s not just on the pitch where sparks are flying - Aston Villa are at the centre of a political row involving the UK Prime Minister, and Sheffield Wednesday are in deep trouble over unpaid tax. And finally, it’s billionaire versus billionaire in London this weekend, as Shahid Khan’s Fulham face Stan Kroenke’s Arsenal on Saturday - before their NFL teams, the Jaguars and Rams, meet at Wembley on Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England Cruise to 2026 - Can Tuchel Deliver?

England are the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 5-0 win over Latvia. Thomas Tuchel’s side look sharper than ever - but is it too soon to believe this team could finally go all the way? Elsewhere, Messi and Ronaldo both made more history: Messi became the all-time international assist leader, while CR7 extended his record as top scorer in qualifier history. In South America and Asia, qualification drama continued, while in CONCACAF, Suriname’s players had the ultimate answer to Panama’s noisy ultras - joining their late-night street party. We also round up the day’s biggest stories: Sweden sack their boss, Lewandowski’s injury blow for Barcelona, and UEFA’s latest big idea for a “Swiss-model” qualifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Cape Verde Shocked the World to Reach 2026

Cape Verde have made history - becoming the second smallest nation ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup. We break down how a country of just 500,000 people, led by long-time coach Bubista, defied the odds with smart scouting, a united team, and even a player found via LinkedIn. Elsewhere, Arsenal’s injury list grows as Martin Ødegaard faces another setback, and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma suffers a fresh blow on international duty. Plus, UEFA plans a Champions League shake-up, Salford fans vote to bring back their old colours, and former Man United youngster Demetri Mitchell reveals how ChatGPT helped him negotiate his latest deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices