The Athletic FC Podcast

How can MLS become an elite league?

As the World Cup packs up and leaves New York, we have one final show from the Big Apple as Paul Tenorio joins Adam Leventhal to look at the opportunity the popularity of this summer’s World Cup offers MLS.We bring you insight from MLS Commissioner Don Garber on the league’s mission statement as they declare: “we’ll take it from here”. NYCFC CEO Brad Sims and multiple MLS Cup winning executive Garth Lagerwey share their views on how MLS can open up to the global transfer market.Plus, US Soccer COO Dan Helfrich and FIFA’s chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger provide their perspective on how MLS can ultimately help produce better players for the USMNT.Hosts: Adam Leventhal and Paul TenorioFeaturing: Don Garber, Brad Sims, Garth Lagerwey, Dan Helfrich and Arsene WengerExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale, Liam Warburton and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain conquer the world + Ornstein's summer transfers

Live in New York for the final time, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Adam Crafton to reflect on Spain's deserved victory in a disappointing World Cup final against 10-man Argentina.With a month to go until the start of the Premier League season, David shares his insights ahead of what is expected to be a busy period in the transfer market.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: David Ornstein and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale, Liam Warburton and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World Cup final preview + Ornstein on Rogers to Chelsea

Adam Leventhal is live in New York City alongside James Horncastle and Adam Crafton as they preview the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.A little later, The Athletic’s Football Correspondent David Ornstein joins with all the details on his exclusive on Chelsea’s £117m agreement to sign Morgan Rogers.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Adam Crafton, James Horncastle, David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Liam Warburton, Jay Beale and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Infantino's expanded World Cup worked?

The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal, Adam Crafton, and Paul Tenorio are live from NYC to debate how successful the expanded World Cup has been.They will also look ahead to the spectacle of this week’s final, featuring a Super Bowl-style halftime show and Donald Trump in attendance.Plus, your questions are put live to the team, and you'll have a chance to take on today's 'Do You Know' World Cup trivia challenge.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Adam Crafton and Paul TenorioExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale, Liam Warburton and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What now for Tuchel and England?

England’s World Cup dream is officially over. Live from New York City, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Reuben Pinder to break down a Messi-inspired semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina.Did Thomas Tuchel’s tactics cost England a place in the World Cup final? They also look at what lies ahead for the manager and this squad.From Atlanta, Jack Pitt-Brooke and David Ornstein share their reflections on England while Felipe Cardenas joins to explain how Argentina got the job done.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Adam Crafton and Reuben PinderExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale, Liam Warburton and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.