The Athletic FC: Daily Cup

USMNT Knockout Preview and Mexico's Dark Horse Chances

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 Mexico's perfect group stage and their Round of 32 match against Ecuador. Plus, Hannah uncovers the secrets behind the music played at World Cup venues.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pochettino's Contract Extension Offer and The Start of The Knockouts

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 explore the USMNT's puppy therapy sessions and how they are lowering stress in camp. Will the USMNT secure Poch for the future?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USMNT vs Turkey Recap & Mbappe-Haaland Clash

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:00:32 GMT

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 the studio to break down the latest bracketology, advancement percentages, and qualification permutations for Groups G, H, and I using The Athletic's World Cup Tracker.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pochettino's USMNT Dilemma & Norway's Fan Row

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 qualification scenarios for Groups D, E, and F using The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker. We also examine Norway's viral "Viking Row" celebration and preview the highly anticipated Group I clash between superstar forwards Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Folarin Balogun Transfer Updates, World Cup Tracker and the Doku Debate

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 complicated qualification pathways for Group A, B, and C. Can the USMNT line up a favorable Round of 32 matchup? Senior Editor Hannah Vanbiber also dives into the debate surrounding Jeremy Doku’s departure for the birth of his child.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Hurting Portugal? Plus USMNT Goalkeeper Matt Freese's Moment

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 tactical and social media problem for Portugal after a frustrating opening draw against DR Congo. We also share a wholesome story about an England national team pool table purchased on Facebook Marketplace from a grandmother in Kansas.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pochettino Exclusive Interview and Messi's Hat-Trick

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 tournament-opening hat-trick for Argentina, and senior sports media columnist Andrew Marchand critiques the broadcaster dynamic between FOX pundits Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexi Lalas. Can Pochettino lead the USMNT to a historic World Cup run?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tension Builds Between USMNT and Australia While Scotland Fans Take Over Boston

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 "Boston Beer Party," where thousands of roaring Scotland fans have taken over the city and literally drank a local taproom dry. Finally, the hosts of the Sports Gossip podcast deliver a tournament vibe check, and we preview the breakout hero of the opening round, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. Will the USMNT back up the trash talk on the pitch?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gio Reyna's journey back to USMNT and Uruguay's enigmatic coach, Marcelo Bielsa

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 Anka also highlights how New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured affordable ticket deals for local soccer fans, and the TIFO team explores the fascinating global history of "The Wave." Can the USA overcome the odds in their upcoming clash against a fired-up Australia squad in Seattle?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gareth Bale on Ronaldo and US Soccer, plus World Cup Transfers

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:48:05 GMT

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? Plus, The Athletic’s insider David Ornstein joins Carl Anka to break down massive transfer market updates, including Manchester United’s pursuit of Crysencio Summerville and Manchester City’s interest in Elliot Anderson. Finally, we look at the incredible tradition of Japan's fans cleaning up stadiums in Texas.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pochettino’s USMNT Blueprint & Lionel Messi's Last Dance?

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 whether this tournament is Lionel Messi's international "last dance" with Argentina and analyzes Gio Reyna’s emotional, game-sealing goal. Finally, Senior Editor Hannah Vanbiber exposes FIFA’s bizarre venue cover-ups. Is Argentina poised to repeat, and can Pochettino lead the USMNT to glory?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Balogun the USMNT Hero & World Cup Empty Seats

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 attendance discrepancies, corporate ticket realities, and extreme heat advisories. Finally, Hannah Vanbiber drops by to look at the science behind the tournament's hot-pink boot trend and the team ranking debates.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USMNT Dominant In Opening Win, Brazil vs Morocco Preview & Scotland's World Cup Return

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:48:06 GMT

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 Jack Lang joins us to unpack the major controversy surrounding Neymar's roster selection and his current injury status. We also preview Scotland's historic return to this stage with a special message from Succession star Brian Cox.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking Down the US Men's National Team Roster and Recapping The Tournament's Opening Matches

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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 generation" live up to the massive home expectations? Plus, Hannah Vanbiber drops by to look at the lighter side of the tournament, tracking international fans obsessing over American drive-thrus and Spain setting up camp in Chattanooga. We also unpack the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026 World Cup: Hidden FIFA Costs & USMNT Preview

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:50:00 GMT

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. Plus the Top 3 stories as the tournament nears.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Athletic FC: Daily Cup!

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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.