Welcome to The Insiders, The Athletic FC’s new show digging into the off-pitch forces shaping the 2026 World Cup. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton unpack a World Cup draw that went from the surreal to the political, including surprise performances, a very prominent Gianni Infantino, and the growing influence of Donald Trump and his inner circle on football’s biggest event.

Then, why this is set to be the most expensive World Cup ever. From the eye-watering cost of tickets and who can actually afford to go, to predictions about what happens next as prices rise and fans are squeezed out.

Hosts: Matt Slater & Adam Crafton

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke & Paul Iliffe

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

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Sunderland vs Newcastle.

After nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with the two sides separated by just one point.

Mark Critchley and Andy Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Chelsea vs Everton, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, and Liverpool vs Brighton, where the Mohammed Salah situation rumbles on.

Host: Matt Davies-Adams

With: Mark Critchley & Andy Jones

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou

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

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reign is in the balance.

They’ve won just two of their last eight - and player power is threatening to undermine him

So, is he on his way out?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Seb Stafford-Bloor

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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