Barry Glendenning

The Netherlands defeat Sweden 5-1 with Brian Brobbey impressing in attack, while Germany come from behind with two goals from substitute Deniz Undav to beat Côte d’Ivoire. Ecuador fail to overcome Curaçao in another notable group result, and the episode includes a preview of upcoming matches including Spain versus Saudi Arabia along with listener questions.

France advance to the World Cup semi-finals after a convincing 2-0 win over Morocco, with key contributions from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembele. The panel reviews France’s dominant tournament form, discusses upcoming fixtures including Spain versus Belgium, covers England’s squad news with Jarell Quansah’s extended ban, and shares early impressions of New York while responding to listener questions.

Argentina advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic comeback against Egypt, overturning a 2–0 deficit in the final minutes to win 3–2 and set up a match with Switzerland, who progressed after a penalty shootout against Colombia. Discussion also covered the USA’s disappointing tournament exit and provided a preview of upcoming quarter-final fixtures.

Belgium eliminated the USA with a decisive 4-1 win in Seattle, highlighted by Romelu Lukaku’s dominant performance, setting up a match against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo made his final World Cup appearance in Portugal’s loss to Spain, prompting criticism of both his performance and Roberto Martínez’s reluctance to drop him. Discussion also covered England’s win in Mexico, remaining last‑16 previews and listener questions.

England advance to the World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca, surviving intense pressure following Jarrell Quansah’s red card. Norway eliminate Brazil with two goals from Erling Haaland, marking a historic moment for Norwegian football and Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil. Folarin Balogun is cleared to play for the USMNT amid White House involvement as upcoming matches are previewed and listener questions addressed.

France advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals after a Kylian Mbappé penalty settled a contentious match against Paraguay, whose physical approach drew scrutiny. Morocco also progressed with a 3-0 win over Canada despite early pressure from Jesse Marsch’s side. The episode previews upcoming fixtures, including Mexico versus England, and features discussion of on‑the‑ground reporting and listener questions.

Cape Verde pushed Argentina to extra time in one of the tournament’s standout matches, highlighted by a spectacular moment from Sydny Lopes Cabral, before Argentina advanced to face Egypt in the round of 16. Egypt progressed after beating Australia on penalties despite a strong performance from Harry Souttar. Colombia secured a win over Ghana with an early goal, and the episode also includes previews of upcoming fixtures and listener questions.

Portugal advances after a dramatic win over Croatia, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first World Cup knockout goal and a late Croatian equaliser overturned on review. Spain easily defeats Austria with two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, and Switzerland secures its first knockout victory in nearly 90 years by beating Algeria. Discussion also reflects on aging stars Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic and addresses listener correspondence and questions.

England advance after Harry Kane’s two goals overturn DR Congo’s lead, setting up a match against Mexico. The United States progress to the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina despite a red card, while Belgium edge Senegal with a late turnaround and an extra‑time penalty. The episode also includes previews of upcoming ties and listener questions.

France’s dominant performance against Sweden raises questions about whether any team can stop their attack led by Mbappé, Barcola, Dembélé and Olise, who repeatedly threatened and could have scored more. Haaland’s late goal sends Norway into the last 16 to face Brazil, while Mexico’s strong form in the Azteca continues. The panel also previews upcoming fixtures including England versus DR Congo and responds to listener questions.

Germany exit the World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, while Brazil come from behind to defeat Japan with late goals from Casemiro, Gabriel Martinelli and Bruno Guimarães. The episode also looks ahead to the Netherlands–Morocco match and answers listener questions.

Canada advances to the World Cup round of 16 with a dramatic late goal against South Africa, marking a historic moment for the men’s team and setting up a match against the Netherlands or Morocco. Group J concludes with a surprising draw between Austria and Algeria, while Lionel Messi comes off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament. The episode also previews upcoming matches, features the final instalment of Mark Langdon’s Vegetable Watch, and answers listener questions.

England advance from their group after a laboured 2-0 win over Panama, earning a favourable knockout draw where DR Congo await following their first-ever World Cup victory. Croatia defeat Ghana with Luka Modric impressing, while Colombia and Portugal draw in Miami. Upcoming fixtures are previewed, Steve Clarke resigns as Scotland exit the tournament, and listener questions are addressed.

France maintain a perfect World Cup start with a 4–1 win over a rotated Norway side, aided by an Ousmane Dembélé hat-trick that shifts the Golden Boot race. Senegal move toward the knockout stage after defeating Iraq 5–0, while Cape Verde advance to the round of 32 for the first time following a draw that eliminates Saudi Arabia. The episode also previews the final group‑stage matches, including England’s plans without Reece James, and features listener questions and commentary.

Ecuador secured a comeback win over Germany to reach the last 32, while Australia advanced after a goalless draw with Paraguay. The USA–Turkey match offered entertainment, and the Netherlands topped Group F with Brian Brobbey scoring again. Japan and Sweden progressed following a 1-1 draw, and Tunisia conceded a notable own goal amid a difficult tournament. The episode also previews upcoming matches and answers listener questions.

Scotland’s chances of advancing diminish after a heavy loss to Brazil marked by early errors and defensive lapses. Mexico complete the group stage with a perfect record, while South Africa stun South Korea to advance. Canada miss the chance to secure home advantage in the knockouts, and Bosnia and Herzegovina reach the last 32 for the first time. Additional results see Switzerland top their group and Haiti push Morocco in a competitive match, alongside previews of upcoming fixtures and listener questions.

England draw 0-0 with Ghana after a dull first half marked by strong Ghanaian defending and ineffective English substitutions. Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice against Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups. Croatia edge Panama, and the episode includes previews of upcoming matches and listener questions.

Lionel Messi becomes the all-time leading World Cup scorer as Argentina’s five goals so far have all come from him, while France’s 3-0 win over Iraq is disrupted by a lengthy storm delay. Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal sets up a decisive group match against France, and the panel previews upcoming fixtures including England versus Ghana while answering listener questions.

Cape Verde earn a second consecutive draw by holding Uruguay 2-2, keeping their chances of reaching the knockout stage alive. Spain, boosted by Lamine Yamal, deliver a dominant performance in a comfortable win over Saudi Arabia. Belgium continue to struggle after drawing with Iran, while Egypt overcome New Zealand despite the Kiwis taking an early lead. The hosts discuss match outcomes, team form and answer listener questions.

Morocco’s early goal set the tone against Scotland, who improved after halftime but failed to secure a point. The United States advanced with a dominant 2-0 win over Australia, marking their first time opening a men’s World Cup with two victories despite Christian Pulisic’s absence. Brazil comfortably defeated Haiti, eliminating them from the tournament, while upcoming matches were previewed and listener questions addressed.