Joel Grove

Football Weekly reviews Arsenal’s comfortable Community Shield victory over Manchester City, while cautioning against reading too much into the result so early in the season. The episode also discusses Cristian Romero’s reported move to Atlético Madrid, speculation linking Jamie Vardy with São Paulo, and the opening EFL fixtures, including West Ham’s collapse against Burnley and late drama between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers. League One and League Two results and listener questions are also covered.

Portugal beat Croatia in a dramatic World Cup match in which a late Croatian equaliser was disallowed and Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first knockout-stage goal. Spain comfortably defeated Austria with two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, while Switzerland secured their first knockout win in nearly ninety years by beating Algeria. The episode also features listener correspondence and discussion about aging stars likely playing their final World Cup.

France advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a controlled 2-0 win over Morocco, led by key contributions from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The discussion also looks ahead to Spain versus Belgium, reviews England’s latest squad news including Jarell Quansah’s upgraded ban, and covers early impressions of New York while answering listener questions.

Argentina advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals after overturning a 2–0 deficit late against Egypt, setting up a match with Switzerland, who progressed after a penalty shootout win over Colombia. The episode also reviews the USA’s elimination and previews upcoming quarter-final fixtures.

Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 in Seattle with Romelu Lukaku securing progression to face Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo made his final World Cup appearance in Portugal’s loss to Spain, drawing criticism for his performance and questions over Roberto Martínez’s refusal to drop him. The episode also reflects on England’s win in Mexico and previews the remaining last-16 fixtures.

England advances to the World Cup quarter-finals after a tense 3–2 win over Mexico, holding on despite Jarrell Quansah’s red card. Norway eliminates Brazil with two goals from Erling Haaland in what is considered a historic result for Norwegian football, marking Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil. Folarin Balogun is cleared to play for the USMNT following White House involvement as attention turns to the upcoming US–Belgium match and other forthcoming fixtures.

France advance to the World Cup quarter-finals after a Kylian Mbappé penalty edges out a combative Paraguay side, who receive their first booking only after the match. Morocco secure a flattering 3-0 win over Canada to set up a meeting with France. The episode reviews key moments, highlights Mexico v England as a major upcoming fixture, and features additional reflections from Miami alongside audience questions.

Argentina advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after a dramatic extra‑time win over Cape Verde, highlighted by a standout moment from Sydny Lopes Cabral. Egypt progressed by defeating Australia on penalties after a strong performance from Harry Souttar. Colombia secured victory against Ghana with an early goal, and the episode includes previews of upcoming matches and listener questions.

England advance after Harry Kane scores twice in a 2-1 comeback against DR Congo, surpassing Pelé’s World Cup goal tally. The USA reach the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina despite a late red card, while Belgium progress after a dramatic extra‑time victory over Senegal. The episode also previews upcoming last‑32 fixtures and answers listener questions.

France dominate Sweden with a powerful attacking display led by Kylian Mbappé and a dynamic supporting cast, prompting questions about whether any team can challenge them. Michael Olise narrowly misses an extraordinary goal in a match that could have produced an even larger scoreline. Erling Haaland sends Norway into the last 16 with a late winner to set up a meeting with Brazil. Mexico continue to show formidable form at the Azteca, while upcoming fixtures, including England versus DR Congo, are previewed alongside listener questions.

Germany are eliminated from the World Cup after a penalty defeat to Paraguay, ending their first knockout appearance in 12 years. Brazil recover from an early Japan lead, with goals from Casemiro, Gabriel Martinelli and Bruno Guimarães securing progression to the last 16. The episode also previews upcoming fixtures, including Netherlands versus Morocco, and answers listener questions.

Canada reaches the World Cup knockout stage with a late victory over South Africa, setting up a match against either the Netherlands or Morocco. Austria and Algeria advance after a dramatic draw, while Lionel Messi scores again after coming off the bench. The episode also previews upcoming matches and includes additional discussion features.

England secure a laborious 2-0 win over Panama to top their group and set up a last‑32 meeting with DR Congo, who celebrate their first World Cup victory after defeating Uzbekistan. Croatia, led by an impressive Luka Modric, beat Ghana, while Colombia and Portugal draw in Miami. Additional discussion covers Steve Clarke’s resignation as Scotland exit the tournament and a preview of the first round‑of‑32 match, along with listener questions.

France maintain a perfect World Cup start with a 4-1 win over a rotated Norway side as Ousmane Dembélé moves into Golden Boot contention. Senegal nearly secure a round‑of‑32 place after beating Iraq 5-0, while Cape Verde reach the knockout stage for the first time after drawing with Saudi Arabia. The episode also previews upcoming group matches, including England playing without Reece James, and answers listener questions.

Scotland’s hopes of progressing are in jeopardy after a heavy defeat to Brazil marked by early errors and defensive lapses. Group results elsewhere include Haiti pushing Morocco, Canada missing out on top spot and losing home advantage, Bosnia and Herzegovina reaching the knockouts for the first time, and Switzerland winning their group. South Africa stun South Korea to advance, while Mexico maintain a perfect record with three clean sheets, signaling strong form heading into the knockout stages.

England’s goalless draw with Ghana is described as uneventful, with England struggling to create chances and substitutes offering little impact. Ghana’s defensive performance is highlighted, while Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice against Uzbekistan to become the first player to score in six World Cups. Croatia narrowly defeat Panama, and upcoming matches are previewed alongside listener questions.

Lionel Messi becomes the all‑time top World Cup goalscorer after scoring all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament so far, while a severe storm delays France’s eventual 3–0 win over Iraq. Norway’s 3–2 victory against Senegal creates a decisive upcoming group match with France, and the episode previews England’s game against Ghana while addressing listener questions.

Cape Verde secure another historic World Cup result with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, keeping their knockout hopes alive ahead of their match with Saudi Arabia. Spain, boosted by Lamine Yamal, deliver a convincing performance with a dominant win over Saudi Arabia. Belgium continue a disappointing start after drawing with Iran, while Egypt overcome New Zealand despite an early setback. The panel discusses key moments, team form and listener questions.

The Netherlands defeat Sweden 5-1 with Brian Brobbey revitalizing their attack, while Germany overturn Côte d’Ivoire thanks to two goals from substitute Deniz Undav. Ecuador miss an opportunity after drawing with Curaçao, raising questions about the biggest shocks so far. The episode also previews upcoming matches, including Spain versus Saudi Arabia, and addresses listener questions.

The USA advance to the World Cup round of 32 after a dominant win over Australia, while Morocco edge Scotland with an early goal despite late pressure. Brazil eliminate Haiti following a straightforward victory. The panel discusses each team’s performance, knockout-stage scenarios, and previews upcoming matches.