
Will the USMNT ever produce a global superstar?
About this episode
The 2026 World Cup is underway!
Join Adam Leventhal, Art de Roché and Cerys Jones as they reflect on an eventful opening day before asking why the USA have never produced a truly global superstar.
Jack Lang was at Estadio Azteca and recounts Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa that saw him showered in beer, while Henry Bushnell looks ahead to the USMNT’s opener against Paraguay.
Plus, we hear from Joshua Kloke on Canada’s first game, in what he describes as ‘the biggest in Canadian soccer history'.
Access to all of The Athletic's World Cup coverage is free via our app during the duration of the World Cup!
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Art de Roché and Cerys Jones
Featuring: Jack Lang, Henry Bushnell, Joshua Kloke
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Athletic FC Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Athletic FC Podcast

What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010?
The Athletic FC Podcast

Tactical Preview: Man United v Man City + underlying data buys
The Athletic FC Podcast

Champions League boom + Garry Cook on Manchesterism
The Athletic FC Podcast

Is Mourinho's Real Madrid return working?
The Athletic FC Podcast