World Football

Nishat Ladha is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani on a famous night for the nation in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.DR Congo beat Egypt 8-7 on penalties after their last-16 match finished 1-1 after extra time. It means Mo Salah’s hopes of returning from injury and playing a part for Egypt later in the tournament have ended after an epic set of penalties, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scoring the winning penalty.We also discuss Guinea’s dramatic last gasp 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.And we look ahead to Monday’s matches as the hosts Ivory Coast prepare to face holders Senegal, while two of the surprise packages of the tournament, Cape Verde and Mauritania, face each other for a place in the quarter-finals.Keep sending us your voice notes by WhatsApp to be included in the show. Tell us your name, where you are from and your Afcon question to +44 800 032 0470.

Nishat Ladha is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to reflect on the opening matches of the knock-out stages as Nigeria beat Cameroon 2-nil with two goals from Ademola Lookman while Angola were 3-nil winners against Namibia. Plus a look ahead to Sunday’s matches in the last sixteen as Equatorial Guinea face Guinea and the seven-time champions Egypt play DR Congo. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

In a special episode of World Football at Afcon, John Bennett is joined by former Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose who shares his memories of the Super Eagles 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory in South Africa.Ambrose describes the build up to the tournament and takes us inside the dressing room following their memorable quarter-final win over a much fancied Ivory Coast side, including an inspirational message from Didier Drogba.We also hear about the togetherness of the squad which saw them beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.John and a variety of guests are with you every match day throughout the tournament to bring you all of the drama and excitement from Ivory Coast.You can get involved too, send us your Afcon questions via WhatsApp voice note to +44 800 032 0470. Tell us your name and where you’re contacting us from and we’ll use a selection of your views in the show.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and former South Africa captain Dean Furman. They discuss Morocco's victory over Zambia, which booked them top spot in Group F, a result that sealed hosts Ivory Coast a place in the last 16 despite sacking manager Jean-Louis Gasset earlier in the day. They also analyse the elimination of 2004 champions Tunisia from the tournament after a 0-0 draw against South Africa and talk about Namibia making it to the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Plus, now we know the full line-up, there's a look-ahead to the last 16.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani to analyse Algeria's shock 1-0 defeat to Mauritania, who had never won a game at Afcon before. It means that the 2019 champions Algeria are out and Mauritania go through. They are joined by former Cameroon Afcon winner Patrick Suffo to discuss his nation's dramatic and late 3-2 win over The Gambia which took them into the last 16. Meanwhile they look ahead to the final group games on Wednesday involving the likes of Morocco, Tunisia, DR Congo and South Africa. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani, plus ex-Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba and 2015 Afcon finalist with Ghana Kwesi Appiah. They discuss Ivory Coast's 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea, which means their hopes of going through to the last 16 are hanging by a thread. They also analyse Ghana's 2-2 draw with Mozambique which means they're all but out of the tournament. Meanwhile there's reaction to Egypt squeezing through after a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde and Nigeria booking a last 16 place with a win over Guinea- Bissau. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

Maz Farookhi is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to assess their 1-1 draw against Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.Maz and Gaby discuss Zambia’s point against Tanzania, earned through a late Patson Daka header, and assess South Africa’s big win over Namibia.There’s also a lookahead to the big games on Monday in Group A and Group B, with qualification spots up for grabs for the likes of hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana. Plus reaction to Egypt’s key man Mo Salah returning to club side Liverpool for treatment on the injury which is expected to rule him out until the semi-finals.Get involved throughout the tournament - Send us your questions with a WhatsApp voice note. Tell us your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong. They discuss Algeria's 2-2 draw with Burkina Faso, where a Baghdad Bounedjah's 95th-minute equaliser salvaged a second point for the North African side who haven't won an AFCON match since winning the tournament in 2019.They also analyse a 5-goal thriller between Angola and Mauritania, which Angola won to close in on the last 16 and a 1-1 draw between Tunisia and Mali. Plus they look ahead to Sunday's games. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to assess holders Senegal after their 3-1 victory over Cameroon. Ismaila Sarr scored the first for Senegal and set up the second, with Sadio Mane adding the third goal.Senegal top the group while Cameroon have work to do in order to qualify for the knockout stages.We discuss Cape Verde’s qualification for the last 16 following their 3-0 win over Mozambique, and analyse Guinea’s 1-0 win over Gambia.Plus, following the update on Mo Salah’s fitness, John and Gabriel look at how the Liverpool forward's injury may impact on Egypt’s chances in Ivory Coast.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and 2015 Afcon finalist with Ghana, Kwesi Appiah. They discuss Ghana's 2-2 draw with Egypt, which saw Mohammed Kudus score twice but Mohamed Salah forced off with an injury.They also analyse Nigeria's impressive 1-0 win over the hosts Nigeria and talk about the first Afcon hat-trick since 2008. Plus, there's a preview of Senegal against Cameroon.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett and former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani discuss one of the Afcon favourites Morocco, who started their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-man Tanzania.Gabriel also gives his views on his team's Afcon opener against Zambia which ended 1-1 despite DR Congo dominating. Plus, we preview some great games on day six of the tournament with the help of Nigeria's Alex Iwobi.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to react to an historic win for Namibia over Tunisia.It's Namibia's first ever win at an Africa Cup of Nations - but can Tunisia bounce back from the shock defeat? Plus, we hear what they made of the wins for Burkina Faso and Mali on day four of the tournament. And they look ahead to day five when DR Congo and Morocco start their campaigns. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong and former South Africa captain Dean Furman as they review the action on day three of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.We get their views on a stunning performance by 20-year-old Lamine Camara in Senegal's 3-0 victory over The Gambia. He scored twice, including one of the early favourites for goal of the season.Plus, we hear what they made of a frustrating 1-1 draw for Cameroon against ten-man Guinea, and Algeria's 1-1 draw against underdogs Angola.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong and Ghana international Kwesi Appiah as they review the action on day two of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.We get Kwesi’s view on Ghana’s performance in their 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and react to Mo Salah’s last-gasp penalty equaliser for Egypt which denied Mozambique a first ever win at the tournament.Plus we hear from Nigeria’s Afcon winner Efe Ambrose as the Super Eagles play out a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani and ex South Africa captain Dean Furman as they react to hosts Ivory Coast 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations.The team discuss the performance from the hosts and how they could do in the rest of the tournament, as well as looking forward to match day two, which sees nations including Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana begin their campaigns.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voic enote with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by Ghanaian football journalist George Addo, former Cameroon international Sebastien Bassong and former DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani to look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.The team run through who they think will win, who could be the surprise package and what to expect from African football’s biggest event.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

The drama, the excitement and the big talking points – every match day. Star guests join the BBC’s John Bennett and George Addo for reaction and analysis. We’ll take you from the group stage all the way to the final, with everything you need to know from one of the biggest tournaments in the global game. Episodes released from 10th January.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has made an impressive start since joining the London club in the summer, bringing optimism back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with his style of play and a spell at the top of the Premier League table.The former Celtic manager has been successful elsewhere in the football world, particularly in his native Australia and Japan. How did these experiences influence Postecoglou and what legacy has he had on the countries where he’s coached before?Sportsworld’s Delyth Lloyd is joined by Mani Djazmi as they hear from Postecoglou’s former assistant Peter Cklamovski, who is now the head coach at FC Tokyo, and former Australia captain Mark Milligan, who played under Postecoglou for Australia and Melbourne Victory.Photo: Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Credit: Offside via Getty Images)

Spain beat England 1-0 to win their first FIFA World Cup. Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith are joined by former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley to discuss the final and Spain manager Jorge Vilda’s role and future. Image: Ivana Andres of Spain lifts the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy following victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Katie Smith, Mani Djazmi and Maz Farookhi take a ferry trip down the Parramatta River from Sydney's Circular Quay to the Olympic Park, where tomorrow either Spain or England will be crowned world champions for the very first time at Stadium Australia.We hear from Women's Champions League-winning coach Lluis Cortes, Women's European Championship winner Jill Scott, Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes and two-time Women’s World Cup-winning manager Jill Ellis, as well as England captain Millie Bright and Spanish football journalist Sara Gutierrez, as we build up to Sunday's tournament finale.Image: The World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

In 2021, Afghanistan's women's national players fled Kabul to Australia, following the return to power of the Taliban. No women's team representing Afghanistan has kicked a ball in international football since. We catch up with goalkeeper Fati, who's now living and studying in Melbourne, to find out what life's like in Australia, what she wants from FIFA, and how the Women's World Cup has impacted her.Image: Footballer Fatima Yousufi speaks during the Angel City Equity Summit at Sydney Opera House on August 04, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)

Join Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith at Stadium Australia in Sydney as they reflect on England reaching the Women's World Cup final for the very first time after beating the co-hosts 3-1. We hear from England's match-winner Lauren Hemp, and BBC Sport's Emma Sanders drops by to discuss how Sarina Wiegman has taken the European champions to the brink of becoming world champions. Meanwhile, it's the end of the road for the Matildas. Former Australia international Elissia Carnavas joins us to reflect on their run to the semi-finals and discuss the legacy this tournament could have for the development of women's football in Australia.Image: Players of England celebrate following victory during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 semi-final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Maz Farookhi is in Auckland as Spain reach their first final in only their third World Cup finals appearance thanks to second-half strikes from teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo and captain Olga Carmona. Joining Maz are Spanish radio reporter Sara Gutierrez and Swedish journalist Amanda Zaza to chat about the pulsating semi-final. We also hear from The New Zealand Herald’s Michael Burgess about what the tournament has done to football in New Zealand and how the last five weeks will be remembered. As it’s the final match in New Zealand, we’ll also be hearing about the significance of the Maori performing art, Poi, and why it’s been an ever-present at grounds across New Zealand during the competition. Finally, Katie Smith is in Sydney ahead of the second semi-final between co-hosts Australia and the European Champions England. Photo: Jennifer Hermoso of Spain celebrates with her teammates after winning the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi-Final match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park on August 15, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith are in Sydney and Maz Farookhi is in Auckland for the final week of the Women’s World Cup. Ahead of the first semi-final between Spain v Sweden, former Spain captain Verónica Boquete chats to Maz about what makes this Spanish team special despite the players' complex relationship with head coach Jorge Vilda. We also hear from Sweden and Everton defender Nathalie Bjorn on the excitement back home and learning from their past tournament failures, and Australia midfielder Tameka Yallop says they're peaking at the right time as the Matildas face England in the second semi-final.Photo: Spain forward Salma Paralluelo celebrates scoring her team's second goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup quarter-final football match between Spain and the Netherlands at Wellington Stadium. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Join Maz Farookhi as she travels to Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only professional football club to see the impact of the Women’s World Cup.The club was founded in 2007 but the women’s team was only formed two years ago. Maz chats with Phoenix head coach Paul Temple and Katie Barrott, female development lead at the club about what it’s like running the only professional women’s team in the country and how the World Cup will change New Zealand’s relationship with football.Photo: Maz Farookhi with Paul Temple and Katie Barrott (Copyright: BBC Sport)

Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane, as co-hosts Australia reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the very first time after beating France 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout after it finished goalless after 120 minutes.Mani speaks to ecstatic Australia fans outside the Brisbane Stadium, as Matildas mania sweeps across the country. We hear from a passionate Australia manager Tony Gustavsson after leading his history-making team into the last four, while France manager Herve Renard reflects on his side's dramatic exit from the tournament. An emotional Samantha Lewis from ABC News stops by to try and sum up what this achievement means for Australian women's football.Elsewhere, Katie Smith is in Sydney speaking to more delirious Aussie fans following their historic win. Australia will face England in the semi-finals at Stadium Australia on Wednesday after coming from a goal down to beat Colombia. Katie reflects on a good night's work for Sarina Wiegman's side with former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.Image: (L-R) Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley of Australia celebrate the team’s victory through the penalty shootout following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Australia and France at Brisbane Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Join Maz Farookhi in Wellington as Spain reach their first ever World Cup semi-final following a 2-1 victory over 2019 runners up Netherlands. A goal from Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo in the 111th minute was enough for Jorge Vilda’s side to progress to the last four.Maz spoke to Laia Cervello from The Athletic about the achievement and what it means for women’s football in the country. We'll also hear from Dutch journalist Jeroen van Barneveld about what went wrong for the Netherlands. Spain will meet Sweden for a place in the final after they beat Japan 2-1 in Auckland. Meanwhile, Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane ahead of co-hosts Australia's quarter-final against France. Mani speaks to France manager Herve Renard about the challenge of facing a partisan Aussie crowd, while Australia manager Tony Gustavsson and defender Ellie Carpenter give us some insight into their preparations ahead of such a big game.Katie Smith is in Sydney as European Champions England get ready to face Colombia.Image: Salma Paralluelo of Spain celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Spain and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith are back together to preview the four quarter-finals.Maz joins from Wellington to tell us about a quite extraordinary Netherlands press conference involving manager Andries Jonker and forward Lineth Beerensteyn ahead of their game against Spain. Beerensteyn doesn't hold back in her criticism of the USA.Katie is in Sydney to talk about her chat with England midfielder Lucy Staniforth, and Mani speaks to the woman who is credited with coming up with the Matildas name for the Australia women's football team. She tells us the tale, which involved a mechanical kangaroo and a famous royal.Image: Captain Sam Kerr of Australia speaks to her teammates in the huddle after her team’s 2-0 victory and advance to the quarter-final following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Australia and Denmark at Stadium Australia on August 07, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)

Katie Smith is in Melbourne where Colombia have made history, booking their spot in the last eight for the first time by beating Jamaica 1-0. Katie catches up with Colombian journalist Valentina Pena to talk about the battle of the underdogs - how does the team's mentality change when they are not the lower ranked side trying to defy expectations? Plus, she gets immersed in the Colombian after party as thousands of fans celebrate outside the stadium.And after touching down in Brisbane, Mani Djazmi is joined by French football journalist Lisa Leroux and Moroccan football journalist Amine El Amri to reflect on France's 4-0 thrashing of Morocco in Adelaide, as the French set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with co-hosts Australia on Saturday.Photo: Catalina Usme of Colombia celebrates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica. (Credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

There are huge celebrations in Sydney where Australia comfortably made it through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Denmark. Mani Djazmi spoke to jubilant Matildas fans and the ABC’s Samantha Lewis to discuss the goals, increased expectations and the return of captain Sam Kerr for her first appearance at her home World Cup since being injured.Plus, England survived a scare to beat Nigeria on penalties after it remarkably finished goalless after 90 minutes. Who will they face in the quarter-finals? In Melbourne, Katie Smith has been to the Jamaica camp to speak to manager Lorne Donaldson and player Deneisha Blackwood ahead of their last-16 tie against Colombia.Photo: Hayley Raso and Emily Van Egmond of Australia celebrate with team-mates after beating Denmark during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Australia and Runner Up Group D at Stadium Australia on August 7, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Katie Smith is in Melbourne, where Sweden have knocked out the back-to-back defending world champions USA in a dramatic penalty shootout.Katie speaks to jubilant Sweden fans and dejected USA supporters. A relieved Björn Nordling from SVT reflects on Sweden's victory and looks ahead to their quarter final against Japan, while Emily Olsen, soccer editor for The Athletic, stops by to discuss where it all went wrong for the USA.Elsewhere in Sydney, Mani Djazmi spoke to both managers after the Netherlands’ 2-0 win over South Africa in their last 16 encounter.Image: Sweden's forward Lina Hurtig and teammates celebrate their win during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup round of 16 football match between Sweden and USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne on August 6, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

2011 winners Japan beat Norway 3-1 to make it through to the quarter finals of the World Cup. Japanese sports writer Masujima Midori joins Maz Farookhi to discuss the teams performance. The Athletic's Laia Cervelló Herrero also stops by to chat all things Jorge Vilda as Spain thrash Switzerland 5-1 to become the first team in the last eight. Katie Smith is in Melbourne speaking to United States captain Alex Morgan as the World Champions arrive in Australia for their knockout match against Sweden.Photo: Risa Shimizu of Japan and West Ham United celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Japan and Norway at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In today's episode, Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith reflect on Morocco's miraculous progression to the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup. Mani chats to two-time World Cup-winner with Germany, Nadine Angerer, about the country’s shock elimination, while the team preview all eight round of 16 matches. Former Switzerland international Tatjana Haenni drops by to talk about Switzerland's chances, while Mani speaks at length to the Netherlands manager Andries Jonker about the influence of Louis van Gaal and his side's epic travels across the Tasman.Photo: Morocco players celebrate advancing to the knock out stage after the 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)

Katie Smith and Mani Djazmi are in Melbourne as Jamaica make history by becoming the first men's or women's Caribbean team to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup.Jamaican journalist Wayde Brown from Irie FM joins us at the Rectangular Stadium to discuss the scale of the Reggae Girlz' achievement and how it will be received back home. Brazilian journalist Ricardo Setyon also stops by to discuss Brazil's shock elimination and whether this is the end for Brazilian superstar Marta.There was more history making across the Tasman in New Zealand, where Maz Farookhi has been in wintry Wellington as the African champions South Africa have reached the last 16 for the first time after beating Italy 3-2. We hear from Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellies about their historic achievement.Image: Deneisha Blackwood and Vyan Sampson of Jamaica celebrate advancing to the knockout stage after the scoreless draw in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Maz Farookhi is in Auckland as the four-time winners of the World Cup, the United States, are into the knockout stages of the World Cup following a 0-0 draw with Portugal.Maz speaks to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jonathan Tannenwald, New York Times World Editor Andrew Das and Tatjana Haenni, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chief Sporting Director, about why the USA have found this tournament so difficult and what areas they need to improve going forward.Image: Alex Morgan of USA and San Diego Wave during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between Portugal and USA at Eden Park on August 1, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Katie Smith and Mani Djazmi are joined by not one, not two, but three former Australian internationals in the shape of Mark Schwarzer, Amy Chapman and Alicia Ferguson to reflect on the Matildas’ 4-0 thrashing of Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne to progress to the last 16 as group winners. We also hear from former Colombia international Vanessa Cordoba following Colombia’s shock 2-1 win over two-time world champions Germany in Sydney on Sunday.Photo: Steph Catley of Australia (C) celebrates her goal with her teammates during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Canada and Australia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Credit: Richard Callis/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

New Zealand become the first ever hosts of the Women’s World Cup to exit at the group stage, after their 0-0 draw with Switzerland. Maz Farookhi speaks to former Football Fern Bex Sowden about New Zealand’s elimination from the tournament and what this means for football in the country. Former winners Norway are the second team to make it through following their 6-0 thrashing of Philippines. Norwegian journalist Caroline Simonsen explains why the national team blow so hot and cold.

Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane as star Australia forward Sam Kerr says she’ll definitely be playing in their crunch match against Olympic champions Canada on Monday. Former Australia international Amy Chapman chats to Mani about the significances of this news. Mani is joined by Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith to discuss Kerr and the increase of injuries at this World Cup as England’s Keira Walsh becomes the latest player to pick up a knock at this tournament.

Mani Djazmi reflects on Nigeria's shock 3-2 victory over hosts Australia, while Maz Farookhi is in Wellington with reaction to an entertaining 1-1 draw between the USA and the Netherlands, in a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final.After Nigeria’s win against Australia, a side 30 places above them in the rankings, Mani hears from their jubilant fans on the streets of Brisbane accompanied by the soundtrack of celebratory drums.The Guardian’s Jeff Kassouf and Dutch journalist Jeroen van Barneveld join Maz in New Zealand to bring you the perspective from the two 2019 World Cup finalists after their group stage meeting. Also hear from the supporters of both nations.Image: Osinachi Ohale and Onome Ebi of Nigeria celebrate the team's 3-1 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)

It’s a tale of two cities on the latest World Football. Maz Farookhi is in Wellington and Katie Smith is in Auckland as the Philippines score their first ever World Cup goal and get their first ever World Cup win against co- hosts New Zealand. We hear from former Football Fern Maia Jackman about what went wrong for New Zealand and Radyo Pilipinas’ Aaron Bayato on the historic win. Katie has also been to Spain’s training base ahead of their next match where she caught up with journalist Laia Cervello.Photo: Olivia McDaniel (C) and Philippines players celebrate the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Philippines at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi is in Melbourne as two-time world champions Germany hit debutants Morocco for six in their tournament opener.Argentina's wait for a first World Cup win goes on as they are beaten by Italy. Katie Smith is joined by Argentinian commentator Andres Cantor who went viral on social media eight months ago when he got to call the moment that Lionel Messi guided the men's side to World Cup glory. He discusses whether Argentina's women can galvanize similar support in the country.Maz Farookhi has moved onto Wellington ahead of New Zealand’s second match of the tournament against the Philippines on Wednesday. Football fever has definitely hit New Zealand with the squad dominating the media landscape - they’ve even knocked the All Blacks off the top of the sport bulletins. Maz is joined by Kiwi journalist Philip Rollo to preview the match.And Mani catches up with the South Korea manager Colin Bell to discuss their tournament opener against Colombia and his love of singing!

Mani Djazmi and Maz Farookhi reflect on holders USA's opening game win over Vietnam in Auckland, including hearing from Meg Linehan, senior writer for The Athletic. And we speak to FIFA assistant referee Heba Saadiyeh, who is the first Palestinian to participate in either a men's or women's FIFA World Cup.Photo: Lindsey Horan (L) of USA celebrates with teammate Megan Rapinoe (R) after scoring her team's third goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023 in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)

The Philippines become the second country to make their World Cup debut and Maz speaks to journalist Ryan Fenix about what it was like to be in the stadium to watch his country. Katie Smith is in Melbourne as Nigeria’s goalkeeper saves them from defeat and we’ll hear from USA defender Naomi Girma as she prepares to burst onto the scene.Photo: Philippines players applaud fans after the team's 0-2 defeat in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between Philippines and Switzerland at Dunedin Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Dunedin / Ōtepoti, New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)

World Football's Maz Farookhi is in Auckland to discuss New Zealand's first ever win at a Women's World Cup as Hannah Wilkinson’s goal stunned Norway. There was a minute’s silence before kick-off for the victims of a deadly shooting in Auckland on Thursday morning which overshadowed the opening game. Elsewhere there’s relief for co-hosts Australia - Mani Djazmi sees the co-hosts get off the mark with a win against the Republic of Ireland, without their talismanic striker Sam Kerr who’s been ruled out of the first two games with injury.(Image: Hannah Wilkinson of New Zealand celebrates the team’s first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

As the Australian Matildas get ready to kick off their home World Cup campaign, Katie Smith goes back to a time when life was very different for the women representing the national side when they weren’t full time professionals selling out stadiums, when money was tight and publicity almost non-existent.Let’s go back to 1999 - a year out from the Sydney Olympics, when Australian sports teams were desperate to get media coverage and capitalise on a game changing event for the nation. That’s where the Matildas’ nude calendar idea came from - pose naked, gain attention, challenge gender stereotypes, raise funds - but it didn’t end up being that simple.Katie met up with former Matilda Tracie McGovern, who featured in that now infamous calendar, to take a trip back in time.

With just two days to go until the world’s biggest ever women’s sports event kicks off in New Zealand and Australia, World Football’s Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith are in Sydney, with Maz Farookhi in Auckland to preview the start of the tournament. They discuss the hosts, the favourites and the debutants, including in-depth interviews with the two-time World Cup winner with the USA, Carli Lloyd; Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams, one of only two players of aboriginal descent in the Matildas squad; and Panama midfielder Riley Tanner discusses the nation’s World Cup debut.Photo: The FIFA Women's World Cup trophy is seen during its unveiling event on April 14, 2023. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Sam Kerr is at the pinnacle of her career. She’s won her fourth Women’s Super League title with Chelsea, another FA Cup and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, winning multiple Golden Boot awards across the globe.And now the Australian record goal scorer and captain, who was inspired by Cathy Freeman’s gold medal winning race at the Sydney Olympics, is the face of the 2023 World Cup – looking for her team’s own iconic moment -where a nation stops to watch.So where did it all begin for Sam Kerr? Maz Farookhi and Jenny Wallace find out. 1993 was the year Australia’s most famous sporting icon Shane Warne bowled the Ball of the Century, but it’s also the year the future Matildas captain was born in Perth and in to a family passionate about Aussie rules football.You’ll meet the Kerr camp: the coaches, players and family that have played their part in her rise to the top including back to back World Cup winner, USA’s Carli Lloyd, Australia teammates Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, plus her parents Roger and Roxanne. (Producer: Joanne Smith)(Image: An image of Australia's Sam Kerr is projected onto the Sydney Opera House on September 05, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Getty Images)

Delyth Lloyd and Mani Djazmi profile the players who could make their breakthrough on the global stage at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.Journalist Jen O’Neill joins the team to discuss the players to look out for, and the big names who will miss the tournament including England captain Leah Williamson.We’ll also hear from Sophia Smith after her call up to the USA squad.Photo: A general view of the OCEAUNZ footballs, the official match ball of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, before a behind closed doors training match between Republic of Ireland and Germany at Marbella Football Centre in Marbella, Spain. (Credit: Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi and Sarah Mulkerrins profile the eight teams set to make their Women’s World Cup debuts at the upcoming tournament in Australia and New Zealand. They’re joined by journalist Jen O’Neill as the team go around the globe hearing from some of the players who will be representing their nation on the biggest stage.Louise Quinn of Ireland describes how excitement is building in the squad, while there are also interviews with Reina Bonta of the Phillipines, Panama’s Riley Tanner and Morocco and Tottenham forward Rosella Ayane.(Image: The Women's World Cup trophy on display in New York (Credit: Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

In the last weekly edition of the programme, presenter Mani Djazmi, Heather O'Reilly and Pat Nevin reflect on 22 years of World Football.