World Soccer Talk

After a break of several months from podcasting, host Christopher Harris and co-host Kartik Krishnaiyer explain the absence and what the future has in store for the podcast. During the open and frank conversation, Chris and Kartik discuss the history of the podcast, many of the accomplishments we achieved as well as what an honor it has been to continue sharing our episodes with you the listeners from 2006 to 2025. This is definitely not an episode to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Neville is our guest on the latest episode of the World Soccer Talk Podcast, where we interview the Manchester United and England legend about his new digital series called 'It's Called Soccer!' which also includes Rebecca Lowe and Jamie Carragher.Gary Neville discusses what to expect in the series, as well as his memories of how close he was to becoming a co-commentator for a US television broadcaster, his thoughts on promotion and relegation, and how "It's Called Soccer!' plans to differentiate from the competition.Episode 1 of 'It's Called Soccer!' debuts on September 18, 2024 on the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheOverlapUS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kartik Krishnaiyer and Christopher Harris are back to share their analysis regarding the latest announcement from CBS Sports where they reveal the new soccer rights they've acquired in the United States.We dive into what the EFL and Serie A deals mean for soccer fans, as well as how it'll impact viewers in the United States.In other discussions, we answer your questions in the Listener Mailbag about what's best for the USMNT players wanting to raise their levels, what France's Ligue 1 should do with their US media rights, and how the Canadian national team gets disrespected by a lot of soccer analysts and fans in the United States.Also discussed are the similarities between playing Football Manager and working as an executive at a real soccer club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick ends the Inside Euro 2024 series with his memories of England's journey in major tournaments during his lifetime from World Cup 1966 to Euro 2024. It's a sad tale of depression, defeat, and the Dutch (as well as the Germans).Memories of Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Luke Shaw and Harry Kane, it's a story of heartache and heartbreak.Thanks for joining us on Nick's travelogue around Euro 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Webster is back in the United States where he shares his thoughts about the Euro 2024 quarterfinals and semifinals. Watching the games in Los Angeles at a local pub, he adds his thoughts about England's win versus the Netherlands, and what a complete performance it was. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kartik and Chris return to give you their honest opinions about everything from Euro 2024 vs Copa America to FOX's coverage of both competitions. Chris discusses what he experienced watching soccer while traveling through Europe, while Kartik dives into his new job at a USL club has impacted his viewing experience.Chris and Kartik also share their uncensored analysis about the United States Men's National Team under Gregg Berhalter, as well as Gareth Southgate's England, in addition to the national teams of Brazil and Canada.Last but not least, we discuss how US media created the "golden generation" tag, and why they built up a team only to knock them back down again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Webster travels to Leipzig for one of the best match atmospheres in Euro 2024 for the Turkey against Austria game, playing us the sounds from the stadium including the national anthem and post-match celebrations.Nick gets ready to head back to the States where he'll record more podcast episodes before wrapping up this series of Inside Euro 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick's travels continue through Germany where he reflects on the France versus Belgium game. Plus he shares what it's like traveling around Frankfurt, Germany, and what the match atmosphere is like inside the stadium there.He also shares his thoughts on Portugal versus Slovenia, and how some segments of the crowd came specifically to watch Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Portugal or Slovenia. Nick includes audio recorded live inside the stadium during the national anthems for both countries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Nick Webster takes us on a journey to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the Switzerland versus Italy game. He also interviews an Italian soccer journalist about Italy, soccer history and when Italy last won the FIFA World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick explores Germany along the Rhine River before interviewing journalist and author Andrew Warshaw. During this episode of Inside Euro 2024, he shares his favorite game of the tournament thus far, what it was like to witness Portugal versus Georgia in person at the stadium, as well as his thoughts on one of England’s best footballers of all time.Warshaw is the author of the book, “Tottenham Hotspur: The Perfect Eleven.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Inside Euro 2024, Nick Webster discusses one of the games of the tournament.Nick walks down memory lane and explains the controversy from the Germany-Austria “The Disgrace of Gijon” game from 1982, and why it’s relevant to Euro 2024. He travels to Frankfurt to interview Romania and Slovakia fans and journalists ahead of the game, as well as sharing his thoughts post-match after a brilliant day of football.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reporting from Cologne, Nick Webster shares the experience of going to an England game in person at Euro 2024 including interviews with several England fans who have spent thousands following The Three Lions. Notably, the conversations were done before England played Slovenia.Questions are asked of Gareth Southgate, his team selection, and his stubbornness in trying to prove the critics wrong to the detriment of England's performances.Nick discusses what to do with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Webster looks back at a full day of Euro 2024 action from Dusseldorf. There, he interviewed a British football journalist about how Euro 2024 is a microcosm of life with so many different cultures getting to know each other better. They walk down memory lane about their favorite World Cup and European Championship nations and matches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Webster reports from Cologne, Germany where sunshine appears but it also means dark clouds for Scotland. Nick shares his experiences traveling around the streets and river of Cologne, giving us a flavor of the cathedral city. Onwards, Nick also mentions what his visit to Bochum was like, including an interview with a soccer bar owner and what it's like supporting a club in Germany.If you want to learn how German football culture is different, tune in.Also included is an interview with a Scottish reporter who gives listeners a better understanding of why Scotland is in the state they are right now. He shares his thoughts on whether Celtic and Rangers should join the Premier League, and what the impact would be on the Scottish football system down through the pyramid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Jude Bellingham is the darling of world football and he lit up the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen with a virtuoso performance against Serbia. Meanwhile one of football's greatest scribes lit up insideeuro2024...please meet Henry Winter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 2 of the Euros and 3 matches - Nick Webster was in Cologne for Switzerland vs. Hungary and it was a great game. He also had the chance to talk with Clive Tyldesley about commentary and his legendary call during the 1999 Champions League Final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Webster reports from Germany to share his experiences about his Euro 2024 journey. Included in this podcast episode, Nick sits down with ARD journalist Oliver Hintz to talk about the European Championship tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former FOX Soccer TV presenter Nick Webster previews his new podcast series that we'll be bringing to you all summer long through World Soccer Talk. Nick explains what to expect, and how it'll be different than other Euro 2024-related podcasts. Plus, he'll be on site in Germany to bring you all of the sights, sounds and exclusive interviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some argue that "American soccer should do American soccer in its own unique American way." What is the American way, anyway, when it comes to soccer? A long regular season of meaningless games followed by playoffs to crown a champion. We take a closer look at the pros and cons of the playoffs, how they came about, and why they don't work in American soccer. We also offer ideas for what a better system would be, and what the main reason is why playoffs exist in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We jump into reading the feedback from soccer fans throughout the United States and our analysis and experience about why soccer fans are not signing up for MLS Season Pass, fifteen months after the service launched on Apple TV. Has MLS moving to Apple left the door wide-open for USL, NWSL, and EPL to increase their viewership on US TV? How can MLS compete against other streaming services that offer better soccer for less money? How fans of Liga MX are flipping to the Premier League, and how the rest of the leagues are left picking up the scraps?We also dive into MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s hypocritical comments when he spoke to World Soccer Talk about his reaction to foreign leagues wanting to play official league games in the United States. Plus, he shared with us about the possibilities of more soccer rights coming to Apple soon, and whether Major League Soccer would welcome that Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been more than one year since MLS Season Pass has launched, so it's perfect timing to identify the pros and cons of the streaming product as well as the market conditions that are impacting it. What has improved, what needs to improve and what issues are impacting the growth of Major League Soccer's revolutionary streaming product such as CBS Sports Golazo Network and other free services?We also discuss how many people tuned into the CBS network to watch the historic USL Championship game between Louisville City and Indy Eleven.Other topics debated include the perception of The Athletic as a mouthpiece for MLS. Plus we share your questions and feedback in the Listener Mailbag segment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode discusses Gio Reyna in the USA vs Jamaica game, what European title races are the most exciting, the reaction to the first round of the US Open Cup, ESPN's poor coverage of the FA Cup, The Athletic's cozy relationship with MLS, and a tribute to Joe Barone.There's more soccer on streaming now than ever before that it's sometimes hard to find common ground with fellow soccer fans. It often feels like two worlds colliding — the mainstream soccer games against niche leagues. Despite this, there's enough soccer for people to choose from. No matter which teams or leagues we're all watching, there are plenty of things in common to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shown by its mismanagement of the US Open Cup, the US Soccer Federation has lost all authority as the governing body for the sport in this country. USSF has allowed MLS to become the most powerful soccer entity in this country. At the same time, the US soccer system is a mess as leagues compete against leagues. The chaos of the way that the US Open Cup debacle has been run shows how weak the leadership is under the US Soccer Federation.Also discussed in this episode is the new TV deals from USL and NWSL, and how those two leagues will be giving MLS a run for its money since the launch of MLS Season Pass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we discuss whether the soccer streaming bubble has burst. We also dive into a breakdown of the ESPN, FOX, and TNT app and whether it’s a killer app. We discuss the Premier League’s domination of the soccer landscape in the United States, and how that may not be a good thing. Plus, when even the biggest story happens in a league but no one seems to care, what does that say? We also answer the questions, can LaLiga close the gap with the Premier League, and what do the leagues Serie A, EFL, and Ligue 1 do about their next rights deals in the USA? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MLS tries to balance Messi's playing time and selling Apple TV subscriptions. We also discuss why FIFA chose New Jersey for the World Cup Final, how Arlington or Atlanta would have been a better choice, where the Women’s World Cup final could be if US/Mexico wins the bid, how Messi Mania is turning into a PR disaster for MLS and Inter Miami, Apple isn’t managing the expectations of fans by making everything about Messi, and why is MLS making so many sloppy PR mistakes lately,  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Wilson joins World Soccer Talk to discuss his new soccer newsletter that’s written specifically for the U.S. audience, the evolution of soccer managers, his thoughts about Marcelo Bielsa and what he can accomplish at Uruguay, how writing for a U.S. audience is different, whether he feels American soccer fans are informed or not about the world’s game, news about an updated edition of his book about Brian Clough, how he would write his Sunderland book differently now in hindsight, why Brian Clough doesn’t have as much of a legacy as other English football managers, comparing Klopp to Guardiola, and how Clough’s upbringing had an impact on his role as a manager.The newsletter 'Soccer With Jonathan Wilson' is available on The Guardian's website.Jonathan Wilson writes about football for The Guardian and Observer, including a weekly column for The Observer. He has written 11 books, including Inverting the Pyramid, and is the editor of The Blizzard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a fascinating interview with Wrexham Director of Football Shaun Harvey, the executive discusses the crossroads the EFL finds itself in ahead of a new international rights deal. iFollow is ending, so what does the future of streaming EFL games look like for international viewers? Harvey shares his insight regarding the available options and the lessons learned from launching iFollow. We also discuss how soccer fans in the United States can watch every Wrexham game, why so few Wrexham league games are shown on ESPN+, what changed to normalize streaming of games in the United Kingdom, where Wrexham stands in popularity of EFL clubs worldwide, why iFollow was started in the first place, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can reveal that the Premier League has become the most popular soccer league in the United States for the first time, but how can the competing leagues fight back so they're still contenders? At the same time, we discuss why MLS fans will have to fork out more in 2024 to see the new Drive to Survive-like docuseries, how the new series may or may not be more successful than the docuseries that MLS has done in the past, what type of MLS subject material would drive interest for soccer fans, how MLS believes it can be more successful worldwide in 2024, how the timing of the MLS deal with Box to Box Productions may be too late. Plus we dive into your feedback about MLS' decision to quit the US Open Cup, and their subsequent U-turn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major League Soccer’s cold and calculated decision to quit the US Open Cup has had a dramatic impact on the credibility of the USA’s top-flight league. Many hardcore fans of Major League Soccer have criticized the league for its lack of respect for American soccer. As usual, we take a deep dive into the topic. We discuss whether US Open Cup can survive without MLS if NFL-owned MLS teams purposely want to hold soccer’s growth back in this country, and how Major League Soccer’s target demographic is a key driver in these decisions.Subsequently, what role has MLS rightsholder Apple had with team owners making this decision? Also, what do soccer fans need to do to get MLS to overturn its decision? Plus we discuss how US Open Cup plans on marketing the competition differently in 2024. Last but not least, is US Soccer capable of removing Major League Soccer’s D1 sanctioning? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you want MLS to rule all of professional club soccer in the United States? It’s heading that way. We dissect what MLS Commissioner Don Garber says on the topic, as well as what it means for soccer fans (and clubs) across the United States. We also share our analysis of the viewership numbers for the 2023 MLS Cup Final between Columbus Crew and LAFC, as well as discuss the risk that MLS admits it’s taking with MLS Season Pass. Last but not least, we explain why Kartik is in Jacksonville, and the new chapter of the SoccerWarz, as well as your excellent comments and feedback in the Listener Mailbag segment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deep dive into whether the popularity of soccer is growing or shrinking in the United States at the same time that the English Premier League has cemented its place as THE soccer league in this country. What can LaLiga, MLS, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga do to catch up with the Premier League? We also discuss how the Premier League is close to surpassing the popularity of the most popular soccer league on US television.Why hasn’t soccer been able to make an impact on the mainstream? We pinpoint what is missing to make the sport more popular in this country, and what that means for the future of soccer in the United States with the 2026 World Cup around the corner.In addition to these topics, we share what the consensus is about Apple’s deal with Major League Soccer from key executives in the sport at the Soccerex Miami conference.As the Premier League continues to grow in popularity, does this hurt or help the popularity of the different national teams among soccer fans in the United States? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to watching soccer, if a league isn't on television, does it make a sound? We discuss this topic in light of the new media deals announced for NWSL and USL, which begs the question about other leagues who are struggling with the same question, namely Major League Soccer (with MLS Season Pass) and the Bundesliga (with ESPN+).On this week’s episode, we also discuss whether NWSL and USL going down the path of MLS 1.0 is going to help or hurt them, we share your feedback on VAR, plus we answer all of your questions in the Listener Mailbag segment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a game that is so simple, VAR has made the sport more complicated. It has removed a lot of enjoyment from the game and has made it more tedious to watch when VAR gets involved. As such, hosts Kartik Krishnaiyer and Christopher Harris discuss how VAR is ruining the Premier League, and what the solution is, as well as comparing it to how other leagues handle VAR. In an attempt to add a spectacle to the Premier League, it has had the reverse effect. The topic of discussion, of course, is the Newcastle-Arsenal game, as well as Fulham versus Man United. The podcast was recorded before the Tottenham-Chelsea match where VAR controversies raged on.Other than VAR, we discuss Matt Turner being dropped by Nottingham Forest and what it means for USMNT players in Europe, ESPN2's coverage of the USL League One final, who would have been a better USWNT coach - Emma Hayes or Sarina Wiegman, news about Kartik interviewing Guillem Balague about Lionel Messi, the joys of watching the FA Cup 1st Round, feedback on NBC and CBS soccer coverage, whether USWNT and USMNT games are available on-demand on Max, as well as plenty of other topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss whether CBS Sports could do a better job of covering the Premier League than NBC Sports does, Kartik discusses what he discovered about world soccer from traveling to Turkey, and what other soccer coverage we've been seeking out to fill the void. We also discuss what's missing from CBS Sports' Morning Footy show that would improve it. Plus, is there enough demand or interest in watching League Two games from viewers in the United States? And have the Premier League, Championship and League One become too boring and predictable?In the Listener Mailbag segment, we answer your questions about CBS Sports Golazo Network, Saudi Pro League, BBC’s ‘Everton: Nothing will be the Same’ series, MLS Cup Playoffs, Welcome to Wrexham, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear our interview with Jon Champion, the legendary soccer commentator who now works for NBC Sports as well as ESPN, ITV, and other broadcasters. For fans of Premier League clubs around the world, Jon Champion is one of the most well-known voices. In the interview, Jon Champion discusses: – What he misses most about the United States – His history with Peter Drury – Working alongside Taylor Twellman – Whether VAR should have been implemented or not – Where he gets his wit from – Other sports he has called – His memories of supporting his favorite soccer club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we discuss why NBC Sports needs to step up the quality of its Premier League coverage, our thoughts on the new Messi documentary series from Apple, the trials and tribulations of Fantasy Premier League, and NWSL’s new TV deal. Plus we discuss:- Technical issues streaming games across Peacock, Paramount+ and ESPN+- Which soccer broadcaster is the most unformulaic- Could CBS Sports do a better job at broadcasting the Premier League to viewers in the USA? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much like the men's side, the Wrexham Women's team has undergone considerable change since American investors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over at the club. Not only has Wrexham Women earned promotion to its top flight, but it is growing in popularity.The brains behind that growth is Gemma Owen, who oversees the entire women's department at Wrexham AFC. Among her many hats, she is also an assistant manager of the U-19 Women's side with Wrexham. However, her responsibilities vary greatly. Owen joins World Soccer Talk ahead of 'Welcome to Wrexham' season two episode six, titled 'Ballers.' In this interview, Owen talks about her various responsibilities with the club as well as some of the players and fans of the side. Additionally, Owen goes into detail about the growing popularity of the women's team from abroad. Thousands of people had made the pilgrimage to Wrexham to watch the men's team. Now, some people are staying an extra day to watch the women. Could fans in the United States have the opportunity to see the Wrexham Women in a friendly against NWSL teams? Also, is there any chance fans could see Wrexham Women play in the Champions League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode, we discuss the return of Welcome to Wrexham, audio problems for Premier League and Bundesliga games, whether Apple’s plans for soccer are a good move or not, and where NWSL rights could go next season after this year's deal ends.In the Listener Mailbag segment, we answer your questions and feedback including why we feel business owners should stay clear of disrespecting the sport of soccer, why Peacock doesn't show every single Premier League game, Saudi Arabia versus MLS, the pros and cons of leagues having games streamed via Apple TV, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our exclusive interview with Wrexham AFC Club Executive Director Humphrey Ker shines a light on several fascinating topics involving the global phenomenon that is Wrexham Association Football Club. Ker, who is responsible for turning Rob McElhenney into a soccer fan and ultimately into becoming co-owner of Wrexham alongside Ryan Reynolds, answers questions about who is responsible for creating the magic of Welcome to Wrexham (season 2 launched September 12, 2023 on FX).Take a journey with us through Welcome to Wrexham season 2 as Ker discusses whether the success of the series in the US surprised him, the decision behind not including spoilers in season two, his experiences running into people from around the world outside the Racecourse Ground, and what Wrexham's global plans are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of Messi’s magical run in Major League Soccer, as well as catching listeners up on where we’ve been. That's just the start of the conversation as we also chat about the wonders of British motorway service stations, whether the Messi effect has been able to impact mainstream media, what the Messi effect is like in the United Kingdom, what the biggest benefit is of all after Messi's arrival in the United States of America.Other tidbits discussed are NBC's new Premier League set, what their coverage is lacking, whether Super Clubs in MLS are a good thing or not, your thoughts on ESPN's coverage of soccer, criticism for ESPN's inability to take advantage of a golden opportunity, and what we've enjoyed about this Premier League season so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Harry Kane's arrival in the Bundesliga move the needle with the popularity of the German league across the United States? We discuss, but we also dive into several related topics.For instance, is ESPN ready to promote the Bundesliga with as much attention that they've given to LaLiga? Does ESPN have the talent they need based in the United States who can share their expertise on German soccer? And we also share which league the Bundesliga is focused on overtaking internationally, and why it's important that social media is part of that strategy.As always, we also discuss a variety of other topics and answer your questions in the Listener Mailbag section. One of the topics is, if you’re not watching full games, can you call yourself a soccer fan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot on the heels of Messi, would Neymar Jr moving to MLS be a smart move for the league or not? What does he offer that would make fans want to watch him, and what are any risks, if any? We also discuss how it could impact MLS Season Pass.Other topics discussed: • What we're most looking forward to seeing in the Premier League this season• Added time, and how it's going to be an issue for TV broadcasters and viewers• How US Soccer Federation is benefitting from Messi coming to America• Why the US went crashing out of the Women's World Cup• How many soccer fans are watching highlights but not watching soccer games• What this Women's World Cup has been like Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Messi games with Inter Miami have become a must-watch on the calendar. So much so that they’re eating into Women’s World Cup viewership, and they may end up having an impact on Premier League viewership when that season starts in a week from now.With so many games happening this summer and so few hours, we dive into what viewing choices we're making and why, as well as sharing our opinions about some of the biggest stories in soccer this summer.Also discussed is whether Apple not sharing MLS Season Pass viewing numbers is helping or hurting the league. And why it's important to not believe all of the numbers you're hearing.It's also time to share our preview of the English Championship 2023/24 season, as well as mentioning some good news out of the Bundesliga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.