With the World Cup around the corner, football fans are getting ready to consume every bit of coverage they can. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest tournament in the competition’s history, with 48 teams competing across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Alongside wall-to-wall TV coverage, podcasts are once again becoming essential listening for fans wanting daily reactions, deeper analysis and a few laughs between matches. Here are some of the shows to keep on your radar during the tournament:
The BBC's flagship football podcast will be providing daily World Cup coverage, with Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith leading special tournament editions. Expect match reactions, expert analysis and regular updates as the competition unfolds.
The Guardian's long-running football show will be recording from the United States throughout the tournament. As well as dissecting the action on the pitch, the podcast is known for exploring the wider stories, personalities and talking points that emerge during major competitions.
Hosted by Semra Hunter, FIFA's official podcast offers a global perspective on the tournament, featuring interviews with players, coaches and figures from across the game alongside analysis and behind-the-scenes features.
Brendan Hunt, best known as Coach Beard in Ted Lasso, joins broadcaster Rebecca Lowe to cover all 104 matches of the tournament. The pair promise a mix of analysis, storytelling and discussion of the characters and moments shaping the World Cup.
Host Matthew Okot takes a more reflective approach, combining tournament coverage with stories from World Cup history. The show explores the journeys, personalities and moments that have defined football's biggest stage over the years.
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will once again be among the most recognisable voices of the tournament. Alongside daily podcast episodes, the show is expanding its World Cup coverage with visualised episodes available on Netflix.
For listeners interested in football beyond the results, Libero examines the culture, politics and social forces that shape the sport. During the World Cup, expect discussion that looks beyond the ninety minutes.
Austin Miller and Amit Mallik focus on tournament storylines, team form and tactical developments, offering regular analysis as the competition progresses.
Host Dave Denholm is joined by journalists, analysts and guests to preview fixtures and examine the key narratives developing throughout the tournament.
The Road to World Cup 26 Podcast
Presented by Ken Davies and Nick Britten, this series follows the wider story of the tournament, from qualification campaigns and squad selection debates to the logistical and political issues surrounding a modern World Cup.
Not every football story is serious. The Upshot specialises in the unusual, bizarre and often hilarious side of the game, making it an ideal companion to the more analysis-heavy shows covering the tournament.
Comedian Matt Forde explores what it takes to succeed on football's biggest stage through conversations with former players, coaches and World Cup veterans.
Gary Neville and the Stick to Football team will be releasing a special run of World Cup episodes, offering opinions, debate and reaction to the tournament's biggest moments.
Wayne Rooney joins Kelly Somers and Kae Kurd for twice-weekly episodes discussing the major talking points of the tournament, alongside interviews with guests from across the football world.
Games Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast
Sunday league manager Steve Bracknall brings his trademark grassroots perspective to the World Cup, with a series of tournament specials and reaction episodes focused on the home nations.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it should provide plenty of listening options throughout the tournament.
