The BBC’s Simon Stone reviews England’s epic encounter with Mexico at the Azteca, which breathlessly rattled from one incident to the next and ultimately saw the Three Lions escape the scene of their greatest torment with a famous victory.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The A-Leagues seasons look set for commencement without a playing labour agreement in place, a fortnight on from the PFA announcing CBA discussions with the APL had reached exhaustion. PFA chief-executive Beau Busch returns. Beau also discusses the week’s saddening news, with much-loved Captain Socceroo Paul Wade going public with his probable CTE diagnosis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne Victory have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup with a win over Western Sydney, and now look a real chance to again challenge for their first men’s silverware since 2022. Director of Football John Didulica discusses the board’s decision to change managers, the appointment of Giovanni Savarese, and plenty more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Socceroos and Japan this week fell at the Round of 32, which was disappointingly as far as any of the AFC’s nine representatives made it at the World Cup. The Asian Game’s Paul Williams returns to diagnose just why the ambitions of those in the confederation collectively fell so flat.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meanwhile on the pitch, the Australia Cup has been electric. Three Cupsets within 24 hours saw Preston Lions, Sydney United and Lions FC progress at the expense of A-League opposition; 10/Paramount’s Erik Paartalu discusses the big picture topics at play in Australia’s best sporting competition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To Italy, where an apologetic Roberto Mancini has returned to manage the national team he deserted three years ago amid chaotic circumstances. Adriano Del Monte returns with the Calcio in desperate need of re-routing; there’s also a Serie A preview, including a look at Cristian Volpato and Ale Circati.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Socceroos realigned their World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw over Paraguay, sealing passage to the knockout stages for the third time. Tony Popovic’s side now face Egypt; Network 10’s Teo Pellizzeri returns to assess the state of play as both nations look to make history with a first win beyond the group stages.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the 2026 Men's World Cup brings the need for reflection on the never-ending political and ethical machinations of FIFA and its tournaments. What impact has the White House’s intervention had on Gianni Infantino’s presidency stronghold? What of FIFA's increasingly fawning adulation of football's superstars? The Times' Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler returns to run the moral compass over a madcap administration in full flow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.