Football Daily

Mark Chapman is joined by former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, former England captain Steph Houghton and Chris Sutton out in Mexico City to preview the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Correspondent John Murray joins the show to discuss FIFA president Gianni Infantino's press conference addressing some of the off-field issues affecting the buildup to the tournament.
Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith talks about how their squad has settled in the USA and former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith explains how he deals with the conditions now he's in charge at Charlotte FC in the MLS.
Cesar Azpilicueta gives his opinion on Spain's hopes of backing up their Euro 2024 victory - and talks about working with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
And of course the panel get their crystal ball out - including Chris' much anticipated Austria v Jordan prediction!
You can hear coverage of every game during the World Cup on 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
Join Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith on Football Daily every morning from the USA, getting you closer to the biggest talking points at the World Cup 2026 — plus there’s extra insight, big-name guests and interviews from inside the England and Scotland camps. Just search ‘Football’ on BBC Sounds.
TIMECODES -
01:07 - John Murray breaks down FIFA president Gianni Infantino's press conference
15:34 - The panel talk Scotland
22:26 - Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith
28:27 - Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith
42:41 - Cesar Azpilicueta on Spain's chances and Thomas Tuchel
56:20 - Prediction time

Mark Chapman is joined by Conor Coady, Chris Sutton and Adam Crafton as they discuss the changes to the rules at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the BBC’s Football Issues Correspondent, Dale Johnson.
They delve into how players will be stopped from going to the technical area to talk to coaches when goalkeepers are injured and how VAR is being implemented at the tournament.
Timecodes:
0’20 - Why are changes made so close to the start of World Cup?
1’40 - Substitutes and 60 seconds off the field for an injury
3’58 - FIFA banning goalkeeper tactical timeout and hydration breaks
6’16 - 8 second countdown for a goal kick
8’20 - Are FIFA doing it because they’re worried games will overrun?
9’10 - VAR changes and corners
13’50 - Players being treated whilst play continues

Mark Chapman is joined by the Guardian's Jonathan Wilson to look back and reminisce on the magic of Mexico '86. The pair reflect on everything from the size of the goals, to Denmark's iconic kit and how Alex Ferguson led a Scotland side marred by tragedy. Scotland striker Graeme Sharp speaks both about the death of their manager Jock Stein, and how Scotland were drawn into the tournament's first 'Group of Death'. Jono Vernon-Powell, an England fan who witnessed Maradona's iconic 'Hand of God' in person, joins the pod to discuss that unforgettable match. Mark speaks to commentator Barry Davies about his commentary of Maradona's iconic 'Goal of the Century' too. And finally, Argentinian football writer Marcela Mora y Araujo joins the pod to discuss the Argentinian perspective of Maradona and their tournament win.
Timecodes:
01:35 Mark & Jonathan reflect on goal sizes & shouting "Josimar!" on the school playground
08:14 Scotland's Group of Death & the loss of Jock Stein
22:02 Jono Vernon-Powell speaks about following England in Mexico
30:04 Barry Davies on Maradona & his iconic goals
39:30 Marcela Mora y Araujo on the Argentinian perspective of Mexico '86

Mark Chapman is joined by ESPN's Julien Laurens, Conor Coady and Chris Sutton on this week's Monday Night Club. The team ask what the point is in pre-tournament friendlies; are they a waste of time, or are they valuable preparation for the World Cup? Senior Reporter Ian Dennis joins to discuss what Thomas Tuchel will have learned from England's 1-0 win over New Zealand, what role Jude Bellingham could play and whether Morgan Rogers could start ahead of him? Will there be such a thing as a '10' for England, and will it be Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon on the left?
Scotland reporter Jane Lewis joins the pod as we hear from John McGinn, speaking less than a week out from Scotland's opener against Haiti. The team discuss Scotland's positive preparations in their warm-up friendlies, as well as what their approach should be in the opening game. Should they go on the aggressive to score as many goals as possible before facing Brazil and Morocco?
And finally, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague joins MNC to discuss Florentino Perez being re-elected as Real Madrid President, as well as the fitness of Lamine Yamal ahead of Spain's opening match against Cape Verde.
Timecodes:
01:35 How important are pre-tournament friendlies?
10:48 Tuchel's 15 "starters" & will Bellingham be one of the eleven?
26:00 Are England 'over-reliant' on Harry Kane?
32:13 England's leadership group
36:19 McGinn on Scotland's positive World Cup preparations
42:38 Do Scotland have to "go for it" against Haiti?
51:52 Guillem Balague on Perez' presidential victory & Yamal's fitness

The last time the World Cup was on North American soil in 1994, many football fans were sceptical. But it planted the seed of America’s soccer culture today, and it has lived long in the memory of two nations in particular.
Rick Edwards is joined by Brazil fan Edson and two Ireland fans - Rodney and Phelim - who all travelled to the United States. They describe a sometimes underwhelming atmosphere gripped by the stifling heat, but punctuated with unforgettable moments for their teams.
02:20 - Expectations of the US 1994 World Cup
05:00 - The lack of a ‘soccer culture’
8:10 - Edson growing up watching Brazil
10:07 - Ireland coming up against Roberto Baggio’s Italy
16:35 - The excruciating heat
18:40 - John Aldridge’s famous outburst
20:40 - Why things ended in disappointment for the Irish
22:50 - An unconventional Brazil team
25:20 - Brazil vs Netherlands
27:10 - Phelim and Rodney causing chaos in Fort Lauderdale
29:15 - Brazil and Ireland welcomed home
32:30 - The significance of the 1994 World Cup for both nations