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.

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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.

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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.

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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

England and Scotland acclimatise to conditions in the US ahead of the World Cup.

Russia 2018 was the World Cup that changed everything for England. In one summer alone, the mood changed, the pressure lifted, and arguably for the first time since Euro 1996, the fans fell in love with the England men’s national team once more. To look back on that time, Rick Edwards is joined by Ceylon, Seb and Dan, who were swept along by it – so much so, that two of them ended up in Moscow for that fateful semi-final. They share their stories and emotions from a truly special summer.

01:46 - Pre-tournament expectations for the 2018 World Cup

Katie Smith is joined by former England midfielder Fran Kirby and, Vicki Sparks as they react to England’s Lionesses' 4-0 World Cup Qualifying defeat to Spain in Mallorca. Sarina Wiegman’s side did have the chance to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil this evening, but a poor performance means they have a mountain to climb against Ukraine on Tuesday.

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00:00 Intro

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball answer listener questions ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. From preparing for foreign player pronunciations, to the matches they’re most looking forward to. And from logistical travel arrangements to their favourite national anthems. Messages, questions and voicenotes welcome throughout the tournament on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected]

00:30 John prepares for Mexico,

5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries:

We’ve got together with Americast and Newscast for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever.

Kelly Cates, Pat Nevin and Roddy Forsyth take a trip down memory lane to reflect on Scotland’s World Cup tournaments of the past and look at what it means to be a Scottish football fan, and the cultural significance of the tournament.

Former players Willie Miller, Alan Rough and Kevin Gallacher join the pod to chat about their experiences at a World Cup, and we can’t talk about the finals without mentioning a World Cup song – and Scotland have had a fair few bangers over the years! So, Belle and Sebastian lead singer Stuart Murdoch pops by to tell the guys about writing this year’s World Cup song, and the inspiration behind that too – and Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie comes on to tell us about writing the song for Scotland’s 1998 tournament.

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