AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 738 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The End Is Just The Beginning with Jesper Sorensen, Kevin Blue, Don Garber, Yohei Takaoka)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of World Cup, Canadian national team, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Canadian Championship chat and interviews.

Canada's World Cup is over and all three hosts are now out of the tournament. A Round of 16 defeat to Morocco saw the hosts tournament come to an end and there's a lot of pride and a lot of questions now coming out of it around what's next and how to continue to grow the game here. We pick over the bones of the Morocco defeat, hear from Alphonso Davies, and Canada Soccer General Secretary Kevin Blue and MLS Commissioner Don Garber chat about the future of football here in Canada and across North America.

Turning our attention to the club game, we catch up with Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka as the team get set to get back into competitive action after six and a half weeks off. How are they feeling, what additions could be coming in, how will they approach the Canadian Championship game, and does this feel like the continuation of a season or starting from scratch? Plus Cavalry's Tommy Wheeldon Jr talks about the Voyageurs Cup match up with the 'Caps.

All of this plus music-wise, we've three C86 songs for you with tracks from The Membranes, The June Brides, and The Primitives, while we have an English World Cup song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.21: Intro - Extra thanks
06.50: All three World Cup hosts are out after Round of 32
19.25: Canada's World Cup is over after Morocco loss
28.50: Alphonso Davies audio and discussion
44.30: Kevin Blue on the future of Canadian Soccer
86.00: Growing the game post World Cup - with audio from Don Garber
112.30: Jesper Soresen interview
133.40: CanChamp preview with Tommy Wheeldon Jr
142.20: Yohei Takaoka interview
148.15: Wavelength - Sonny Green x Death of Guitar Pop - We're Telling 'Em

Episode 737 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Coming of Age with Pat Onstad, Sebastian Berhalter, Ryan Gauld, Tristan Blackmon, Brian White, Chris Wood, Jesse Randall, and Darren Bazeley)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of World Cup, Canadian national team, and Vancouver Whitecaps chat and interviews.

Canada continue to make history at this year's World Cup. Their 1-0 victory over South Africa saw them secure a first ever knockout round win and now they face Morocco in the Round of 16. We look back at that famous win in L.A. and what awaits in Houston, plus we talk to former Canadian national team goalkeeper, and current Houston Dynamo General Manager, Pat Onstad about Canada's World Cup so far, the growth of the game here, and more.

With two Vancouver Whitecaps still left in the tournament, we chat some more with Sebastian Berhalter about his experiences with the U.S. and the impact the team and the tournament might have for his country. Plus we also get some World Cup thoughts from his Whitecaps teammates Brian White and Tristan Blackmon, while Ryan Gauld talks to us about finally being "pain free" and raring to get back onto the pitch.

The group games are over and we bring you some audio from the New Zealand camp as they say goodbye to Vancouver and the tournament, having failed to secure that historic first ever World Cup victory they craved. We hear from head coach Darren Bazeley and veteran forward Chris Wood about how the tournament went and what now for both them and the program. Could we see New Zealand in the Gold Cup? Could we see Wood in MLS and at the Whitecaps? We also chat with All Whites forward Jesse Randall about his tournament, winning the A League with Auckland, and the new adventure that now awaits him in Scotland with Dundee United. Plus Portland Timbers Finn Surman talks about his experiences and now heading back to MLS, for now at least.

All of this plus music-wise, our C86 songs are backs with tracks from BMX Bandits, Jesse Garon and the Desperados, and Talulah Gosh, while we have a hardcore techno World Cup song in Wavelength from Tiscore.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.21: Intro - FanFest experiences, Scotland crash out
17.25: Canada make more history with knockout round win over South Africa
56.40: Pat Onstad interview
81.25: How does this World Cup run compare to 2000 Gold Cup win?
84.05: Moroccan test awaits Canada in Houston heat
100.00: NZ coach Darren Bazeley on the All Whites' tournament and the future
116.05: Eli Just, Liberato Cacace, and Ben Old on what now for NZ soccer
119.50: Chris Wood reflects on NZ's World Cup and his own future
127.10: Finn Surman on his World Cup and heading back to MLS
132.56: Jesse Randall on his World Cup experience and making the move to Scotland
141.25: Sebastian Berhalter on U.S. World Cup experiences, pressure, and expectations
151.50: Brian White interview
158.20: Tristan Blackmon interview
168.30: Ryan Gauld gives us a health update and he's raring to go
174.25: Wavelength - Tiscore - Red Card

Episode 736 – The AFTN Soccer Show (World Cup Highs, Lows, and Everything Inbetween - Canada thrash Qatar, Egypt beat New Zealand, World Cup thoughts so far, Don Garber on #SaveTheCaps latest)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of World Cup, Canadian national team, and even Vancouver Whitecaps chat.

The World Cup is in full flow and it's been a fantastic feast of footballing action with many twists and turns along the way. Canada is doing the country proud, claiming their first ever win and clean sheet at the tournament in their 6-0 demolition of Qatar to top Group B. We look back at the historic match and occasion, and get some postgame reaction from Alistair Johnston, Ali Ahmed, and Max Crepeau, and look ahead to the big Switzerland clash on Wednesday.

Egypt also got their first ever World Cup win on Sunday, in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over New Zealand and we bring you some postgame audio and chats with Egypt's Mo Salah and New Zealand's Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Francis de Vries, and Elijah Just. We also cast our eyes over the tournament so far after day 10 as all three host nations are flying high. Who's impressed, who's disappointed, and can Scotland make it to the knockout rounds for the first time? We also look at some great moments for World Cup first timers and have a quick chat with Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter about his tournament experience so far. Plus we look at the stadium experiences and atmospheres we've experienced first-hand.

It's not all World Cup chat though as we bring you some audio from MLS Commissioner Don Garber as he talks about the latest situation to #SaveTheCaps and keep them in Vancouver. Plus music-wise, legendary Scottish band Deacon Blue continue their residency as our Artists of the Month and we've got another Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.22: Intro - lots of football, lots of marching, lots of memories
10.34: World Cup stadium experiences - logistics, atmospheres, crowds
42.30: The tournament so far - hosts flying high, Scotland in tough, first timers get their moments
65.05: Hydration breaks and group tiebreakers irk
78.30: Canada thrash Qatar, now Swiss test awaits
115.00: Ali Ahmed after Qatar win
117.50: Maxime Crepeau after Qatar win
122.30: Alistair Johnston after Qatar win
141.20: Mo Salah reflects on Egypt's historic win over New Zealand
148.30: Finn Surman on his bittersweet night in Vancouver
152.40: Michael Boxall talks after NZ's loss to Egypt
162.00: Francis de Vries chats about his World Cup debut in the place he started as a pro
168.00: Eli Just chats after NZ's loss to Egypt
173.35: Don Garber on the latest to #SaveTheCaps
184.40: Wavelength - Sanjeev Kohli and Tom Urie - Back In The Game

Episode 735 – The AFTN Soccer Show (World Cup Fever Grips North America - Canada get first point, Scotland beat Haiti)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of World Cup chat.

After year of anticipation, excitement, and planning, with more than a few speedbumps and frustrations along the way, the 2026 World Cup is underway and the summer feast of football is in full flow. Five days in and we've had some fantastic matches, some great goals, a couple of surprises, and some great storylines. We delve into some of the main talking points so far with particular emphasis on Canada's 1-1 draw with Bosnia, their first ever World Cup point, and Scotland's 1-0 win over Haiti, their first World Cup win in 36 years. AFTN had the pleasure of being at both matches and we share some of our thoughts on the games and our experiences at the stadiums in Toronto and Boston.

We also bring you some postgame audio from the Canada game as I catch up with former Whitecap Ali Ahmed to chat about getting his World Cup moment and coming back to play in Vancouver, plus we hear from Ismael Kone, Luc de Fougerolles, Max Crepeau, Joel Waterman, and Alistair Johnston about the game and what's next.

All of this plus we give you some World Cup predictions, we wrap up our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, and music-wise, legendary Scottish band Deacon Blue continue their residency as our Artists of the Month and we've got another Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.20: Intro - a special couple of days
12.25: Canada's draw with Bosnia unpacked
42.00: Ismael Kone and Luc de Fougerolles postgame audio
48.50: Max Crepeau reflects on his first World Cup game
53.27: Ali Ahmed talks getting his World Cup moment and coming back to Vancouver
59.00: Joel Waterman's postgame thoughts
61.50: Qatar Preview
64.17: Alistair Johnston on Canada becoming a soccer nation
71.55: Scotland beat Haiti in Boston, as their fans take over the city
101.20: Canadian Soccer A to Z - Z
107.25: Some World Cup predictions
125.00: Wavelength - Nick Morgan - No Scotland, No Party (2026 version)

Episode 734 – The AFTN Soccer Show (World Cup Preview Part Three with Thomas Müller, Rayan Elloumi, Deedson, and Asa Rehman)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of World Cup chat and interviews, in the third and final of our preview shows for the tournament.

With the World Cup kick off just around the corner, we're joined by Global TV's Asa Rehman to look at how ready the Canadian team feels for the tournament, how they looked in their two recent friendlies, who we expect to get the start on Friday, and hopes and expectations against Bosnia and for the tournament as a whole.

We also bring you our final three group previews, as Zach breaks down Germany and Group E, Asa looks at the Netherlands and Group F, Doug Pirie and Gordon Henderson join us from the Scottish podcast Glory Days of Gold to look at Scotland and Group C, and we chat with FC Dallas' Haitian winger Deedson about his country reaching their first finals since 1974.

Plus we chat with Thomas Müller about being a pundit and not a player at this year's tournament, his advice to the Vancouver Whitecaps players heading off to their first World Cup, and bring back some South Africa 2010 memories for him with the help of that year's Panini sticker album. We also sit down for a chat with Whitecaps 18-year-old striker Rayan Elloumi about the breakneck year he's had, getting the call to Tunisia's World Cup squad, and his own World Cup memories from tournaments past.

All of this plus we look at some of the IFAB rule changes for this year's tournament, we move onto the letter Y in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, legendary Scottish band Deacon Blue continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, and we've got another new Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.20: Intro - thanks to our Gold Tier members
05.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - Y
10.45: It's game time - is Canada ready?
37.40: Group E Preview - Curacao, Ecuador, Germany, and the Ivory Coast
60.00: Thomas Müller talks World Cup memories and his new role as a pundit
67.45: Group F Preview - Japan, Sweden, The Netherlands, and Tunisia
89.00: Rayan Elloumi interview on his first World Cup with Tunisia
108.00: Group C Preview part one - Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, and Scotland
130.25: Chat with Haiti winger Deedson
135.35: Group C Preview part two
160.55: Rule changes and new laws of the game at this year's World Cup
177.10: Wavelength - Belle and Sebastian - It Only Takes One Lion

Episode 733 – The AFTN Soccer Show (World Cup Preview Part Two with Mathias Laborda, Finn Surman, Marco Materazzi, and Petar Musa)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of World Cup chat and interviews, in the second of our preview shows for the tournament.

We're looking at six of the groups in this episode (Groups G to L), with special focus on Group G where two of the six matches will be at BC Place and a further two down in Seattle. There's a special focus on New Zealand, who will play two of their matches here in Vancouver, and we sit down with Portland Timbers centre back Finn Surman to chat about his footballing journey so far, the game in Aotearoa, the excitement of playing at his first World Cup, and his World Cup memories from tournaments past.

We also look ahead to Uruguay's chances in Group H with Vancouver Whitecaps defender Mathias Laborda, find out how he still gets excited about the tournament, and chat about some of his World Cup memories through the years. And FC Dallas' Petar Musa talks about his selection to the Croatian World Cup team and their chances in Group L and beyond.

All of this plus we hear from Jesse Marsch and Maxime Crepeau after the latter was named the Canadian starting goalkeeper for the World Cup, get Zach's experience at the Uzbekistan friendly in Edmonton, chat with Italian legend Marco Materazzi about the World Cup and what Italy need to do to qualify again, move onto the letter X in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, legendary Scottish band Deacon Blue wrap up their residency as our Artists of the Month, and we've got another World Cup song in Wavelength, and this time it's a throwback to Espana '82 for New Zealand.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.24: Intro - Zach's CanMNT travels
10.55: Max Crepeau named Canada's starting goalkeeper
20.45: Canadian Soccer A to Z - X
26.20: Group G Preview - Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand
50.00: Finn Surman interview on New Zealand and the World Cup
72.30: Group H Preview - Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Uruguay
83.00: Mathias Laborda's Uruguayan World Cup memories
90.00: Group I Preview - France, Iraq, Norway, Senegal
99.40: Group J Preview - Algeria, Argentina, Austria, and Jordan
113.00: Group K Preview - Colombia, DR Congo, Portugal, and Uzbekistan
120.40: Group L Preview - Croatia, England
123.55: Petar Musa on his World Cup call-up with Croatia
129.50: Group L Preview - Ghana, Panama
132.42: Marco Materazzi on his World Cup memories and Italy not qualifying again
138.35: Wavelength - Ray Woolf and the New Zealand 1982 World Cup Squad - Heading To The Top

Episode 732 – The AFTN Soccer Show (World Cup Preview Part One with guests Sebastian Berhalter, Andres Cubas, and author Todd Smith)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of World Cup, Canadian national team chat and interviews, along with the latest AFTN Book Club.

The World Cup is less than two weeks away and the excitement is building here at AFTN Towers as we bring you the first of three preview podcasts for the tournament. This episode looks at the groups of the three hosts - Canada, Mexico, and the US - as we preview Groups A, B, and D. We also delve into the Canadian and American 26-man rosters and talk to Jesse Marsch about pressures of the tournament, especially as a host nation.

We've also got two feature interviews to bring you, with two Whitecaps friends and teammates that will be going against each other on June 12th as the US take on Paraguay. Sebastian Berhalter and Andres Cubas talk about their World Cup hopes, dreams, and memories and how much it would mean to them to face off against each other at the tournament.

The AFTN Book Club returns and we chat with Minneapolis author Todd Smith about his new book, Relegation - One American's pies and pints Journey from the top to the bottom of English football, and beyond.

All of this plus we move onto the letter W in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Mansun wrap up their residency as our Artists of the Month, and we've got yet another new Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength. They keep coming, we keep playing them!

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.23: Intro
04.05: Canadian Soccer A to Z - W
19.40: Canada's World Cup roster revealed - who made the cut, who didn't, and what could still change?
44.45: Group B Preview - a breakdown of Canada's opponents
57.35: Jesse Marsch talks World Cup pressures
64.05: Sebastian Berhalter makes US World Cup squad
70.50: Sebastian Berhalter interview on being around World Cup past and present
81.15: The impact of this World Cup on the game in North America
91.30: Marcelo Balboa on the impact of World Cup '94 and the growth of Sebastian Berhalter
98.40: Group D Preview - Paraguay
103.42: Andres Cubas interview on World Cup dreams and memories
114.05: Group D Preview - Australia and Turkey
123.00: Group A Preview - Czechia, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea
133.30: AFTN Book Club interview - Todd Smith on his book "Relegation"
169.05: Wavelength - Nathan Evans x Saint Phnx - Home

Episode 731 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Looking Downwards - Whitecaps dominant in San Diego, Whitecaps and MLS midseason review, Ralph Priso, CanMNT roster predictions)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat.

The first part of the MLS season wound up this weekend with the last round of matches ahead of the World Cup break. The Whitecaps finished strong, dispatching San Diego 4-2 in a dominant performance that sees them go into their eight weeks off atop the Western Conference. We delve into the main talking points from that match and review the highs and lows of the season so far, both for the 'Caps and across MLS. Plus we chat with head coach Jesper Sorensen about what he's made of the season to date and whether he's looking to strengthen the side in the upcoming transfer window.

One man back for the Whitecaps before the break was Ralph Priso and we bring you some audio from Ralph as we chat about his return from injury, his chances of making Canada's World Cup roster, and whether he allows himself to dream of being at the tournament this summer. Plus we select our 26-man Canadian roster ahead of Friday's official announcement.

All of this plus we round-up the week's action across the CPL as Pacific FC part ways with their head coach, move onto the letter V in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Mansun continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, and we've got yet another new Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength. They keep coming, we keep playing them!

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.25: Intro - Auckland win A-League, Southampton spygate
14.00: Whitecaps go into World Cup break top of the West after win in San Diego
58.00: A review of the Whitecaps season so far - with Sorensen's thoughts
98.00: MLS round-up at World Cup break
123.40: Canadian Soccer A to Z - V
136.00: Ralph Priso is back - will he make CanMNT World Cup roster?
154.00: Merriman out at Pacific and CPL round-up
164.00: Wavelength - Skerryvore - Never Stopped Dreaming

Episode 730 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Two-steps and Missteps - Save The Caps latest, Whitecaps back top, MLS salaries, MLS and CPL round-ups)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat.

It was another busy week in Whitecapsland, both on and off the pitch. We bring you the latest updates in the battle to #SaveTheCaps and keep them in Vancouver. A week of meetings and statements may not have produced any concrete solutions yet in terms of a new stadium and new owners of the club, but there are a lot of positive signs and we unpack what we can from it all.

On the pitch, the 'Caps were busy with two games in Texas and while it was a mixed set of results with a win in Dallas and a loss in Houston, they head in to the last game before the World Cup break back on the top of the MLS Western Conference. We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them. We also break down the Whitecaps salaries that were released this week and there's some jaw-dropping numbers in there, plus look at some of the other Whitecaps News of the Week.

All of this plus we round-up the week's action across MLS and the CPL, move onto the letter U in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Mansun continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Wedding Present are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've got yet another new Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength!

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.22: Intro chat
07.15: Save The 'Caps latest - a week of meetings and statements
33.00: Whitecaps back top of MLS West after mixed Texas two-step
64.25: Whitecaps News of the Week - Can Champ dates set, Elloumi makes Tunisia World Cup squad
71.05: MLS 2026 salaries released - we break down the Whitecaps figures
94.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - U
114.00: MLS round-up
133.50: CPL round-up
142.55: Wavelength - Gun Ghaol - Gun Alba

Episode 729 – The AFTN Soccer Show (All Alone And Staring Into Space - Save The Caps latest, Axel Schuster holds roundtable, Whitecaps draw in San Jose, MLS and Can Champ round-ups)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Championship chat and audio.

As the battle to #SaveTheCaps and keep them in Vancouver continues, we delve into the week's developments, the rumours of new local interest including possible First Nations involvement, bring you some snippets from Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster's media roundtable, and unpack some of what was discussed. We also delve into the on-pitch action as the 'Caps battled to a 1-1 draw in their top of the table clash in San Jose.

We also round-up the week's action in MLS and in the first round of the Canadian Championship, and bring you some postgame audio from Cavalry FC, Vancouver FC, and Langley United after their matches.

All of this plus we move onto the letter T in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Mansun continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Shrubs are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've got yet another new Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength!

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.21: Intro chat - the 2026 World Cup is one month away, excited yet?
18.00: Save The 'Caps latest - we unpack the week's news and Axel Schuster's roundtable
81.10: Whitecaps and San Jose share spoils in top of table clash
106.20: MLS round-up
116.20: Canadian Soccer A to Z - T
131.00: Canadian Championship round-up with postgame audio
165.15: Wavelength - Whyte Noise (ft Derek Rae) - See Our Likes Again

Episode 728 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Vegas Vultures Circling - Whitecaps relocation talk heats up, Vancouver draw in LA, MLS and CPL round-ups)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat after an emotional, draining, and anger-inducing week in Whitecapsland.

The feelgood factor from just a week ago went quickly missing in Vancouver as news broke, and continued to break as the week wore on, that a group had put a bid in for the Whitecaps with the aim of moving the team to Las Vegas. It was a fast-moving news cycle with both a lot and a little said by both sides and very few glimmers of hope for the 'Caps faithful it felt at times. So how did we get here? What do we know, what do we not, what's next, and how you can help? We delve into all of that, the main bullet points from the week, and hear from Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. It may feel grim, but there is some light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.

On the pitch, the Whitecaps dominated the LA Galaxy for much of their match on Saturday, but struggled to break down the home side's lines before recovering from a defensive mishap to salvage a vital road point. We pick over the main talking points coming out of that one and we round up the weekend action across MLS and the CPL.

All of this plus we move onto the letter S in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Mansun kick off their residency as our Artists of the Month, McCarthy are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've got another new Scotland World Cup song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.22: Intro chat - FIFA makes us sick, UK season wrapping up
13.35: Whitecaps relocating to Vegas? - what we know, what we don't, what's next
79.00: Whitecaps come back to draw at LA Galaxy
103.30: MLS round-up - West top guns drop points, crazy Florida derby
130.45: Canadian Soccer A to Z - S
143.10: CPL round-up - smoke, video reviews, and a BC derby
160.40: Wavelength - Not Always Not Never - Think Again

Episode 727 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Chance Of Defeat Is Not In My Nature – Whitecaps dominate Colorado, More #SaveTheCaps chat, Ranko Returns, Nikola Djordjevic, MLS and CPL round-ups)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat.

It was an emotional night at BC Place on Saturday. The Whitecaps wrapped up their last home game for three months with another win, as hundreds took part in a prematch #SaveTheCaps march. We pick over the bones of the game and look ahead to the grueling eight-game away swing the 'Caps now face before they return back home in three months time and how Jesper Sorensen might approach these games in term of squad rotation. The latter is helped by the return of Ranko Veselinovic and we chat with the Serbian centre back after he play his first game in over nine months with WFC2.

We talk a lot more about the #SaveTheCaps campaign in this week's show as well, as more concerning murmurs come out around a relocation of the team to Las Vegas, and Whitecaps Brian White and Tristan Blackmon share their perspective of what it's like being a player on the team with all of this chatter around.

We have three interviews with you this week as well as we catch up with three young guns. Two Whitecaps, Nikola Djordjevic, who made his first team debut last week, and Liam Mackenzie, who is lighting it up with WFC2 after his return from injury. We also catch up with former Vancouver FC player James Cameron after his move to Colorado Rapids 2.

All of this plus we round up the weekend action in MLS and the CPL, move onto the letter R in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Inspiral Carpets wrap up their residency as our Artists of the Month, We've Got A Fuzzbox and We're Going To Use It are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've got a York City song in Wavelength to celebrate their dramatic return to the Football League.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.21: Intro chat - a week of late goals drama!
11.10: Canadian Soccer A to Z - R
22.50: Whitecaps wrap up home stand with just three points dropped
32.00: #SaveTheCaps march draws big numbers
44.00: Whitecaps dominant once again in win over Colorado
63.35: Eight games on the road now awaits Whitecaps
69.43: Ranko Veselinovic interview after his return to the pitch with WFC2
76.00: Colorado's Matt Wells' postgame thoughts
89.20: MLS round-up
103.40: More #SaveTheCaps chat
111.11: Nikola Djordjevic interview and discussion
124.05: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Nikola Djordjevic
126.45: Liam Mackenzie interview
132.48: James Cameron interview
143.00: CPL round-up
161.30: Wavelength - Chuitar - It's Going To The Wire

Episode 726 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Best of Times, The Worst of Times - #SaveTheCaps campaign launched, Whitecaps destroy SKC, Thomas Müller talks 'Caps season so far, MLS and CPL round-ups)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat.

On the pitch, the Whitecaps are flying high, off it, things are starting to get more concerning about the club's future in Vancouver. Murmurs about the team being relocated are gathering pace to the extent that supporters have launched a #SaveTheCaps campaign. We chat about why everyone needs to get behind this at this point in time and look at the issues at the forefront that has added some urgency to everything.

The Whitecaps dominated the visiting Sporting Kansas City on Friday night to stay top of both the MLS West and the Supporters Shield. We pick over the main talking points coming out of the match, hear from Andres Cubas about the club's goal-free record when he's on the pitch this season, and get some thoughts from Jesper Sorensen about getting Rayan Elloumi the development minutes he's needing right now. Plus Thomas Müller chats about the Whitecaps start to the season and packing out BC Place.

All of this plus we round up the weekend action in MLS and the CPL, move onto the letter Q in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Inspiral Carpets continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, Big Flame are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've got another new Scottish World Cup song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.22: Intro chat - it's been an odd weekend
04.20: #SaveTheCaps campaign launched amid concerning relocation rumours
31.35: Canadian Soccer A to Z - Q
49.00: Whitecaps destroy KC to stay top of MLS
89.20: Thomas Müller chats about the Whitecaps season so far
103.20: MLS round-up
116.20: The Battle for the Canadian Number One
127.47: CPL round-up and more Football Video Support drama
156.30: Wavelength - Bucks' Bravehearts - Scotland's On The Way

Episode 725 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Flying So High - Whitecaps move into first after NYCFC win, MLS and CPL round-ups, more World Cup ticket controversy)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Canadian national team, and World Cup 2026 chat.

The Whitecaps headed back to the summit of MLS at the weekend with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over NYCFC. We pick over the bones of the match and the main talking points coming out of it, chat about the importance of the returned from injury Andres Cubas with Jesper Sorensen, and round-up the weekend's MLS action as CF Montreal once again find themselves looking for a new head coach.

We also round up the weekend's action the CPL, look at the Canadian men's national team's current injury woes, and chat about some of this week's World Cup 2026 talking points, including more ticket pricing controversy.

All of this plus we move onto the letter P in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Inspiral Carpets continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Mackenzies are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've an English-themed World Cup song in Wavelength from 1982.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.22: Intro chat - proud papa
07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - P
24.55: Whitecaps go back top of MLS after NYCFC win
42.00: The importance of Andres Cubas
48.15: What to do with Rayan Elloumi for his best development
54.30: NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen
59.00: MLS round-up
73.50: The Battle for the Canadian Number One
78.10: CF Montreal looking for yet another new head coach
85.50: CPL round-up and Football Video Support drama
120.00: FIFA 2026 World Cup chat - this week's main talking points!
134.50: Wavelength - Serious Drinking - Spirit of '66

Episode 724 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Beast Inside - Whitecaps stun Timbers, Vanni wins on Vancouver return, MLS and CPL round-ups, World Cup prep)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Canadian national team, and general football chat and interviews.

The Whitecaps came away with a huge three points against Cascadian rivals Portland Timbers at the weekend thanks to two dramatic stoppage time goals. We pick over the bones of that one and the main talking points coming out of the game, plus we hear from Portland head coach Phil Neville and chat about the fallout from his postgame comments.

We also round-up all the weekend action in the MLS West and the CPL, and chat with Halifax Wanderers head coach Vanni Sartini after his emotional first win in his first match in the league. Plus we look at what we learned from Canada's two World Cup warm-up matches and the eventful final round of World Cup qualifiers as the last teams booked their places at this summer's tournament.

All of this plus we move onto the letter O in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Inspiral Carpets continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Servants are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've another Scottish World Cup song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.23: Intro chat
03.15: Canadian Soccer A to Z - O
13.30: Whitecaps stun Portland with late comeback win
52.00: The Timbers postgame fallout
68.20: The Battle for the Canadian Number One
77.55: MLS round-up
93.15: CPL round-up as Football Video Support makes debut
126.30: Vanni Sartini on his first CPL win
138.05: What we learned from Canada's two friendlies
158.00: What a week of international footballing drama
170.20: Wavelength - Shindig - Come On Scotland

Episode 723 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A 2026 CPL Preview with guests Martin Nash and Bobby Smyrniotis)

We’re back with another packed AFTN Soccer Show and this time it's our 2026 Canadian Premier League preview special.

We chat about the main talking points heading into the CPL's 8th season and bring you a season preview of all eight teams, looking at key additions, important departures, and expectations for the year ahead.

Plus we sit down with two of the league's head coaches, Vancouver FC's Martin Nash and Forge FC's Bobby Smyrniotis for an in-depth chat about their team's 2025, offseason activity, the season to come, and some of the new rules and regulations the league are adopting for 2026.

Music-wise, Oldham legends Inspiral Carpets kick off their residency as our Artists of the Month, perennial AFTN faves Half Man Half Biscuit are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and the World Cup songs return in Wavelength with one for Scotland from JJ Bull.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.21: Intro chat
07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - N
14.45: Some thoughts ahead of the 8th CPL season
31.20: Vancouver FC season preview
54.25: Martin Nash interview
83.40: Pacific FC season preview
97.00: Bobby Smyrniotis interview
126.45: Forge FC season preview
133.10: Atletico Ottawa season preview
145.27: Cavalry FC season preview
151.05: Halifax Wanderers season preview
156.25: Inter Toronto season preview
160.00: Supra FC season preview
169.27: Wavelength - JJ Bull - The Very Unofficial Scotland World Cup Song (Bread and Circuses)

Episode 722 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Trying To Save The World with guests Asa Rehman and Murray Mollard)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian national team, and general football chat and interviews.

We've two guests to cover everything on this week's show and first up is Global TV and Whitecaps radio play-by-play man Asa Rehman. Asa returns to the show to look at the Whitecaps season so far, what's gone well, what needs improving, and what may lie in store for the rest of the season to come and beyond.

Next up is Vancouver author Murray Mollard to chat about his new book Winning Pitch about the history and the highs and lows of the Canadian men's national team these past 40-odd years and we chat about what needs to happen in the country to make Canada a true soccer nation.

All of this plus we chat with Whitecaps FC 2 head coach Rich Fagan and before we move onto the letter N in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, we bring you a couple of omissions from the last two letters. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis wrap up their residency as our Artists of the Month, Miaow are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength with Cork band Easy Company.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.21: Intro chat
08.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - Some We've Missed!
13.45: Rich Fagan talks WFC2
22.00: Asa Rehman on the Whitecaps season so far, needs, and what lies ahead
97.10: Author Murray Mollard on how does Canada become a true soccer nation?
157.30: Wavelength - Easy Company - Barclays Generation

Episode 721 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Detours and Speed Bumps with guests CPL Commissioner James Johnson, Mihail Gherasimencov, and Sebastian Schonlau)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Champions Cup, and Canadian Premier League chat and interviews.

It's not been a very good week in Whitecapsland. Defeats to Seattle in the Champions Cup and San Jose in MLS play has taken a little bit of the wind out of everybody's sails and raised some questions about what the team needs to improve on, what players need to contribute more, and Jesper Sorensen's line-up selections. We pick over the bones of both matches, hear from Quakes coach Bruce Arena, and round-up the weekend's action in the MLS West. Plus we catch up for a chat with two Whitecaps defenders - Mihail Gherasimencov and Basti Schonlau.

Our feature interview this episode is with new CPL Commissioner and CEO of Canadian Soccer Media Entertainment James Johnson. We talk with James about his footballing background, what attracted him to Canada, World Cup legacies, the financial viability of the league, television deals, innovations in the league, expansion, footballing pyramids, and the new business deal with Canada Soccer.

All of this plus we move onto the letter M in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, Close Lobsters are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and in California!

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.25: Intro chat
04.15: Canadian Soccer A to Z - M
18.00: Whitecaps crash out of Champions Cup to Seattle
39.40: Whitecaps can't find the way to San Jose's goal
68.45: San Jose postgame with Bruce Arena
79.33: MLS West round-up
92.05: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
100.10: MLS release first details of 2027 sprint season
108.10: Mihail Gherasimencov interview
118.10: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Mihail Gherasimencov
120.30: Sebastian Schonlau interview
138.40: Interview with CPL Commissioner James Johnson
175.05: Trouble flares at Sacramento US Open Cup game
179.30: Wavelength - Killroy - Fighting In The Stands

Episode 720 – The AFTN Soccer Show (From The Sublime To The Ridiculous - Whitecaps rout Minnesota, 'Caps need epic Champions Cup comeback, Iran's World Cup future)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Champions Cup, and World Cup chat.

What a week of highs and lows it's been for the Whitecaps. A heavy defeat at home to Seattle in the CONCACAF Champions Cup leaves them needing to stage an epic comeback in this week's second leg, and it left a wounded Whitecaps side to take their anger out on visiting Minnesota United in a six goal rout on Sunday. We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them, hear from Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles, and round-up the weeks action across the Champions Cup and MLS.

All of this plus we talk more about Iran's participation at this year's World Cup, the Canadian kits for the tournament, and move onto the letter L in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, Shop Assistants are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and on the pitch in Brazil!

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.29: Intro chat
07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - L
21.30: Whitecaps have mountain to climb in Champions Cup
50.10: Whitecaps bounce back to demolish Minnesota
82.00: Minnesota musings with Cameron Knowles
92.06: MLS West round-up
106.14: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
112.05: Iran's World Cup participation in doubt?
122.15: Canada's World Cup kits and injury updates
126.45: Wavelength - The Business - Boys Are Out Tonight

Episode 719 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Men Against Boys – Ali Ahmed interview, Whitecaps thrash Timbers again, World Cup issues abound)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and World Cup chat and interviews.

It was another derby day out for the Whitecaps this weekend and another victory as the Timbers were cut down to size in Portland. We pick over the bones of the game, the big talking points coming out of it, and hear some interesting postgame comments from Portland head coach Phil Neville. We also round-up the weekend's action around the MLS West, see how the battle of the Canadian keepers played out this week, and look ahead to the Whitecaps' big Champions Cup clash with Seattle this week.

Our feature interview this week is a special one as we catch up with former Whitecaps winger Ali Ahmed to chat about his move to Norwich, settling in with the Canaries and into English football, and look back fondly at his time in Vancouver and the excellent season both he and the team had last year.

All of this plus we talk about some of the big questions hanging over this year's World Cup, look at the recently announced travel and FanFest logistics in Vancouver, and we move onto the letter K in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Age of Chance are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and on the pitch in Scotland!

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

1.27: Intro - FA Cup drama, VAR chat
10.30: Canadian Soccer A to Z - K
22.06: Whitecaps thrash Timbers in another demolition derby
61.05: Phil Neville publicly criticizes players after loss
70.20: MLS West round-up
90.50: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
103.05: Ali Ahmed interview
137.40: Middle East crisis raises serious World Cup questions
153.27: Vancouver World Cup FanFest and travel logistics revealed
161.15: Old Firm violence erupts during Football Violence Awareness Month!
166.25: Wavelength - Condemned 84 - We Will Never Let You Down