The Big Chill Podcast

2026 World Cup Preview

Our preview and prediction ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. How will the host nations of Canada, the USA, and Mexico fare? And will England, Portugal, Spain, and France live up to expectations? We could be on course for a last Ronaldo versus Messi match-up, but can Brazil and Argentina bring further success to South America? Plus, Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States, meaning that he won't be able to referee at this World Cup. And Eddie asks what Gianni Infantino was doing sucking up to Donald Trump if it can't even guarantee entry for key officials.

Roland Garros and World Cup Warmups

Alexander Zverev won the 2026 French Open to claim his first Grand Slam title, but Eddie is disappointed that his controversies overshadowed the tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly upon us, although there are serious concerns over the quality of pitches and playing conditions in the United States. And Christian Eriksen's collapse during Denmark's recent friendly should bring a sad end to an excellent playing career.  Speaking of controversies, England Cricket once again finds itself in hot water after Ben Stokes and Gut Atkinson got into a scuffle in a club in Chelsea. Frank speaks about his recent hockey tournament in Nashville, and Eddie's Fiat Topolino continues to be a target for road rage.

PSG: Back-to-Back

PSG put themselves into an elite group by winning back-to-back Champions Leagues, but the big takeaway for Eddie was how disappointing and defensive Arsenal were throughout the final. Myles Garrett and AJ Brown were both part of blockbuster trades in the NFL, and Frank and Eddie think that the Garrett trade might be a rare example of both sides making a good deal.  Plus, a Roland Garros full of upsets is going to provide some new Grand Slam champions. Still, Eddie is getting tired of Naomi Osaka making it about everything other than tennis, but he has even stronger thoughts on Jaxson Dart's handling of his Trump backlash.

Tuchel's England Squad Selection

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and Thomas Tuchel has finalized his England squad for the tournament. Frank and Eddie analyze some of his selections. Eddie explains that he understands that the inclusion of Henderson, Madueke, and Gordon shows that Tuchel wants a squad that fits his system, but will it work?  The Premier League season wrapped up with Arsenal as champions, Manchester City slipping up again, and Spurs narrowly avoiding relegation at the expense of West Ham. Roland Garros is underway in Paris, with some of the world's top players on both the ATP and WTA tours protesting prize money, but Eddie thinks they're being tone-deaf with some of their complaints.  Plus, Hull beat Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final following the controversy of 'spygate'. The Enhanced Games failed to deliver many world records, and would you go out of your way to attend a championship parade?

Arsenal are champions, but not the best

Manchester City slipped up again and handed Arsenal their first Premier League title in 22 years, but Eddie is still adamant that they are not the best team in England. The relegation battle goes down to the final day of the season, and will Spurs do enough to stay ahead of West Ham and maintain their Premier League status? And the 'Spygate' punishment is in, should Middlesbrough feel very lucky to find themselves back in the Championship playoffs at the expense of Southampton?  Pep Guardiola's time at Manchester City has come to an end, with Enzo Maresca set to take charge at the Etihad, and Frank and Eddie look ahead to the next couple of seasons to predict who might be challenging for silverware over the next 5 years. Plus, Bevel tells Eddie his biological age, and Frank prepares for his biggest pickleball competition of the season.