The Back Page: World Cup Fever

The World Cup Kick-Off

Marc Archer joins Chris McHardy to look back at the world of sport. We take in the greatest NBA Finals comeback of all-time as the New York Knicks pull off the impossible against the San Antonio Spurs. What. A. Game. Then we stay stateside to talk to CNN correspondent Don Riddell about the build up to Thursday night's World Cup kick-off. Speaking of the world's greatest game, FIFA head honcho Gianni Infantino says we all just need to "relax". Hmm. And Keith Waters from the Mena Tour joins us to discuss a new venture in golf. All this and much more on The Score. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Back Page: World Cup Fever

Eddie Taylor joins Chris McHardy for another sport-packed episode of The Back Page. The pair attempt again to get pumped for the World Cup... which is more difficult than it sounds. But they do land on some reasons to be cheerful. Everton was slapped with a hefty fine for historical wrongdoing - could this have ramifications for Manchester City in the coming months? There's no excuse for Ben Stokes' late-night drinking and fighting and he's been rightly stood down for England's next Test. However, some corners of the cricket world have defended him. Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga didn't make the France World Cup squad... so he's heading to Harvard. Sticking in the states, we look ahead to Game 4 of the Spurs vs. Knicks in the NBA Finals. We make some bold statements about what we think will happen at the World Cup - could Argentina go back-to-back? And Eddie has another sporting quiz. All this and much more on The Score. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is this the end for Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar?

Chris Brown joins Chris McHardy for a special edition of Monday Night Football. World Cup fever is in the studio as we look at the weird and wonderful stories coming from the United States. There's the heartwarming story of New Zealand's Tim Payne who has turned into a viral superstar overnight.  We hear from the ex-Chicago mayor who explains why the Windy City decided AGAINST hosting games at this World Cup. Regarding the actual playing side, we get misty-eyed thinking about this potentially being the last dance for Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar. There's also a regional focus as Rimal Al Sahra SC GM Sam White calls in to discuss the Southampton FC connection and how they're providing a platform for young players. All this and much more on The Score. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Back Page: Sabalenka Silenced

Eddie Taylor joins Chris McHardy for another round-up of the biggest stories in sport. We're searching for positives about the 2026 World Cup AGAIN, while there's a curious piece of tech in the official football that could cause a problem. Over at Roland Garros, Aryna Sabalenka crashes out in fury, which means we'll have a new Grand Slam champion in both the Men's and Women's competitions. There's a look at the clubs that only recruit players from within a few miles of their home ground... we're looking at you Athletic Club. Dubai Basketball returns home to the Coca-Cola Arena for the ABA League Finals - and over in the States, we've got the New York Knicks going up against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. All this and much more on The Score. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

2026 World Cup Nausea

Robbie Greenfield joins Chris McHardy for a look at the big talking points from the world of sport. Why is there such a flat feeling around the 2026 World Cup? Is it because it's so bloated with teams or something else? We also look at the new rules designed to change the competition's pace, which should cause a stir. We're off to Roland Garros to see which players are taking the baton for the Big Three in the men's game, and we have a little look at the new Rafa Nadal documentary. All this and much more on The Score. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.