After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe
Apple News
<p>Rebecca Lowe (Fox Sports) and Brendan Hunt (‘Ted Lasso’) are teaming up again to take on the 2026 World Cup! They’ll ride an emotional roller coaster together as 48 teams play 104 action-packed matches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. They’ll bring you all the joy and the drama, the hope and the heartbreak — and help you understand the matchups and personalities that will make this the biggest sporting and cultural event of our lifetimes</p><p>‘After the Whistle With Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.</p>
Recent Episodes
20 episodesDid a controversial red card just dash the USA’s World Cup dreams?
On a monumental night for Mauricio Pochettino and the Guys, the USMNT’s first World Cup knockout win in 24 years was overshadowed by a controversial red card for star striker Folarin Balogun. Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe break down the shocking decision, rant about the referee, and debate whether Balogun’s absence will hurt the U.S.’s chances of beating Belgium in the round of 16. Plus, Rebecca once again professes her undying love for “Sir” Harry Kane after the England striker’s heroics against Congo, and reveals how being a mom prepared her for her punishing World Cup schedule.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
Netherlands and Germany fall on a wild day of World Cup knockout action
Fresh off of watching Brazil break Japanese hearts in Houston, Brendan Hunt experiences his own heartbreak as his beloved Netherlands get knocked out by Morocco in one of the most stressful World Cup penalty shootouts ever. Meanwhile, Rebecca Lowe salutes plucky Paraguay, who advance to the round of 16 after beating shootout specialist Germany at its own game. Then the duo look ahead to Wednesday's knockout doubleheader featuring England and the U.S., which could be the greatest (or worst) day for ‘After the Whistle’ yet. Plus, Brendan explains how soda water and “lobby laxatives” solved his horrible stomach problems in Texas.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
Turkey spoils the USMNT’s perfect World Cup start — but does it matter?
It was a night of highs and lows as the USMNT, already through to the knockout rounds, lost to Turkey in a heartbreaking yet meaningless group-stage finale. Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe break down what went well (Pulisic’s return) and what didn’t (that defense) for the Guys and debate what tonight’s result means for the team’s chances of making a deep run at this World Cup. Plus, Brendan shares the games you need to watch as the group stage wraps up while Rebecca marvels at Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece’s biceps and issues an apology to Scotland fans.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
England has a serious case of “second-game fever,” plus why we can’t take our eyes off Cristiano Ronaldo
Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe are back together to dissect the dreadful draw that sent the Three Lions crashing back down to earth — and they also explain why no one should be panicking about England just yet. Cristiano Ronaldo is back after scoring two against Uzbekistan, and Rebecca makes the case for why he might be the most fascinating human at the World Cup. Then they answer the big question ahead of the USMNT’s final group game vs. Turkey: Who should play?After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
No Pulisic, no problem as USMNT punches ticket to round of 32
No Christian Pulisic, no problem for the USMNT as the Guys cruise past Australia to punch their ticket to the round of 32. Mauricio Pochettino’s second World Cup win has Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe drinking the chimichurri-flavored Kool-Aid. They hail the incredible Seattle crowd that caused an earthquake, sing the praises of breakout star Alex Freeman, and wonder: Can the U.S. actually win it all? Then the duo look ahead to a packed weekend, including Brendan’s beloved Netherlands facing Sweden, and Monday’s star-studded slate featuring Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland. Plus, Rebecca reassesses her opinion on the tournament’s many rule changes.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
England’s big win, Portugal’s big problem, and why this is the best World Cup ever
Is it finally coming home? A joyous Brendan and Rebecca reunite to break down arguably the game of the tournament so far: England’s impressive opening win over old foes Croatia. Was this the Three Lions’ best attacking performance in years? How worried should we be about that defense? And is a foreign coach eligible for knighthood? Then, they debate whether this is the greatest World Cup ever, react to Portugal’s problematic draw with Congo, and preview Friday’s titanic clash between the USMNT and Australia. Plus, Brendan explains his beef with Mbappé’s flute celebration.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
The wildest game of the World Cup so far had no goals scored
Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe react to the opening weekend of the World Cup, including Spain’s stunning draw with Cape Verde, Japan’s valiant fightback against the Netherlands, and Brazil’s physical contest with Morocco. They also discuss Australia’s 2-0 win over Türkiye and how scared the U.S. should be of the Socceroos, and praise dark horses Sweden after a 5-1 demolition of Tunisia. Then, they look ahead to a jam-packed week of action, including the USMNT’s big match on Friday vs. Australia, England’s opener against Croatia, and much more.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
How the U.S. pulled off its greatest World Cup win ever
Fresh off of witnessing the USMNT’s dazzling World Cup opener against Paraguay in person, Brendan and Rebecca rush back to the studio to relive it all together. From Folarin Balogun’s brilliant brace, to Gio Reyna’s delicious finish, to the incredible atmosphere at Los Angeles Stadium, they rave about a perfect first game for Mauricio Pochettino’s guys. After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
Bold predictions for World Cup champions and crash-outs
With the World Cup about to kick off, it’s time for Brendan Hunt’s and Rebecca Lowe’s predictions: Who are their dark horses? Which surprising team is going to crash out early? Which young star will break out? And of course: Which team will go all the way? Plus, everything to watch for in all 12 groups, and the rule change that could change how we watch and talk about soccer. After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.
Will the U.S. surprise everyone at this World Cup?
Rebecca Lowe and Brendan Hunt reunite after three years away from the mic — this time, recording together in person for the first time, in a studio with real walls (and fake grass). Just ahead of the biggest World Cup in history, they discuss how the USMNT is looking after a 2-1 loss to Germany in their final friendly, and why they might exceed expectations on home soil. Plus, the hosts get into this year’s most controversial rule changes and how the heat could affect players more than ever before.After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe is presented by Verizon.
104 Matches to Go
Rebecca Lowe (Fox Sports) and Brendan Hunt (‘Ted Lasso’) are back for the 2026 World Cup. Forty-eight teams will play across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada this summer until one is named champion. Will it be Argentina (again)? Or early favorites, like Spain or France? And how far will the U.S. go on home soil? We’ll help you to understand the tournament and all the excitement right here.
Spain’s unlikely road to victory, plus the heartbreak of loving the beautiful game with Men in Blazers’ Roger Bennett
In the aftermath of Spain’s World Cup win, Brendan and Rebecca marvel at the squad’s total dominance and wonder what went so wrong for England. Then, they get into the controversy between the Spanish players and coach Jorge Vilda, why you still can’t buy Mary Earps’s jersey, and the utter absurdity of the postgame trophy presentation. ‘Men in Blazers’ co-founder Roger Bennett joins the show to help process England’s loss and to give his take on what’s next for the USWNT and women’s soccer culture around the globe. ‘After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
A Q&A on USWNT’s next coach, the power shift in women’s soccer, and the secret to Lindsey Horan’s ponytail
It’s a listener mailbag! Brendan and Rebecca take questions on who should be the USWNT’s next coach, their picks for goal of the tournament, male coaches in the women’s game, netball basics, the new power centers of women’s soccer, and the secret to Lindsey Horan’s swishy ponytail. Then they look ahead to the World Cup final, and Rebecca offers up her take on whether Lauren James should start for the Lionesses post-suspension. ‘After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
Unfiltered joy and overwhelming emotions as England advances to the World Cup final
Brendan and Rebecca dive deep into the Lionesses’ cheeky, spectacular semifinal win over Australia and shed a tear for Sam Kerr, who finally got her World Cup moment in front of a boisterous home crowd. Then the pair take a look at England’s ensuing showdown with Spain. ‘After the Whistle With Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
Spain reaches the final amid conflict — as the England-Australia rivalry heats up
Brendan and Rebecca recap the exhilarating finish that sealed Spain’s trip to the World Cup final — and sing the praises of the team’s breakout star, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo. Then, Brendan pens a love letter to Australia as he and Rebecca look ahead to the other semifinal matchup. Plus: a reflection on how this World Cup is contributing to a sea change for women’s sports. ‘After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
The longest penalty shootout in World Cup history, plus New Zealand ex-PM Jacinda Ardern!
Brendan and Rebecca catch up on the Lionesses’s cheeky quarterfinal win, the Matildas’ epic penalty-shootout victory, and the England-Australia matchup that awaits. Then, former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern joins Brendan in person in Auckland to talk about bringing the World Cup Down Under, and to explain the intense Australia-New Zealand sporting rivalry. ‘After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
Mia Hamm on what went wrong for the USWNT — plus, another tournament favorite’s stunning downfall
Brendan watches his World Cup winner prediction come crashing down in Auckland as Japan falls to Sweden in a stunner. But Sweden’s victory doesn’t make the U.S.’s loss any easier to bear for him or guest Mia Hamm. The legendary soccer player joins to discuss the remarkably entertaining gameplay of this World Cup — and what really went wrong for the USWNT. Plus: Brendan and Rebecca reflect on that record-breaking penalty shot from England’s Chloe Kelly, an unfiltered moment from the Dutch, and whether there’s any appropriate time to do the Wave. ‘After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
Silver linings for the USWNT, England’s red-card controversy, plus special guests JJ and Kealia Watt
The Round of 16 has concluded, and Rebecca’s cheeky Lionesses have squeaked through to the quarterfinals — but not without major controversy. And after having had a few days to properly process the USWNT’s loss, Brendan and Rebecca muse over Alex Morgan’s performance, the pain and promise of penalty kicks, and why Vlatko Andonovski should be fired immediately. Football-soccer power couple JJ and Kealia Watt join to discuss their new Premier League minority ownership and give their takes on the future of soccer in America. ‘After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
Heartbreak Down Under: watching the USWNT lose by millimeters, with U.S. soccer royalty Michelle Akers
Immediately after the final whistle of USA-Sweden, Brendan and Rebecca reunite across the international date line to debrief about the devastating defeat. Brendan sets the scene at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, where a dramatic penalty shoot-out sealed the worst World Cup finish in USWNT history. U.S. soccer royalty Michelle Akers joins the pod to help process the loss — and to possibly settle the team-nickname debate, once and for all. ‘After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe’ is presented by State Farm®
What the U.S. needs to do to beat Sweden — plus, the knockout bracket no one could have predicted
No bloomin’ Germany?! Brendan and Rebecca recap the major upsets that concluded the group stage, then offer up their new predictions for the knockout rounds. And with the pivotal USA-Sweden showdown just days away, the pair give their takes on what the U.S. will need to change in order to avoid an untimely elimination. Plus: Brendan makes the trip Down Under and gives his first impressions of Australia!