World Cup Draft: Picking our Best XIs ever... with a twist

The Athletic FC Podcast features a unique World Cup draft where host Duncan Alexander and his expert co-hosts, including Oli Kaye, Jack Lang, Karl Anker, and Felipe Cardenas, pick an ultimate all-time team. The draft spans all 32 editions of the World Cup, highlighting memorable players based on their World Cup performances from 1930 to 2022.

The episode begins with a discussion on the drafting order, which is determined by rock-paper-scissors, leading to initial picks including legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona. The rules allow for wildcards and flexible formations, encouraging participants to be creative with their choices.

As the draft progresses, each participant selects high-profile players while engaging in debates about formations, tactical viability, and the impact of certain players at the World Cup. The discussion shifts to various strategies, mixing humor and nostalgia about past World Cups, while also noting some surprising omissions and hall-of-fame players left unselected. The teams soon begin to take shape with a mix of past greats and more contemporary stars.

In the end, the participants reflect on their formations, evaluating strengths and weaknesses, and select a manager for their respective teams. They conclude with a light-hearted segment discussing their favorite World Cup balls, culminating in a dynamic and entertaining exploration of football history.