We'd like to introduce you to the first episode of 'Sports Strangest Crimes Presents: Shadows On The Pitch'. Throughout the series, James Montague investigates a startling conspiracy theory put forward by the Iraqi football federation in the 90s - that America influenced a World Cup qualifying tournament to save USA '94 from its so-called enemies. In this opening episode, a former referee with a cryptic message may hold the key to unraveling the mystery. Can he help James uncover the truth behind the alleged conspiracy surrounding the build-up to the 1994 World Cup? James travels to Bucharest in search of answers.If you enjoyed 'Sports Strangest Crimes Presents: Shadows on the Pitch' and want to hear more, head to the Sports Strangest Crimes feed on BBC Sounds, where you can listen to the rest of the series.

Karel Prince and Anita Abayomi are the BBC’s resident Lie Detectors, examining unbelievable football stories to uncover the truth.In the first episode, former Manchester United and Scotland striker Brian McClair submits three stories from his playing career. Did Sir Alex Ferguson really deliver a notorious hairdryer over a player attending the birth of his child? Did David Beckham lay out brand-new pyjamas and a framed photo of Victoria before every away game? And did McClair’s famous nickname ‘Choccy’ really originate from a supermarket job?Armed with case files, photographs and their own football knowledge, Karel and Anita interrogate every detail before Brian returns to reveal which story is genuine. It’s football folklore, detective work and plenty of laughs, with one simple question at the heart of every episode: can you spot the lie?Karel Prince: Lie Detector is presented by Karel Prince & Anita Abayomi and is a Sport Social Studios production for BBC Sounds.Credits Series Producer: Matt Tasker Technical Producer: Tom Hinckley Assistant Producer: Jason Kavuma Executive Producer: Jim Salveson Photography: Tom Barker Artwork: James Mobbs Original theme music: WIZZFX Commissioning Executive for BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard Commissioning & Digital Support: Jade Burns & Stuart Birch

Karel Prince is the BBC’s new resident fact checker. Alongside Anita Abayomi, they are charged with investigating football stories so unbelievable they simply have to be checked. Every week, a famous figure from the world of football submits three extraordinary tales. Two are lies. One is completely true. The challenge? Can Karel separate fact from fiction before the final whistle? Armed with case files, photographs, voice notes and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game, Karel opens a new investigation each episode. Alongside Anita he interrogates every claim, challenges every timeline and follows every lead in pursuit of the truth. Part detective, part fact-checker and part chaos conductor, Karel brings forensic scrutiny to football’s wildest stories, while Anita ensures no detail escapes examination. Karel Prince’s Lie Detector asks the only question that matters: which story is true? The investigation starts now. Roll the tapes. Karel Prince: Lie Detector is presented by Karel Prince & Anita Abayomi and is a Sport Social Studios production for BBC Sounds. Credits Series Producer: Matt Tasker Technical Producer: Tom Hinckley Assistant Producer: Jason Kavuma Executive Producer: Jim Salveson Photography: Tom Barker Artwork: James Mobbs Original theme music: WIZZFX Commissioning Executive for BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard Commissioning & Digital Support: Jade Burns & Stuart Birch

Spain succeed, Argentina played the villains and is the pressure off Thomas Tuchel?Steve Crossman is joined by Adam Crafton, Steph Houghton and Luis Miguel Echegaray to discuss the fallout from the World Cup Final and England's bronze final win over France.1:21 - Former Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta pays tribute to Spain 14:37 - Did Argentina make themselves the bad guys? 30:58 - Has England's 3rd place finish taken the pressure off Thomas Tuchel?

Steve Crossman is joined by former teammates, colleagues, journalists and fans of Kevin Keegan, who has died aged 75.4:14 - BBC Football Correspondent John Murray 7:22 - Former Newcastle player Lee Clark 17:29 - Samantha, Newcastle supporter 26:24 - Former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton 34:45 - Liverpool teammate Phil Thompson 40:02 - John Gibbons from The Anfield Wrap 47:20 - Former Chairman of the Football Writers Association Paul Hetherington and football journalist Henry Winter 55:01 - German football reporter for The Athletic Seb Stafford-Bloor

The World Cup is over.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith take you inside football's biggest night after watching the final at MetLife Stadium. They reflect on the atmosphere, what it was like to experience a World Cup final in person and whether the much-talked-about half-time show added to the occasion or distracted from it.Joe Hart joins to analyse Spain's victory and explain why they deserved to lift the trophy, while Kelly Cates gives her verdict on the spectacle surrounding the final.And after six unforgettable weeks together across Los Angeles and New York, Rick and Lloyd sign off from the World Cup one final time.

Relive the atmosphere and instant reaction from 5 Live at full-time as Spain overcome a dogged 10-man Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time. Kelly Cates is joined by John Murray, Ian Dennis, Chris Sutton and Paul Robinson in New Jersey as Spain's captain Rodri lifts the famous trophy. Guillem Balague gives his reaction to the win for Spain and South American football expert Tim Vickery has his say on a tight, cagey encounter.TIMECODES: 00:10 - Spain's magic moment 01:20 - Chris Sutton: 'The best team won' 03:10 - Guillem Balague's instant reaction 13:10 - Should Nico Williams' goal have been given? 15:25 - Donald Trump arrives onto the pitch 18:05 - Thoughts from Tim Vickery 26:30 - The presentations begin 31:20 - Rodri lifts the World Cup trophy

England's World Cup is over, but what comes next?Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Guy Mowbray and Adam Crafton to reflect on England's third-place finish, ask whether more could have been done against Argentina in the semi-finals and discuss what the future looks like without players like Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and John Stones.They also preview Spain v Argentina, discuss MetLife Stadium and New York's embrace of the World Cup, while Rick and Lloyd swap stories from Times Square, the cinema with Guillem Balague and a trip to M&M World with Paul Robinson.

The World Cup final is almost here, and Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by John Murray and Chris Sutton to debate the biggest talking points before football's biggest game.Can anyone stop Lionel Messi? Has the refereeing been good enough throughout the tournament? Does a Super Bowl-style half-time show belong at a World Cup final? And why is Chris convinced Americans genuinely mean it when they tell you to "have a good day"?Plus, Rick and Lloyd give their first impressions after arriving in New York ahead of the final.

Steve Crossman is joined by ESPN’s Julien Laurens, Guillem Balague & Nedum Onuoha as they dissect England's semi-final defeat against Argentina. They discuss Tuchel’s tactics and substitutions in the second half, his future as England head coach, and how this could be Harry Kane’s last World Cup in an England shirt.TIMECODES 4’23 - Should Thomas Tuchel remain England Manager? 8’00 - Jules on Tuchel not delivering his promises 14’14 - Should the responsibility be shared between the manager & the players? 15’43 - Should England have sat back when they did? 20’33 - Were the players being told to go for a second goal at 1-0 up? 24’40- Does Tuchel know the players well enough now to succeed? 32’47 - How England were playing like they were down to 10 players 35’50 - Will Tuchel be manager at the Euros? 38’25 - Have we just witnessed Harry Kane’s last World Cup? 44’20 - Can England gain anything from third place play off?