How the World Cup quarterfinals could create a blockbuster scenario

In the aftermath of Spain’s historic World Cup win over Argentina, Brendan Hunt and a bedazzled Rebecca Lowe marvel at the squad's incredible dominance, rattling off unbelievable facts about its tournament run. Then, they hand out their quirky World Cup awards, from best national-anthem contrast to worst travel experience. Plus, Rebecca recounts her wild adventure getting to MetLife stadium (featuring a boat, a helicopter, and a high-speed police escort), and Brendan takes us behind the scenes of his surprise appearance at the star-studded halftime show.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

After a night of chaos in Atlanta, Rebecca Lowe and Brendan Hunt reunite in the calmer confines of Apple’s New York City studio. They share the story behind the mayhem of Wednesday’s episode — prison-transport van and all — and briefly touch on the only game of the tournament no one cares about (sorry, France-England) before turning their attention to Sunday’s epic final between Spain and Argentina. Plus, USMNT legend Landon Donovan joins the show to talk about his very eventful World Cup, how the U.S. can build on their tournament success, and why Rebecca treats him differently now that she’s famous. After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

Immediately after the whistle of England-Argentina, Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe come together in an undisclosed location in Atlanta to give their immediate, raw reactions to the Three Lions’ brutal semifinal loss. In a chaotic turn of events, they end up in a parking lot to commiserate over the defeat and break down where it all went wrong — and how coach Thomas Tuchel failed his team. (So much for that knighthood!) After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

Rebecca Lowe recaps her trip to Miami to witness her beloved England send Norway rowing home. She and Brendan Hunt discuss Jude Bellingham’s late heroics, explain the mutual hatred between England and Argentina (“Hand of God,” anyone?), and ask whether the Three Lions’ victory did go “down to the wire” … literally. Then, special guest Jason Sudeikis joins Brendan in person in Kansas City to talk about the Argentina-Switzerland game they both attended, why Brendan is a pub-trivia legend, and the wonderful world of darts.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

We’re halfway through the quarterfinals after France handily beat Morocco, and Spain gutted out a win over Belgium, setting up a Bastille Day showdown for the ages. Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe recap the two games before attempting to answer the question keeping Rebecca up at night: Can England do anything to stop Erling Haaland and Norway? Plus, Brendan tells the story of why he’s partly responsible for SoFi Stadium being the best venue at this World Cup.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

Was one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history tainted by bad refereeing? Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe dive into the 13-minute blitz that saved Argentina from disaster against Egypt, address whether or not VAR bailed out the reigning champs, and note that Lionel Messi is not so great at penalty kicks. Then, with the quarterfinals upon us, Brendan and Rebecca get excited for the blockbuster France-Morocco and Spain-Belgium matchups, and what could be on the horizon in the semifinals. Plus, how a Norwegian striker became the tournament's breakout star, and why the most awkward moment of the World Cup now revolves around … Christian Pulisic?After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

Hours after the final whistle, Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe come to terms with the USMNT’s humiliating World Cup elimination at the hands of Belgium. They wonder where it all went wrong for this once-promising U.S. team, from Folarin Balogun’s red-card saga to Matt Freese’s catastrophic goalkeeping error, and Brendan makes the case that this was the USMNT’s worst-ever World Cup exit. Plus, Rebecca declares England’s shorthanded win over Mexico at the Azteca — which Brendan witnessed in person — to be the Three Lions’ greatest-ever performance on foreign soil.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe ride a roller coaster of emotions after Argentina’s dramatic extra-time win over World Cup Cinderella team Cape Verde, from Lionel Messi’s ridiculous opener to Sidny Lopes Cabral’s iconic 103rd-minute equalizer. Brendan and Rebecca salute the Blue Sharks on an incredible tournament and explain why their loss doesn’t actually feel like a loss at all. Then, Brendan ranks the upcoming round-of-16 matchups from least to most interesting, remaining as objective as possible as he prepares to fly to Mexico City and Seattle to take in the England and U.S. matches. Plus, ‘Ted Lasso’ star Cristo Fernández joins the pod to talk all things Mexico versus England, including the very … unique way England might be dealing with the altitude in Mexico City.After the Whistle is an Apple News Original podcast presented by Verizon.

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.

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.