The World Cup playoff draw is complete — and the road to 2026 just became much clearer. In this episode I react to the full draw, examine Italy’s difficult path, and take a deeper look at the biggest storyline outside Europe: the extraordinary CONCACAF qualification campaign.I begin with a post-mortem on Concacaf, where Haiti and Curaçao produced historic qualifications, Suriname reached the intercontinental playoff, and giants such as Honduras and Costa Rica missed out. Given the issues in Haiti and the unique player pathways used by Curaçao and Suriname, these qualifications are all the more remarkable.I then run through all 42 teams already qualified, before breaking down the inter-confederation playoff draw and assessing home advantage and favorability for each matchup.The heart of the episode is the UEFA playoff draw:– Path A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Wales)– Path B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania)– Path C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, Romania)– Path D (Czechia, Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia)I give my thoughts on each path, discuss likely favorites, and close with winners and losers of the draw — plus a quick preview of upcoming content linked to the World Cup draw on December 5.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------World Cup playoff draw, World Cup 2026 playoffs, Italy playoff path, Italy Northern Ireland playoff, Bosnia vs Wales, Ukraine vs Sweden, Poland vs Albania, Turkey vs Romania, Slovakia vs Kosovo, Czechia vs Ireland, Denmark vs North Macedonia, inter confederation playoff, Haiti World Cup qualification, Curaçao World Cup qualification, Suriname World Cup playoff, Concacaf World Cup qualifying review, World Cup 2026 teams, FIFA World Cup draw reaction, football analysis, My Soccer Universe, international football reaction, FIFA playoff format explained#WorldCup2026 #WorldCupPlayoffs #Italy #CONCACAF #Haiti #Curacao #UEFAPlayoffs #FootballAnalysis #SoccerUniverse #WCQ2026 #internationalfootball 0:00 – Introduction1:34 – CONCACAF Post-Mortem: Haiti & Curaçao Make History6:31 – 🌍 All 42 Qualified Nations – Quick Comments8:31 – 🌐 Inter-Confederation Playoff Draw Explained & Favorites11:00 – 🇪🇺 UEFA Playoff Draw Overview11:00 – Path A: 🇮🇹 Italy vs 🇬🇧 Northern Ireland + 🇧🇦 Bosnia vs 🇬🇧 Wales12:10 – Path B: 🇺🇦 Ukraine vs 🇸🇪 Sweden + 🇵🇱 Poland vs 🇦🇱 Albania12:52 – Path C: 🇸🇰 Slovakia vs 🇽🇰 Kosovo + 🇹🇷 Turkey vs 🇷🇴 Romania14:14 – Path D: 🇨🇿 Czechia vs 🇮🇪 Ireland + 🇩🇰 Denmark vs 🇲🇰 North Macedonia15:03 – Winners & Losers of the Playoff Draw17:23 – Wrap-Up & Upcoming World Cup Draw Content

The final matchday of World Cup qualifying delivered everything: miracles, heartbreak, late goals, penalty shootouts, and one of the biggest national-team failures in recent memory. In this episode, I break down all the action from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Concacaf as the last direct tickets for the 2026 World Cup were secured and the playoff field was finalized.Ireland produced a miracle in Budapest to clinch a playoff place, Norway completely humbled Italy in a result that triggers a deeper look at a long-developing Italian decline, and Austria finally return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after a tense 1–1 draw with Bosnia. Scotland delivered an unforgettable night at Hampden to qualify in spectacular fashion.Outside Europe, we witnessed extreme drama: the DRC eliminated Nigeria after a surreal penalty shootout, Iraq advanced thanks to a last-gasp spot-kick, and in CONCACAF both Haiti and Curaçao qualified against the odds while several giants fell away.I also take a detailed look at the upcoming playoff draw, explain the format, and put the entire qualification cycle into global perspective.It’s been a remarkable finish — let’s unpack it all.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#WorldCup2026 #WorldCupQualifiers #Italy #Austria #Ireland #Scotland #Norway #Nigeria #DRC #CONCACAF #UEFA #InternationalFootball #FootballAnalysis #WCQ2026 #SoccerUniverse0:00 – Introduction1:31 – 🇮🇪 Ireland’s Miracle in Budapest – Playoff Secured5:36 – 🇵🇹 Portugal 9–1 Armenia & Early Sunday Results7:15 – 🇨🇩 DRC Eliminate 🇳🇬 Nigeria in Wild Penalty Shootout11:25 – 🇳🇴 Norway Humble 🇮🇹 Italy12:54 – Italy’s Deeper Problems: Why the Failure Was Inevitable19:18 – 🇳🇱 Netherlands & 🇩🇪 Germany Seal Qualification with Big Wins21:55 – 🇮🇶 Iraq Advance After Dramatic Late Penalty vs 🇦🇪 UAE23:37 – 🇦🇹 Austria vs 🇧🇦 Bosnia – First-Half Struggles & Disallowed Goal28:14 – Austria’s Equalizer & First World Cup Since 199832:46 – 🇸🇽 Scotland’s Hampden Miracle vs 🇩🇰 Denmark36:38 – 🇭🇹 🇨🇼 Haiti & Curaçao Qualify + CONCACAF Madness & Intercontinental Playoff Explained39:31 – UEFA Playoffs: Format & What to Expect40:11 – Final Thoughts & Global Overview

World Cup qualifying enters its decisive phase, and the last three days have delivered shocks, heartbreak, and wild swings across all confederations. In this episode, Roland breaks down the key storylines from Asia, Africa, CONCACAF, and Europe — and looks ahead to what could be a dramatic final matchday before the playoffs.We begin with three teams officially qualified and three more effectively through thanks to overwhelming goal differences, while several others — including Austria — missed early qualification by the narrowest of margins.Roland then addresses criticism coming from Italy regarding the playoff format and explains why Europe needs a reform, not fewer spots. From there, the episode dives into the action:

A wild Nigeria–Gabon thriller, Osihem’s rollercoaster performance, and DR Congo’s upset over Cameroon.

Still nothing between UAE and Iraq as their playoff remains perfectly balanced.

Curacao, Haiti, and Suriname are shock contenders for direct qualification, while heavyweights like Jamaica, Honduras, and even Panama stare at early elimination.

France cruise, but Portugal collapse in Ireland and lose Cristiano Ronaldo to a red card with potential World Cup consequences.

Norway keep their nerve, Italy win but remain stuck in the playoffs, and Serbia’s defeat sends Albania through.

Germany barely escape Luxembourg; Slovakia set up a direct final.

Croatia qualify; Netherlands nearly there; Belgium stall; Spain flawless but not quite through; Switzerland book their ticket

The Group C madness continues with Denmark and Scotland stumbling again.

Roland also breaks down Austria’s situation after their 2–0 win in Cyprus and Bosnia’s comeback vs Romania that forces a tense final showdown.Finally, he previews the key matches to watch on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday — plus a quick look at his content schedule for the coming week.

A packed episode full of drama, stakes, and storylines as the race for the 2026 World Cup reaches its boiling point.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#WorldCup2026 #WCQ #WorldCupQualifiers #UEFAQualifiers #CONCACAF #AFCONQualifiers #AsianQualifiers #AfricaQualifiers #FootballAnalysis #InternationalFootball #SoccerPodcast #MySoccerUniverse #AustriaNT #ItalyNT #PortugalNT #Ronaldo

World Cup qualifiers 2026, WCQ UEFA, World Cup qualifying drama, Cristiano Ronaldo red card, Portugal vs Ireland, Nigeria vs Gabon playoff, CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, Haiti Suriname Curacao, Italy World Cup playoffs, Austria Bosnia preview, Germany Slovakia qualifier, Spain Turkey qualification, UEFA Group C chaos, Africa World Cup playoff, Asia World Cup playoff, Albania World Cup, Switzerland qualify, World Cup 2026 analysis00:00 – Intro: Setting up a decisive WCQ weekend

02:00 – Italy’s frustration & why UEFA’s playoff format needs reform

05:46 – Overview: Who qualified, who collapsed & who’s still alive

06:50 – Asia, Africa & CONCACAF: Playoff chaos begins

13:00 – UEFA Thursday: France through, Portugal stunned, Ronaldo red card

18:08 – UEFA Friday: Germany shaky, Slovakia rise, Croatia qualify

23:20 – Austria’s narrow miss: Cyprus win & Bosnia’s comeback

26:50 – UEFA Saturday: Belgium stall, Spain dominate, Denmark & Scotland slip

33:00 – What to watch next: Key matches on Sun–Mon–Tue

34:54 – Outro & publishing plans

It’s the final international break of the year — and for many nations, it’s decision time.

In this episode, Rollo sets the stage for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches happening from Thursday to Saturday, explaining what’s at stake across every continent.

We start with a few big news items — including a major change to the World Cup draw that could benefit top-ranked playoff teams like Italy, and a look at the expanded U17 World Cup format that might actually make knockout stages more exciting.

Then, it’s onto the action:

🌍 The playoff battles in Africa and Asia that will send two teams to the intercontinental playoff.

🇺🇸 The decisive final rounds in CONCACAF, with three direct qualifying spots and two playoff berths on the line.

🇪🇺 And, of course, a full UEFA Qualifier Preview, from Thursday’s France–Ukraine headline match to Saturday’s crucial Austria fixtures that could seal qualification.

There’s also a dose of Barcelona drama — Messi’s visit to Camp Nou and Lamine Yamal’s medical saga — plus a touch of personal perspective as Rollo reflects on the nervous excitement surrounding Austria’s campaign.

🎙️ It’s all building up to a massive few days in international football.

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

world cup qualifiers, international break preview, football podcast, soccer podcast, 2026 world cup draw, italy world cup pot 1, fifa ranking, africa playoff, asia playoff, concacaf world cup qualifying, uefa qualifiers, austria national team, france ukraine, poland netherlands, germany slovakia, messi barcelona, lamine yamal injury, under 17 world cup format, european football podcast, rolo my soccer universe, decision time episode

#FootballTalk #WorldCupQualifiers #InternationalBreak #DecisionTime #EuropeanFootball #LASK #Austria #SerieA #Messi #Barcelona #FIFAWorldCup #MySoccerUniverse

00:00 Intro – Welcome to the Final International Break

01:40 Major Change to the World Cup Draw Explained

03:36 The U17 World Cup Format That Actually Works

05:00 Messi Returns to Camp Nou – Argentina in Barcelona

06:25 Lamine Yamal Injury Saga Continues

08:02 Africa & Asia Playoffs – Who Reaches the Intercontinental Stage?

09:33 CONCACAF Qualifiers – Final Spots Up for Grabs

10:50 UEFA Qualifiers – Thursday’s Matches Preview

11:41 UEFA Qualifiers – Friday’s Key Clashes (Poland vs Netherlands)

12:54 Austria’s Group – Stakes, Nerves, and Qualification Chances

15:30 Saturday’s Deciders – Europe’s Final Big Night

16:35 Wrap-Up – Looking Ahead & Reflections

This week’s Football Talk takes a step back from the chaos and looks at how tight the European football landscape has become.

Across Austria, Italy, England, Germany, Spain, and beyond, margins are razor-thin — top teams drop points, underdogs fight back, and leagues tighten everywhere.

I reflect on a weekend where LASK continue their incredible run, Milan throw away control, and even Europe’s giants show cracks.

From the Austrian Bundesliga’s shrinking gap between top and bottom, to Serie A’s goal droughts, to Premier League shocks and Bayern’s first stumble, this episode captures a football weekend defined by tension and small differences.

Plus: a look at how form swings in Germany, Spain, and France are creating unusually balanced title races — and why that might not be great for European quality overall.

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

LASK, AC Milan, Didi Kühbauer, Austrian Bundesliga, Serie A, Milan Parma, Inter Milan, Napoli Bologna, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Premier League, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona, La Liga, PSG, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, Portuguese Liga, European football, football podcast, My Soccer Universe, Football Talk, weekend review, tight margins, international break.

#FootballTalk #MySoccerUniverse #LASK #ACMilan #SerieA #Bundesliga #PremierLeague #LaLiga #PSG #EuropeanFootball #SoccerPodcast #FootballPodcast #WeekendReview #EuropeTightensUp #AustrianBundesliga

00:00 – Intro: A Weekend of Tight Margins

03:39 – Austria: Saturday Results Put Pressure on LASK

• Five wins, five clean sheets under Kühbauer

• The Saturday results that didn’t go LASK’s way but set up their success

06:12 – The LASK Game: Lucky but Valuable

• Why it’s the perfect coach’s win — 3 points + room for improvement

08:43 – Austrian League Getting Tighter

• Rapid’s struggles, Sturm–Salzburg 1-1, parity in the table

• European performance decline despite close competition

12:04 – Serie A: Goals Missing Everywhere

• Widespread goal drought until the Milan–Parma 2-2 draw

• Milan’s control then collapse, missed chance to go top

15:27 – Serie A Roundup: Napoli Fall, Inter Lead

• Bologna beat Napoli, Inter and Roma win before the Derby della Madonnina

16:58 – Premier League: Drama and Statements

• Spurs – United 2-2: stoppage-time chao

• Sunderland – Arsenal 2-2: Arsenal drop points but show resilience

• City – Liverpool 3-0: City dominant, Liverpool in transition

22:00 – Bundesliga: Bayern Finally Slip

• Bayern drop points at Union, Dortmund and Leipzig also falter

• Even Germany’s giants can’t escape tight margins

24:30 – La Liga: Spanish Giants Stumble

• Real Madrid 0-0 at Rayo, Barcelona 4-2 Celta — defensive chaos, table closes

26:24 – Elsewhere in Europe

• Portugal: Benfica dropping off

• Netherlands: Feyenoord and Ajax lose, PSV pull clear

• France: Lyon – PSG thriller, PSG win late but show vulnerabilities

29:01 – Outro

The Premier League still rules Europe — but behind it, the balance is shifting. In this week’s Football Talk, we look at how German teams are rising while Spanish sides stumble. Bayern beat PSG in Paris, Leverkusen stay perfect, and Frankfurt grind it out — all while Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Villarreal struggle for rhythm.We’ll also dive into Italy’s mixed week, Roma’s bounce-back in the Europa League, a promising round for Austrian clubs, and the latest Conference League chaos. Plus: who are the new favorites across Europe’s competitions — and what do the numbers tell us about goals and balance in modern football?🇩🇪 German power, 🇪🇸 Spanish struggles — but the real story might be who’s quietly catching up.

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

Champions League 2025

Europa League 2025

Conference League 2025

European football podcast

Football Talk

Bayern Munich PSG

Arsenal Bayern

Liverpool Real Madrid

Roma Rangers

Austrian football

Salzburg

Rapid Vienna

Sturm Graz

Napoli Frankfurt

Inter Milan

Atalanta Marseille

Serie A in Europe

Premier League dominance

German football

Spanish football crisis

European football analysis

My Soccer Universe

#ChampionsLeague #EuropaLeague #ConferenceLeague #EuropeanFootball #FootballTalk #BayernMunich #PSG #Arsenal #Liverpool #RealMadrid #Roma #SerieA #Bundesliga #LaLiga #AustrianFootball #MySoccerUniverse #VincentKompany #LuisDiaz #EuropeanRoundup #FootballPodcast

00:00 Intro

04:14 The Big Trend: German Power, Spanish Struggles

13:28 Match of the Week: PSG 1–2 Bayern Munich

19:18 Italy’s Mixed Fortunes

25:17 Europa League Highlights - Austrian Revival?

30:20 Conference League Chaos

35:18 Further Talking Points

38:12 Projections & Favorites

43:18 Outlook & Closing Thoughts

This week’s episode I want to start to take a step back from match-by-match reviews and ask bigger questions! Something like this: what makes a club truly “big”?

Inspired by Roma’s eternal struggle for greatness, I explore the line between the “biggest of the small” and the “smallest of the big” — clubs that live in that space where history, passion, and heartbreak constantly meet. From Roma and Napoli to Spurs, Villa, and my beloved LASK, we look at what makes these teams so fascinating: big enough to dream, but small enough that every triumph still feels extraordinary.

Before that, I recap this week’s cup action across Europe — from Austria’s tight matchups to the League Cup drama in England and a busy fixtures in France, Germany, and beyond.

Then, we dive deep into Serie A, where Milan’s draw at Atalanta and Roma’s identity crisis set the tone for this episode’s big theme.

🎧 Join me for an ode to football’s beautiful failures — the clubs that dare to dream just beyond their reach.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

#FootballPodcast #MySoccerUniverse #SerieA #Roma #Napoli #Milan #Spurs #LASK #FootballCulture #UnderdogStory #EuropeanFootball #FootballHistory #BeautifulFailure #SoccerPodcast #footballtalk

Roma, Napoli, Spurs, Aston Villa, LASK, Serie A, Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Austrian Cup, League Cup, Italian football, European football podcast, football history, football storytelling, football culture, underdog football clubs, biggest of the small, smallest of the big, Roma football, Milan draw Atalanta, Luciano Spalletti Juventus, cup football review, My Soccer Universe podcast, beautiful failures in football, football identity, My Soccer Universe

00:00 Intro – New Direction for the Podcast

02:03 Austrian Cup Round – Sturm Graz, Rapid & LASK advance

04:25 League Cup Drama – England, France, Germany, Spain & Netherlands

06:44 Serie A Midweek Action – Atalanta vs Milan, Juventus win, Spalletti’s Start

11:05 Roma & Napoli – The Smallest of the Big, The Biggest of the Small

14:21 German Football & LASK – Austria’s Beautiful Failure?

16:37 Spain & England – Spurs, Villa, and Other Underdog Stories

18:04 What Makes a “Big Club”? – Episode Summary

20:27 Outro & Listener Thoughts

Audio-only this time — but the football was loud enough!In Episode 31, I look back at a weekend packed with big matches and bold storylines across Europe.🇪🇸 Spain:All eyes on El Clásico as Real Madrid beat Barcelona in a heated, high-quality clash that defined the weekend.🇮🇹 Italy:A controversial penalty and a De Bruyne injury headline Napoli’s 2-1 win over Inter. Despite Inter’s recent form, Napoli struck back with stunning goals from McTominay and Anguissa, exposing Inter’s familiar mental fragility.🇦🇹 Austria:LASK made it two wins in a row under new management — and with every other result falling their way, it turned into a near-perfect round for them.🇳🇱 Netherlands:A brilliant Saibari hat-trick gave PSV a 3-2 away win at Feyenoord in a top-table thriller, while Ajax finally produced a rare surprise win.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England:Liverpool stumbled again, losing at Brentford, while United jump ahead of them. Arsenal keep winning — and somehow Bournemouth sit second!🇩🇪🇫🇷🇵🇹 Elsewhere:Expected but interesting results in Germany, France, and Portugal round off the weekend.I also talk about my “4-point weekend” (Milan’s draw + LASK’s win) and why this episode is audio-only with minimal visuals.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #ElClasico #RealMadrid #Barcelona #Napoli #Inter #SerieA #LaLiga #PremierLeague #Bundesliga #Ligue1 #Eredivisie #LigaPortugal #AustrianBundesliga #EuropeanFootball #FootballPodcast #SoccerUniverse #FootballReview #WeekendRecap #Arsenal #Liverpool #PSV #LASKEl Clasico 2025, Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Napoli Inter 2025, Serie A review, La Liga 2025, Premier League 2025, Arsenal Bournemouth top two, Liverpool Brentford, Manchester United, PSV Feyenoord, Saibari hat trick, Ajax AZ, Austrian Bundesliga, LASK Rapid Vienna, Ligue 1, Bundesliga 2025, Liga Portugal, European football weekend review, Soccer Universe Football Talk, football podcast, matchday analysis00:00 Intro & 4-point weekend02:46 Spanish La Liga (El Clásico)09:07 Italian Serie A18:19 Austrian Bundesliga24:39 Dutch Eredivisie27:37 English Premier League34:01 Liga Portugal35:08 Ligue 136:48 German Bundesliga38:25 Outro + Viewer Questions

This week in Europe had it all — goals, chaos… and a surprising lack of real drama.

Tuesday’s Champions League matchday set a new goal record, but as I discuss in the opening, it was also one of the most lopsided rounds ever. Big wins everywhere, very few close games — and by the second half, most matches were already decided. Wednesday offered a bit more excitement, especially in the Sporting–Marseille thriller, but the overall feeling? The gap between the big leagues and the rest keeps growing.

I dive into how Premier League dominance and the struggles of leagues like Serie A — with Napoli destroyed by PSV and only Inter winning — are making the Champions League less competitive.

But don’t worry: Thursday saved the week!

The Europa League and Conference League delivered the shocks and stories we love — from Go Ahead Eagles beating Aston Villa, to AEK Larnaca stunning Crystal Palace, and Lincoln Red Imps taking down Lech Poznań. Even a huge win for PAOK at Lille adds to a wild Thursday night.

It was, however, a nightmare for Austrian clubs — Salzburg losing at home to Ferencváros being symbolic of how far the Austrian league has slipped.

I wrap up by breaking down the winners and losers of the week:

🇹🇷 Turkish and English teams flying high, 🇮🇹 Italian sides faltering badly.

A week where the numbers looked great, but the football didn’t — until Thursday came around.👉 Subscribe for weekly previews & reviews across Europe’s top leagues!Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

#ChampionsLeague #EuropaLeague #ConferenceLeague #EuropeanFootball #FootballPodcast #SoccerUniverse #UEFA #FootballAnalysis #CL2025 #UEL2025 #UECL2025 #AstonVilla #Napoli #PSV #Salzburg #Ferencvaros #GoAheadEagles #PAOK #FootballReview

World Football Podcast, Weekend Review, LASK Rapid Vienna, Austrian Bundesliga, Serie A 2025, Milan Napoli Juventus, Premier League 2025, Liverpool Manchester United, Arsenal top, Bayern Dortmund Klassiker, La Liga 2025, El Clásico preview, Ajax crisis, Feyenoord PSV, Ligue 1 2025, PSG Marseille, Taça de Portugal, Mjällby champions, Football analysis, European football review, Soccer Universe Football Talk

The second slot of the October World Cup qualifying window brought clarity — and controversy.

England are the first European team to book their place, while in Africa nearly every ticket is now taken: Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and even a resurgent Nigeria reach the playoffs after a chaotic week. In Asia, favorites Saudi Arabia and Qatar clinch qualification, while the UAE and Iraq battle for survival.

In Europe, the picture sharpens: Germany recover, Switzerland hold firm, Denmark and Scotland lead, France stumble in Iceland, Spain and England stay perfect, Portugal and Italy still have work to do, and Austria taste their first defeat.

Along the way, I also observe that UEFA realized its qualifying format has lost excitement. Maybe the Nations League is the better path forward.

All that, plus CONCACAF surprises, the African playoff lineup, and a look ahead to the November window.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #WorldCup2026 #FootballPodcast #WorldCupQualifiers #UEFAQualifying #AfricanFootball #AsianQualifiers #CONCACAF #England #Nigeria #CapeVerde #Austria #Italy #Portugal #FIFA #FootballAnalysis #worldcup2026

00:00 – Intro

2:38 – UEFA to change qualifying format?

7:46 – UEFA Qualifying Groups A-E

11:45 – UEFA Qualifying Groups F-G

15:20 – UEFA Qualifying Groups H-I

22:49 – UEFA Qualifying Groups J-K + Playoff picture

29:31 – CONCACAF Qualifying

31:32 – AFC (Asia) Qualifying

32:38 – CAF Qualifying Groups A-C

36:17 – CAF Qualifying Groups D-I + Playoff

39:57 – Final thoughts

he World Cup is slowly taking shape — but is FIFA taking the magic out of it?

In this global episode, we start with a fiery rant on FIFA’s endless expansion plans, Infantino’s talk of 64 teams, and even shifting the World Cup calendar into the middle of club seasons. With every new change, the tournament risks losing its unique spark.

Then we move continent by continent through this week’s World Cup qualifying action:

• In Europe, Austria smash San Marino 10–0, Haaland hits a hat-trick for Norway, Italy and Belgium stumble, and England can qualify early.

• In Asia, Saudi Arabia are nearly through, while Qatar face a tense showdown with the UAE.

• In CONCACAF, surprises everywhere — Curaçao, Suriname, and Haiti lead their groups ahead of regional giants.

• And in Africa, Egypt and Algeria book their places, while Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Ghana fight through a wild finale.

This episode connects the dots — the goals, the shocks, and the big picture of where the World Cup is heading.

👉 If you enjoy football talk, previews, and match recaps, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly updates from across the football world.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #WorldCup2026 #FIFA #FootballPodcast #WorldCupQualifiers #UEFAQualifying #AfricanFootball #AsianQualifiers #CONCACAF #Infantino #Austria #Italy #Norway #Haaland #Aubameyang #FootballAnalysis⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

02:00 – FIFA’s Expansion Rant: Is the World Cup Losing Its Magic?

07:50 – UEFA Qualifying (Groups A–F): Switzerland rise, Germany rebound, France cruise

13:53 – UEFA Qualifying (Groups G–L): Austria’s 10-0 record, Haaland hat-trick, Italy & Belgium struggles

20:27 – Asian Qualifying: Saudi Arabia solid, Qatar face UAE test

21:28 – CONCACAF Qualifying: Suriname, Curaçao & Haiti lead the way

23:16 – African Qualifying: Egypt & Algeria through, Ivory Coast edge Gabon, Ghana nearly there

30:42 – Final Words

The international break is here — and World Cup qualifying is back across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America!In this special audio-only episode, we preview the upcoming matches and break down the impact of the stunning decision to award Lesotho a 2–0 win over South Africa. That ruling throws Group C wide open — with Benin now top and Nigeria suddenly back in contention.We also look ahead to Asia’s fourth qualifying round, where just six teams remain, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In Africa, we go group by group through a thrilling final window full of tight races — from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria’s revival hopes.Then it’s CONCACAF, where Panama and Costa Rica risk missing out, before wrapping up in Europe, where Sweden–Switzerland and Czech Republic–Croatia headline a crucial window.Stay tuned till the end for info on when the next Qualifying Review episode will drop!👉 If you enjoy football talk, previews, and match recaps, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly updates from across the football world.Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss #WorldCup2026 #WorldCupQualifiers #FootballPodcast #AfricanFootball #AsianQualifiers #UEFAQualifying #CONCACAF #Nigeria #SouthAfrica #Lesotho #Benin #Austria #Sweden #Croatia #FootballAnalysis⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Intro – Big week ahead

02:07 Asian World Cup Qualifying – Round 4 preview & group outlook

03:56 African World Cup Qualifying – Group-by-group rundown and key stakes

12:41 CONCACAF Qualifying – Panama & Costa Rica under pressure

14:25 UEFA Qualifying – Final push for Croatia, Sweden, and Austria

21:37 Final Remarks – Next episode schedule & what to watch for

A weekend packed with storylines before the international break!

In this episode, we look across Europe where four top leagues had massive clashes — and yet, the biggest games ended goalless.

In Italy, Milan vs Juventus produced plenty of tension but no breakthrough, leaving Napoli back on top after a comeback win. In Portugal, Porto and Benfica also cancelled each other out in a tactical battle.

Meanwhile, in Austria, LASK made history, coming back from 0–3 down in the 89th minute to draw 3–3 against Hartberg — the first such comeback ever in the Bundesliga. Sturm Graz move top after Rapid lose to Salzburg.

Elsewhere, Chelsea beat Liverpool, Arsenal lead the Premier League, and Bayern cruise again in Germany. Real Madrid rebound to reclaim first in La Liga, and in France, Ethan Mbappé steals some spotlight from his famous brother.

We wrap up with key news from Milan — updates on the San Siro and an upcoming global match project.

#FootballPodcast #EuropeanFootball #SerieA #PremierLeague #LaLiga #Bundesliga #Ligue1 #LigaPortugal #AustrianBundesliga #Milan #Juventus #Porto #Benfica #RealMadrid #Arsenal #Chelsea #PSG

Milan vs Juventus, Porto vs Benfica, LASK vs Hartberg, Rapid Vienna vs Salzburg, Arsenal top Premier League, Chelsea vs Liverpool, Bayern Munich Bundesliga, Real Madrid vs Villarreal, Barcelona vs Sevilla, PSG vs Lille, Ethan Mbappé, Serie A 2025, La Liga 2025, Premier League 2025, Bundesliga 2025, Ligue 1 2025, Liga Portugal 2025, Austrian Bundesliga 2025, European football weekend review

00:00 Intro – Final weekend before the international break

02:49 Austrian Bundesliga – LASK’s historic 3-3 comeback, Sturm Graz go top

08:37 Premier League – Chelsea beat Liverpool, Arsenal lead again

11:49 Bundesliga – Bayern dominant, Dortmund slip at home

15:25 Eredivisie – Ajax pressure mounts, Feyenoord hold top spot

17:32 Ligue 1 – PSG drop points, Ethan Mbappé’s first goal

20:11 Serie A – Milan vs Juventus 0-0, Napoli and Roma win

26:19 La Liga – Real Madrid rebound, Barcelona stunned

29:50 Liga Portugal – Porto vs Benfica ends goalless, Mourinho’s return

31:47 Milan News – San Siro future & global expansion

This week delivered the first triple bill of European action, with the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League all in play — and it did not disappoint.From Galatasaray’s stunning win over Liverpool, to Juventus’ defender bicycle-kick goal, to the much-hyped but flawed clash between Barcelona and PSG, there were shocks and stories everywhere. In the Europa League, Roma’s penalty disaster against Lille grabbed headlines, while Portuguese teams impressed and Dutch sides struggled. The Conference League gave us drama too — Rapid flopped, Sturm Graz beat Rangers, and Fiorentina made a strong start.I break it all down competition by competition, looking at winners and losers, tactical takeaways, and how the results affect the projections and favorites going forward.👉 Subscribe for weekly previews & reviews across Europe’s top leagues!Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss 00:00 Intro – First full week of European action02:32 Winners & Losers across competitions03:58 Barcelona vs PSG – not the “final we were denied”05:51 Champions League Tuesday (Liverpool stunned at Galatasaray)11:02 Champions League Wednesday (Juve’s bicycle kick, Barça–PSG)15:47 Champions League projections20:21 Upcoming Champions League matches20:56 Europa League results (Roma’s penalty disaster, Portuguese strength)28:08 Europa League projections31:22 Upcoming Europa League matches32:30 Conference League roundup (Rapid flop, Sturm Graz, Fiorentina)35:40 Conference League projections39:02 Upcoming Conference League matches39:40 Outro#ChampionsLeague #EuropaLeague #ConferenceLeague #UCL #UEL #UECL #EuropeanFootball #FootballPodcast #Galatasaray #Liverpool #Barcelona #PSG #Juventus

Football Talk Episode 19 is all about the start of the Europa League! ⚽As for the other two European competitions, I first go through the qualification rounds to get a good feeling of which teams attempted and which ones succeeded in qualifying for the league phase. And qualifying in the Conference League can only be described as brutal. Well over 100 teams featured in the four rounds and there were no fixed spots. And in addition, plenty of interesting names in there. Then, we take look at the league phase draw, the winners and losers and how it impacted the contenders. You will This also includes a league phase prediction and a bracket outlook. You will be surprised who my model does pick to be the winner of the league phase! And finally, we conclude with a full preview of Matchday 1 and the biggest storylines to watch. 👉 Let me know in the comments who do you think will go all the way o if we see any Bodø/Glimt style surprise!👉 Subscribe for weekly previews & reviews across Europe’s top leagues!Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss 00:00 Intro - UEFA's most overlooked competition04:37 Qualification Round 1 - Huge Turnarounds07:41 Qualification Round 2 - The first recognizable names enter12:22 Qualification Round 3 - Close Calls for the Viennese Giants15:36 Qualification Playoff - Almost no Big League Casualties18:54 The League Phase Draw – seeding, winners, losers23:51 Conference League Predictions – favorites, dark horses & bracket outlook27:51 Matchday 1 Preview – what should you look out for?UEFA Conference League, Conference League 2025 preview, football podcast, football analysis, Conference League group stage predictions, Matchday 1 preview, Crystal Palace, ACF Fiorentina, Rayo Vallecano, Mainz 05, AZ Alkmaar, SK Rapid Wien, AC Sparta Praha, AEK Athens, Shakhtar Donetsk, Levski Sofia#europaleague #UEL #crystalpalace #acffiorentina #rayovallecano #mainz05 #azalkmaar #skrapid #spartaprague #aek #shakhtardonetsk #levskisofia #FootballTalk #FootballPodcast

Four unbeaten league leaders went down in a wild weekend of football! In Austria, Rapid Vienna fell to rivals Austria Vienna in the derby, while drama in Spain saw Atlético Madrid thrash Real Madrid 5-2 in a stunning derby performance. In Italy, Milan claimed a huge 2-1 win over Napoli, powered by Pulisic and Modric, while Liverpool’s unbeaten run ended with a deserved loss at Crystal Palace.We also look at: • Austria: Rapid’s setback, Austria Vienna’s tactical masterclass, and LASK chaos • Spain: Atlético’s big win, Barça on top, Real Madrid exposed • Italy: Milan’s tactical triumph, Juventus–Atalanta draw, Roma joining the top pack • England: Crystal Palace stun Liverpool, Arsenal’s last-minute win, Man United’s woes • Germany: Kane breaks records, Frankfurt’s wild 6-4 thriller • France: PSG back on top, late wins for Marseille & Lyon • Netherlands & Portugal: Big three stay strong, surprise struggles elsewhere👉 This episode will keep you updated about everything that happened in Europe's big leagues (+Austria) with a very personal twist!👉 Subscribe for weekly previews & reviews across Europe’s top leagues!Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss 00:00 Intro – A weekend of toppled table toppers01:47 Austrian Bundesliga – Derby drama & LASK chaos08:13 La Liga – Atlético thrash Real, Barça on top12:23 Serie A Spotlight – Milan beat Napoli17:01 Serie A Roundup – Juve, Roma & more21:53 Premier League – Palace stun Liverpool26:00 Bundesliga – Kane record & Frankfurt’s 6-4 madness28:07 Ligue 1 – PSG back on top, late wins elsewhere29:30 Eredivisie – Big three in control30:37 Liga Portugal – Porto impress, Benfica & Sporting edge wins31:37 Recap & final thoughts#FootballPodcast #EuropeanFootball #ToppledToppers #RapidVienna #AustriaVienna #MadridDerby #AtleticoMadrid #RealMadrid #Milan #Napoli #Liverpool #CrystalPalace #PremierLeague #SerieA #LaLiga #Bundesliga #Ligue1 #Eredivisie #LigaPortugal #HarryKane #FootballReview

This week’s episode covers a busy midweek of football action! We kick things off with the Coppa Italia, where Milan impressed with a 3-0 win over Lecce and Venezia shocked Verona on penalties. Over in La Liga, Real Madrid and Barcelona stayed on track, while Atlético Madrid pulled off a thrilling 3-2 comeback against Rayo Vallecano thanks to a Julian Alvarez hat-trick in the final minutes.

We also touch on make-up matches in Portugal and the Netherlands before diving deep into the Europa League’s opening round. German and Portuguese teams made strong starts, Freiburg vs. Basel gave us a unique cross-border derby, and Betis–Forest produced late drama. From Roma’s away win to Giroud’s last-minute heroics for Lille, and Panathinaikos taking the early lead, it was a week full of talking points.

We wrap things up with a look at the bigger picture: standings impact, updated favorites, and expectations for the next round.

👉 Subscribe for weekly previews & reviews across Europe’s top leagues!Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

Europa League, Coppa Italia, La Liga, Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez hat trick, Milan vs Lecce, Venezia vs Verona, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Freiburg vs Basel, Betis vs Nottingham Forest, Roma, Lille, Aston Villa, Salzburg vs Porto, Panathinaikos, European football review, Europa League 2025, football podcast, Champions League preview, football analysis, UEFA Europa League

#EuropaLeague #CoppaItalia #LaLiga #JulianAlvarez #Milan #AtleticoMadrid #RealMadrid #Barcelona #Freiburg #Basel #Roma #Lille #AstonVilla #Salzburg #Porto #Panathinaikos #FootballPodcast #EuropeanFootball #UEFA #FootballReview

It’s another packed Football Talk Episode 20! And this time, I am all happy after near perfect weekend! ⚽Both of my favorite teams celebrated wins - which is already rare enough, but they both were with at least two goals each, deserved and without conceding! The emotional highlight surely was LASK's win in the derby, while Milan's win at Udinese has me excited about the potential prospects for the upcoming Serie A season. But it also felt like the first true big footballing weekend of the year! We had big name matchups in England, the Netherlands and France, while the fiercest derby in Italy once again stole the headlines. In Germany it was about British hat tricks and saved penalties, while in Spain it was more the discontent of players making the headlines. And who would I be to forget to report about Mourinho's first match in charge of Benfica. And yes, there was a little award sow also yesterday evening ...👉 This episode will keep you updated about everything that happened in Europe's big leagues (+Austria) with a very personal twist!👉 Subscribe for weekly previews & reviews across Europe’s top leagues!Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss 00:00 Intro01:32 Austrian Bundesliga Round 7 – LASK with emotional late derby win and plenty of refereeing controversy08:31 Serie A Round 4 – Impressive Milan and the Derby della Capitale15:49 Eredivisie Round 6 – A square on top of the table18:01 Premier League Round 5 – Unconvincing Liverpool extend lead21:54 Bundesliga Round 4 – Saved penalties and British hattricks24:19 La Liga Round 5 – Unhappy superstars26:55 Ligue 1 Round 5 – PSG win balon d'or but lose le clasique!29:41 Liga Portugal Round 6 – Mourinho takes charge at Benfica30:50 Final ThoughtsFootball podcast, Serie A, Derby della Capitale, Milan, Austrian Bundesliga, Linzer Derby, LASK, Premier League, Merseyside Derby, Manchester United Chelsea, Arsenal Manchester City, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, Le Claque, Balon d'Or, Eredivisie, PSV Ajax, AZ Feyenoord, Liga Portugal, Benfica Mourinho, football analysis#SerieA #derbydellacapitale #Juventus #Inter #Milan #Napoli #AustrianBundesliga #PremierLeague #merseysidederby #Bundesliga #Bayern #Leverkusen #LaLiga #RealMadrid #Barcelona #Ligue1 #PSG #LigaPortugal #Benfica #Eredivisie #PSV #Ajax #FootballTalk #FootballPodcast

Football Talk Episode 19 is all about the start of the Europa League! ⚽ Don't worry, the weekend review will post shortly. 😉

As for the Champions League, I first go through the qualification rounds to get a good feeling of which teams attempted and which ones succeeded in qualifying for the league phase. 

Then, we take look at the league phase draw, the winners and losers and how it impacted  the contenders. This also includes a league phase prediction and a  bracket outlook. As always, this might be UEFA's most balanced competition.

And finally, we conclude with a full preview of Matchday 1 and the biggest storylines to watch. 

👉 Let me know in the comments who do you think will go all the way o if we see any Bodø/Glimt style surprise!

👉 Subscribe for weekly previews & reviews across Europe’s top leagues!

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss 

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk 

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse 

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss 

00:00 Intro - UEFA's most balanced competition

02:27 Europa League Qualification Recap – surprise stories & highlights

07:49 The Group Stage Draw – seeding, winners, losers

12:40 Europa League Predictions – favorites, dark horses & bracket outlook

15:06 Matchday 1 Preview – what should you look out for?

16:29 Final Thoughts

UEFA Europa League, Europa League 2025 preview, football podcast, football analysis, Europa League group stage predictions, Matchday 1 preview, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, AS Roma, Bologna FC, Celta Vigo, Betis Sevilla, VfB Stuttgart, SC Freiburg, FC Red Bull Salzburg, SK Sturm Graz

#europaleague #UEL #astonvilla #nottinghamforest #asroma #bolognafc #celtavigo #betisbalompie #vfbstuttgart #scfreiburg #redbullsalzburg #sksturm #FootballTalk #FootballPodcast