Learn English Through Football

2026 World Cup Language Podcast Day 14:

25 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day ten at the 2026 World Cup and on this World Cup language podcast we look at an important football phrase in tournaments, which is 'goal difference...

2026 World Cup Language 13: Ends goal drought

24 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's day 13 of the 2026 World Cup and Ronaldo finally arrived at the tournament. We look at a phrase that came from his match for Portugal against Uzb...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast Day 12: (to) Shrug Off

23 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day ten at the 2026 World Cup and on this World Cup language podcast we look at the verb phrase 'to shrug off' and how we can use it to talk about Arg...

2026 World Cup Language: Thumping strike

22 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's day 11 of the 2026 World Cup and Cape Verde continue to surprise - this time drawing with Uruguay 2-2. We will explain the phrase 'thumping strik...

2026 World Cup Language Day 10: (a) Statement Win

21 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day ten at the 2026 World Cup and on this World Cup language podcast we look at the phrase 'a statement win' and the Netherlands versus Sweden match. ...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast Day 9: One-way traffic

21 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day nine of the 2026 World Cup saw one of the dark horses, Turkey, knocked out of the competition and we are going to look at the phrases, 'one-way tr...

2026 World Cup Language 8: (a) Gift

19 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day eight at the 2026 World Cup and on this World Cup language podcast we look at the the match between Czechia and South Africa and the noun 'a gift'...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast – Day 7: Re-taken penalty

19 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Re-taken penalty: Day seven of the 2026 World Cup saw some of the World Cup favourites in action and in this podcast we look at the phrase 'retaken pe...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast 6: (a) Stunner

17 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day six at the 2026 World Cup and on this World Cup language podcast we look at the noun 'a stunner' from the France versus Senegal match. The post 20...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast 5: Held to a draw

16 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Held to a draw: Day five of the 2026 World Cup was a day of draws as all four games ended in draws. We look at the phrase 'held to a draw' from one of...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast 4: Run Riot

15 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day four at the 2026 World Cup saw some interesting matches. On this World Cup language podcast we look at the phrase to run riot and the Germany v Cu...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast 3: Lob (over the keeper)

14 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day three of the 2026 World Cup saw Brazil enter the tournament and on today's World Cp language podcast we take a look at a phrase from Brazil's game...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast 2: Brace

13 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Day two at the 2026 World Cup with matches in Canada and the US. On this World Cup language post we look at the noun ‘a brace' The post 2026 World C...

2026 World Cup Language Podcast: To be dismissed

12 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Mexico yesterday and on this World Cup language post we look at the phrase, 'to be dismissed' after three players wer...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: 2026 World Cup – Favourites, Dark Horses and Flops

11 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The men’s World Cup starts this week and in this week's football-language podcast we look at some language to describe the favourites, the dark hors...

Learn English through Football Podcast: 2026 World Cup in Numbers

07 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The men’s World Cup starts on June 11th and in this week's football-language podcast we look at some of the numbers behind the tournament in our fir...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: 2026 Champions League Final – Clash of Styles

30 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language connected to this season's [2026] Champions League final, including the phrases, 'cl...

Weekly Football Phrase: (an) Out-and-out

28 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the adjective phrase, 'out-and-out' which is used to talk about players' styles of play. The post Weekl...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: On the Plane

24 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some phrases connected with choosing squads for the World Cup, including 'to be on the plane'. We ...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Hit the Byline

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the verb phrase, 'to hit the byline' which describes a way of attacking. The post Weekly Football Phras...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Flicked finish

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look back at a phrase from this weekend's FA Cup final in England between Manchester City and Chelsea: Fli...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Set up

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look back at some language from the Champions League semi-final second legs and in particular the multiple...

Weekly football Phrase: (to) Fly Out of the Traps

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the expression, 'to fly out of the traps' which was used to describe how Manchester United played in th...

Weekly Football Phrase: Come out on top

02 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the expression, 'come out on top' which was used to describe PSG's win over Bayern Munich in the Champi...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Lose the Dressing Room

26 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at the phrase 'lose the dressing room', and other football language used when a manager is under pres...

Weekly Football Phrase: Close the gap

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the expression, 'close the gap' after Manchester City's win over Arsenal in the Premier League. The pos...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Business End of the Season

18 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some phrases connected to the expression, 'business end of the season' as we only have a few weeks...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Fizz the Ball

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the verb phrase 'to fizz the ballt'. This phrase ise used to talk about passing as well as shooting. Th...

Weekly Football Phrase: No Fluke

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the expression, 'no fluke' after Southampton defeated Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter final this weekend....

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Miss Out On

04 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look back at some football phrases from the 2026 World Cup play-off finals, including, 'miss out on' after...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Sky It

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Sky It In this football phrase of the week we look at the verb phrase ‘to sky it’. This phrase can be used to...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Reach the final

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some football phrases from the 2026 World Cup play-off games, including, 'reach the final'.  The ...

Weekly Football Phrase: Caught Napping

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the phrase 'caught napping', a phrase usually used to talk about defending. The post Weekly Football P...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Stripped of their title

21 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at a football phrase that has come out of AFCON 2025: 'stripped of their title' after what happened i...

Weekly Football Phrase: Defend their title

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the expression, 'defend their title' after Chelsea defeated Manchester United in the Women's League Cup...

Learn English Through Football: Goalkeeping Gaffe

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at football phrases to talk about goalkeeping mistakes, including 'goalkeeping gaffe'. The post Learn...

Weekly Football Phrase: To be into the next round

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the expression, 'To be into the next round' after League One side Port Vale qualified for the quarter-f...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: (to) Shepherd the Ball

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language connected with defending or controlling the ball. The post Learn English Through Foo...

Weekly Football Phrase: one for the team

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the cliche, 'one for the team', a phrase used alongside yellow cards. The post Weekly Football Phrase: ...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Hold Off A Fightback

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language from the Champions League second leg tie between Juventus and Galatasaray. We will e...

Weekly Football Phrase: Too Good to Go Down

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the cliche, 'too good to go down' after my favourite team Tottenham lost again and are only four points...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Women’s Champions League Play Offs

22 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some of the football language connected with this week's Women's Champions League play off fixture...

Weekly Football Phrase: Penalty Shootout

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the phrase, 'penalty shootout' after the FA Cup 4th Round tie between Birmingham and Leeds was decided ...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: The Language of Getting the Sack

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language around manager sackings after some high-profile managers lost their jobs this week. ...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Dwell on

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast's weekly football phrase is the verb phrase 'to dwell on'. This is used to describe talk about a player in control of the ball. The post ...

Learn English Through Football: 2023 Women’s World Cup Final

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football language podcast we look back at some of the language from the final of th 2023 Women's World Cup. The post Learn English Through Foo...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Extend Their Lead

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language connected to the top of the table: 'to extend their lead' and 'to move clear'. The p...

Weekly Football Phrase: Scorpion Kick

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast's weekly football phrase is the noun 'a scorpion kick'. This is used to describe a particular kind of shot. The post Weekly Football Phra...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Bullet Header

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look back at some of the football language from the final round of games from the 2025-26 Champions League...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Missed Penalty (AFCON 2025)

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look back at the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal and discuss missed penalties The post Learn Engli...

Learn Englsh Through Football Podcast: 2026 FA Cup Third Round

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we focus on the language of the 3rd round of the FA Cup, including the cliche 'the magic of the cup'. The pos...

Weekly Football Phrase: Sacking Season

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the cliche, 'the sacking season' after two high-profile sackings in the Premier League this week. The p...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Rode their luck (AFCON 2025) 

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language from the last-16 of the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, including the phrase, 'rod...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Latch on to

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast's weekly football phrase is a verb phrase' to latch on to'. This is used to describe a player controlling the ball. The post Weekly Footb...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: AFCON 2025 Preview

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look forward to AFCON 2025 which starts this weekend in Morocco. We will look at some of the favourites, p...

Weekly Football Phrase: (a) Goal Fest

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast's weekly football phrase is 'a goal fest'. a phrase used to describe matches with lots of goals. The post Weekly Football Phrase: (a) Goa...

Learn English through Football Podcast: Turn the Corner

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language from the past week including 'turn the corner' and 'down tools'. The post Learn Engl...

Weekly Football Phrase: Throw Under the Bus

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast's weekly football phrase is to throw under the bus. which is a phrase used by Mohammad Salah in comments this week. The post Weekly Footb...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: To Be Drawn (2026 World Cup Draw)

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language from the  2026 World Cup draw that took place in Washington at the weekend and in p...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Shin It

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast's weekly football phrase is to shin it. which is a phrae you will hear connected with how a player kicks the ball. The post Weekly Footba...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: 2025 Copa Libertadores Final – Flying Header

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language from the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores final (2025) that took place this weekend betwee...

Weekly Football Phrase: The Goal Stands

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at some language from the weekend, including the phrase, 'the goal stands' from the Newcastle United win o...

Learn English Through Football: Roy of the Rovers

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at a phrase used to talk about amazing moments in football - Roy of the Rovers. The post Learn Englis...

Weekly Football Phrase: At the Death

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at some language from the recent 2026 World Cup qualifier between Hungary and Ireland, including 'at the d...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Group Decider

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language connected to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the phrase, 'group decider'. The post...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Solo Effort

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Learn English Through Football podcast we look at the phrase, 'solo effort' which describes a particular type of goal. The post Learn E...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Go Clear

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Learn English Through Football podcast we look at the phrase, 'go clear' when describing a team doing well in a match or in the league....

Man and Ball

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This phrase refers to a type of tackle where the defender makes contact with both the opposing player and the ball. It’s often seen as a strong, phy...

Weekly Football Phrase: Man and Ball

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The weekly football phrase we introduce in this podcast is 'man and ball7 which is a phrase used in football to describe tackles. The post Weekly Foot...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: (to) Fizz Wide

25 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at a verb phrase connected to shooting and passing. The post Learn English Through Football Podcast: ...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Spurn a Chance

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's football phrase is the verb phrase '(to) Spurn a Chance'. This phrase is often to describe an attempt at goal. The post Weekly Football Ph...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Club Rivalries

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language connected to club rivalries. We also look ahead to this weekend's football with one ...

Weekly Football Phrase: Claim a spot

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at expressions connected to the word 'qualify', including 'claim a spot' after the recent 2026 World Cup q...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: (to) Bed In

11 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at Liverpool's start to the season and the key phrase is 'to bed in'. The post Learn English Through ...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: To down a team

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some meanings around the phrase, 'to down a team or an opponent'. The post Learn English Through F...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Overturn

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's football phrase is the verb 'to overturn'. This phrase is often used when talking about referreing decisions: eg. awarding penalties, red ...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Finisher

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at the meanings around the word, 'finish' in football including finishing and finishers. The post Lea...

Weekly Football Phrase: (a) Low Block

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's football phrase is the noun phrase 'a low block'. This phrase can describe how Manchester City played against Arsenal on Sunday. The post ...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Stoppage Time Goal

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at the phrase, 'stoppage time goal' after some late goals in the Champions League this week. The post...

Weekly Football Phrase: (to) Sweep Aside

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's football phrase is the verb phrase to sweep aside. This phrase describes the Manchester derby played on Sunday. The post Weekly Football P...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Selection Dilemma

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some more language from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including the phrase, 'selection dilemma. W...

Football Phrase of the Week: Straight Red

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the phrase, 'straight red' from the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Serbia and England. The post Footb...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Book their place

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at a phrase connected to qualifying for a competition or tournament: book their place after some rece...

Football Phrase of the Week: Transfer Window Slams Shut

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the phrase, 'slam shut' as the transfer window finally closes in many European countries. The post Foot...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Hijack a Move

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at two phrases from the past week: one to do with a shock cup win and the other connected to the tran...

Football Phrase of the Week: Dream Debut

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the phrase, 'dream debut' after Liverpool's last-minute win over Newcastle in the Premier League. The p...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Underway

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some language to describe the start of the season, including the phrase, 'get underway'. The post ...

Football Phrase of the Week: (a) Blunder

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's football phrase is the noun, a blunder. This word featured a lot in commentary and reports on Manchester United v Arsenal The post Footbal...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Son Heung-min in Numbers

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Son Heung-min in Numbers: In this week's football-language podcast we look back at some of the key numbers from the Tottenham career of... The post Le...

Football Phrase of the Week: (to) Retain

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's football phrase is the verb to retain. This is the key word from teh Euro 2025 finals as England retained the title of European champions....

Football Phrase of the Week: Claw Away

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we take a look at the phrase, to claw away, used mostly when talking about goalkeepers The post Football Phrase of...

Football Phrase of the Week: Draw

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we explain the word, 'draw', and the different ways this word is used in football. The post Football Phrase of the...

Football Phrase of the Week: Find Joy

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we explain the football phrase, 'find joy', used in a match from the Women's Euro 2025 competition. The post Footb...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Brazilian Football Phrases

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brazilian Football Phrases: In this week's football-language podcast we look at some football language from Brazil with James Taylor. Do you know what...

Football Phrase of the Week: Margin

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the word, 'margin' and see how it is used in football. We will look at slim margin and also wide margin...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: New Club World Cup

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we focus on the new Club World Cup and look at the competition through key numbers. The post Learn English Th...

Football Phrase of the Week: Ended Their Hopes

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ended Their Hopes: This week's football expression looks back at some of the final games of the season and explains the phrase end their hope The post...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Off the Line

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at some of the language from the 2025 Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United and...

Football Phrase of the Week: Clear Goalscoring Opportunity

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this football phrase of the week we look at the noun phrase, a clear goalscoring opportunity, which was a key phrase in the FA Cup final at the wee...

Learn English Through Football Podcast: Spare Blushes

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's football-language podcast we look at a phrase used after a player misses an easy chance - spare a player's blushes. The post Learn Engl...