Copa Independent

Jaksot

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  Doing it their way: lessons from the final curtain in New York 20.07.2026 40min

  In the final episode of Copa Independent, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly reflect on Spain winning a second World Cup and argue the best team won both the final and the tournament, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner highlighting Spain’s depth and collective style under Luis De la Fuente. They lament Argentina’s negative, ill-disciplined performance which lacked any shot on goal until the 117th minute, a red card for Enzo Fernandez and post-match flare-ups—calling it a frustrating final, and a sad possible last World Cup game for Lionel Messi. The pair also assess the tournament as good rather than great, discuss England’s missed opportunity under Tuchel and the value of federation-rooted coaches, and condemn chaotic World Cup organisation in the US, including Secret Service delays linked to Donald Trump, celebrity-centric presentation, and a halftime show no-one asked for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Spain or Argentina? Yamal or Messi? BIG World Cup final preview 18.07.2026 42min

  And so to the 104th and final match. It’s the top two in the world rankings, the European and South American champions and the first World Cup match between Spain and Argentina for 60 years. Not bad, right? Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly in New Jersey to preview Sunday’s World Cup final. How will Argentina set up in opposition to Spain’s possession-based philosophy? In what areas are both teams vulnerable? And who will come out on top as Lamine Yamal, heir to the throne, plays in his first World Cup final against Lionel Messi, chasing his second triumph? We make our predictions. Plus, we discuss the pros and cons (mainly cons) to the World Cup bronze final between France and England, with Kylian Mbappe’s potential golden boot stat-padding a central theme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  England are out - the same story but at a greater expense? 16.07.2026 26min

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Richard Jolly in New Jersey and Miguel Delaney in Atlanta to react to England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.They argue England retreated too early after going 1-0 up, with Thomas Tuchel’s shift to a back five and the defensive substitution of Ezri Konsa for Anthony Gordon ceding midfield control and inviting pressure. Did Tuchel lose his bottle? And did his changes give Lionel Messi the time and space he needed to kill off England’s World Cup ambitions?The panel debates England’s recurring inability to manage leads, Tuchel’s squad choices and midfield options, whether he has lived up to expectations given his reported salary, and the potential fallout for Tuchel and the FA ahead of Euro 2028. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Spain dismantled France – plus our England v Argentina predictions 15.07.2026 47min

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Kieran Jackson to discuss Spain’s stunning win over France. Should Didier Deschamps have started with three in midfield? Why did France’s stars play so poorly? And can anyone stop Spain winning a second World Cup?Plus, Miguel is in Atlanta to watch England take on Argentina in a mouth-watering showdown between two World Cup heavyweights. How will the emotive history between the two countries affect the game? Will Thomas Tuchel make changes to his starting XI? And what do England do about Lionel Messi? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The best World Cup semi-finals…..ever? 13.07.2026 46min

  On the latest episode of COPA Independent, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney in Atlanta and Kieran Jackson to preview the World Cup semi-finals: England v Argentina and Spain v France, a last four featuring the top four ranked teams and four previous winners.England’s win over Norway is assessed through the Miami heat, Jude Bellingham’s form and Golden Boot push, Harry Kane’s fatigue, Declan Rice’s fitness, Tuchel’s substitutions, and the Tuchel–Bellingham media flashpoint.They also explore the deep history and political context of England–Argentina, Messi facing England for the first time, and the tactical contrast of Spain’s positional play against France’s attacking freedom, plus how rest days and VAR could shape the run-in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can anyone stop France? Plus our bold England vs Norway predictions 10.07.2026 31min

  Lawrence Ostler is joined by Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly and Kieran Jackson to react to France’s 2-0 win over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappé central again to an imperious performance. After looking ahead to Friday's quarter final of Spain vs Belgium, they preview England v Norway in the Miami heat and humidity, debating Tuchel’s selection—especially John Stones and Reece James—how to limit Erling Haaland, and whether England could realistically hope to beat France or Spain in a final should they get that far, before giving score predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why England’s Mexico triumph is one of their best-ever World Cup wins 06.07.2026 29min

  In the cauldron of the Azteca Stadium, England got it done. The Three Lions are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico. Against all the odds – altitude, the fans, Mexican momentum, VAR calls – Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame it all to progress to the next stage. And once again, it was the Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane double act. Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney dial in from Mexico City to discuss the magnitude of England’s win, Tuchel’s spot-on tactical calls in the second-half and what it means moving forward to Norway in the last eight. We also discuss Folarin Balogun’s ban being “suspended” by Fifa and Erling Haaland’s brilliant double, which sent Brazil home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Altitude v attitude: Will England survive Mexico City? 04.07.2026 36min

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney, Kieran Jackson and Jack Rathborn to preview Mexico v England at the Azteca and the impact of Mexico City’s altitude (about 7,200 feet) and heat on England, with Miguel describing a difficult 6K run and Jack comparing altitude effects to endurance sport and team performance. They assess Mexico’s momentum and home support, and Miguel reflects on the Azteca’s historic significance. They also review Spain’s comfortable win over Austria, their 35-game unbeaten run, and Lamine Yamal’s improving form ahead of a last-16 tie with Portugal. Portugal’s dramatic win over Croatia prompts debate about VAR and “Sniko” after marginal offsides and a late disallowed goal. Finally, Egypt beat Australia on penalties after Australia subbed goalkeepers late, and the last-16 lineup begins to take shape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments? 02.07.2026 30min

  It was a great escape from England against DR Congo – and it was their captain fantastic Harry Kane who got them out of jail in Atlanta. Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney discuss where Kane’s double ranks in all-time England World Cup moments? Can Djed Spence possibly start again against Mexico after his struggles? And what else does Thomas Tuchel have to think about ahead of an all-time occasion on Sunday at the Azteca? Also, after another bumper day of knockout action, the United States progressed to the last-16 after a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina – but they will be without Folarin Balogun for their next match against Belgium (who pulled off a great escape themselves against Senegal) after a controversial red card following a VAR referral. Did the decision show a lack of understanding and common sense? All of this, on the latest episode of Copa Independent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  England’s tricky DR Congo test – and why World Cup’s new order are stunning European giants 01.07.2026 26min

  On the latest episode of Copa Independent, Kieran Jackson in Santa Clara and Miguel Delaney in Atlanta preview England’s last-32 clash against DR Congo – a team that should not be underestimated. Which way will Thomas Tuchel go with his wingers and full-backs? What and who do the Three Lions need to be wary of? And what lessons can England take from other giant-killings so far in the knockout stage? On that topic, we also discuss the shock exits of Germany and the Netherlands – and the core reasons behind their downfall – as well as the competition’s standout team: the irrepressible France, after their 3-0 win over Sweden. USA’s last-32 tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the overwhelming wave of optimism stateside, is also a topic of conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why England’s issues are mounting – and who could be the next Scotland manager? 28.06.2026 36min

  Thomas Tuchel’s England side progressed to the knockout stage as Group L winners after a 2-0 victory over Panama – but are there more questions than answers for the Three Lions ahead of their last-32 clash against DR Congo on Wednesday? Where does Tuchel go next with his unnecessary right-back conundrum? Who out of Rashford, Rogers and Saka took their opportunity from the start? And how much did England miss Declan Rice (a lot)? Kieran Jackson, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly are stateside to discuss. We also speak about two dramatic managerial exits in the last 24 hours: that of Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa and, of more surprise, Scotland’s Steve Clarke, who stepped down after Scottish hopes vanished on Saturday and they exited the World Cup. And we also speak about the best last-32 match-ups coming up this week, with the knockout phase starting with Canada vs South Africa on Sunday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The new World Cup format is broken 27.06.2026 32min

  The newly bloated 48-team World Cup format has plenty of problems, but perhaps the biggest of all has shown itself over the past two days, and it was entirely in Fifa’s control. The decision to decide group rankings by head-to-head record instead of goal difference has killed the action in a series of games at the end of this opening stage, with so little on the line and none of the same jeopardy and drama as four years ago in Qatar. Independent writers Miguel Delaney, Kieran Jackson and Lawrence Ostlere discuss the flawed format, as well as France’s thrashing of Norway’s B team – Miguel saw Ousmane Dembele score a hat-trick in Boston – and England’s big problem that Thomas Tuchel should have seen coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What England MUST change against Panama after drab Ghana draw 24.06.2026 31min

  In our latest episode of Copa Independent, chief football writer Miguel Delaney, on the ground in Boston, and sports editor Jack Rathborn in New York dissect England's underwhelming showing against Ghana. After so much optimism and positivity following the opening Croatia win, what went wrong for Thomas Tuchel's side this time around? What is it about 'second match syndrome' and England at tournaments? And what does it mean for the Three Lions' final game against Panama? Plus, we discuss Fifa's strange preference for head-to-head over goal-difference as a group-position decider - and how Cristiano Ronaldo isn't selfless at all despite letting Nuno Mendes take a free-kick against Uzbekistan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Messi v Ronaldo? The debate was always absurd 23.06.2026 41min

  In the latest episode of Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere and Miguel Delaney discuss a fascinating Golden Boot race as Lionel Messi scores twice against Austria to move onto five goals, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland also net braces to take their tallies to four.The pair reflect on Messi’s extraordinary longevity and revisit his long-running rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, asking whether there was ever truly a debate over who was the greater player. They also look ahead to Portugal’s second group-stage match against Uzbekistan and consider whether Ronaldo can respond.Elsewhere, they preview England’s second group game under Thomas Tuchel and assess whether the Three Lions can replicate the best moments of their opening victory over Croatia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Tuchel team-talk that fired England to beat Croatia 18.06.2026 31min

  Football writers Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly and Lawrence Ostlere are in North America to discuss England’s statement 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. Did Thomas Tuchel’s team-talk change the game? Was England’s display the performance of the tournament so far? Are Croatia really any good?The team also assess Cristiano Ronaldo’s woeful performance for Portugal, and run the rule over the first full round of games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Three superstars, one World Cup: Messi, Mbappé and Haaland shine 17.06.2026 40min

  Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly look back on day 6 of the World Cup where Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe arrived on stage and set the tournament alight as well as igniting the race for the golden boot. Can Ronaldo and Harry Kane respond today? We also preview England’s first game in the competition against Croatia this evening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Germany, Brazil and a tornado at the England camp 15.06.2026 33min

  In the latest episode of Copa Independent, Miguel Delaney reports from the England camp after emerging from a tornado threat in Kansas City, Lawrence Ostlere reports from Houston after watching Germany dismantle Curacao, and Jack Rathborn tunes in from New Jersey after seeing Brazil held by an impressive Morocco.The guys discuss the latest World Cup results including Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan and Scotland’s important 1-0 win over Haiti, and look ahead to the next batch of games with Spain, Belgium and Iran all in action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why World Cup water break ads are a disaster 12.06.2026 31min

  The World Cup finally started, with a comfortable win for Mexico, a wretched display from South Africa, a flurry of red cards and even more adverts featuring Christian Pulisic, many of them during the actual game.Chief football writer Miguel Delaney and senior football correspondent Richard Jolly discuss the ever greater commercialisation of the World Cup and the commercials in the new hydration breaks in the World Cup, Fox Sports’ dumbing down of their coverage and lack of insight, as well as a goal for Raul Jimenez to cherish and a victory to keep Miguel’s hopes of visiting the Azteca alive.Copa Independent will be recording several podcasts throughout the tournament, hearing from our reporters dotted across the United States and from the heart of the England camp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Gianni Infantino's World Cup opener: Today I feel... chill 11.06.2026 29min

  After a controversial and seemingly never-ending build-up, today is finally the day the 23rd Fifa World Cup begins. Tonight, co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Azteca, the most famous stadium in World Cup history. And it was also in Mexico City where Gianni Infantino held his pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday. Three-and-a-half years on from his infamous 'Today I feel...' monologue, and with key topics like Iran, ticket prices and visa issues to discuss, what did the Fifa president have up his sleeve this time? Senior sports writer Kieran Jackson is joined by chief football writer Miguel Delaney, dialling in from our base in New Jersey, to dissect and analyse Infantino's hour-long media conference and look ahead to the tournament opener. We also pick our star substitute for our World Cup XI, ahead of picking our manager next time around.Copa Independent will be recording several podcasts throughout the tournament, hearing from our reporters dotted across the United States and from the heart of the England camp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The big World Cup preview 03.06.2026 54min

  The World Cup is nearly here and this week on Copa Independent, the team discuss the tournament favourites, the dark horses and, erm, Scotland, as well as how politics and money have created a World Cup like nothing we’ve ever seen before.Will Carlo Ancelotti deliver a record sixth World Cup for Brazil? Is Spain’s midfield the best at the tournament? How far can England go? And could a side like Ecuador or Norway go all the way?Plus trivia on World Cup records, and it’s time to pick the striker in Copa Independent’s all-time World Cup XI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.