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Copa Independent

Copa Independent

The Independent 168 Episodes Aug 19, 2026

Copa Independent is a weekly podcast that covers the 2026 World Cup from every angle: not just the football, but also the politics, history, debates, and nostalgia. Hosted by The Independent, it aims to provide a comprehensive look at the tournament.

Episodes

The Premier League’s new era
The Premier League’s new era Aug 19, 2026 52:02 In the first episode of the new series, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly to preview the new Premier League season asking if the league is entering a post-Guardiola, post-Salah era defined by managerial churn, fewer global superstars, and greater uncertainty. They discuss Manchester City’s transition under Enzo Maresca amid midfield concerns and Rodri’s possible B
Doing it their way: lessons from the final curtain in New York
Doing it their way: lessons from the final curtain in New York Jul 20, 2026 40:36 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
Spain or Argentina? Yamal or Messi? BIG World Cup final preview
Spain or Argentina? Yamal or Messi? BIG World Cup final preview Jul 18, 2026 42:24 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 philosop
England are out - the same story but at a greater expense?
England are out - the same story but at a greater expense? Jul 16, 2026 26:54 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
How Spain dismantled France – plus our England v Argentina predictions
How Spain dismantled France – plus our England v Argentina predictions Jul 15, 2026 47:24 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 th
The best World Cup semi-finals…..ever?
The best World Cup semi-finals…..ever? Jul 13, 2026 46:56 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, D
Can anyone stop France? Plus our bold England vs Norway predictions
Can anyone stop France? Plus our bold England vs Norway predictions Jul 10, 2026 31:57 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 H
Why England’s Mexico triumph is one of their best-ever World Cup wins
Why England’s Mexico triumph is one of their best-ever World Cup wins Jul 6, 2026 29:00 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 Jackso
Altitude v attitude: Will England survive Mexico City?
Altitude v attitude: Will England survive Mexico City? Jul 4, 2026 36:23 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 Azte
Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments?
Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments? Jul 2, 2026 30:14 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
England’s tricky DR Congo test – and why World Cup’s new order are stunning European giants
England’s tricky DR Congo test – and why World Cup’s new order are stunning European giants Jul 1, 2026 26:49 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 stag
Why England’s issues are mounting – and who could be the next Scotland manager?
Why England’s issues are mounting – and who could be the next Scotland manager? Jun 28, 2026 36:21 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

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