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Copa Independent

Copa Independent

The Independent 168 Episodes Sep 16, 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

Has the VAR debate become bigger than football itself?
Has the VAR debate become bigger than football itself? Sep 16, 2026 41:46 After Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in the Manchester derby and the inevitable fallout, Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to dissect, eight years on from its rollout at the top level, whether VAR is actually effective in the Premier League. Have ‘refereeing standards’ actually dropped – or just changed? What have we taken from Spain and Italy? And how has th
Why the Premier League's financial might still can't bully Europe's giants in the Champions League
Why the Premier League's financial might still can't bully Europe's giants in the Champions League Sep 8, 2026 47:18 As the Champions League begins once again, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly on the latest episode of Copa Independent to debate the reduced jeopardy in the league phase, the value of finishing in the top eight, and how the format can benefit smaller clubs while packing the calendar. They discuss quirks of the draw and standout fixtures including Manchester City vs PSG
The hard truth behind a CHAOTIC transfer deadline day
The hard truth behind a CHAOTIC transfer deadline day Sep 2, 2026 50:46 So, be honest: could you keep up to speed with all the ins and outs in the end? Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly this week to unpick the frenetic final few hours of the transfer window, as Premier League clubs spent a record £3.48billion over the course of the summer. Manchester City finally got their man in Enzo Fernandez – but is he really worth it? Will Che
Transfer window special: £100m dominoes, Villa’s woes and the incoming deadline day frenzy
Transfer window special: £100m dominoes, Villa’s woes and the incoming deadline day frenzy Aug 27, 2026 48:08 The transfer window has been more frenzied than ever this summer, with wild £100m sums being exchanged between Premier League clubs. Who distorted the market, and are clubs over-paying for new recruits?Aston Villa and Newcastle have sold several key players this summer – are the Premier League’s new squad cost ratio (SCR) rules to blame? And with only a few days to go until the deadline, which dea
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

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