The big World Cup preview

The big World Cup preview

Author: The Independent June 3, 2026 Duration: 54:01

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.


Every Wednesday, the conversation starts fresh. The Indy Football Podcast gathers The Independent's football journalists, led by host Luke Brown, to break down the latest from the Premier League, Champions League, and all the stories shaping the game. This isn't just a recap; it's a forward-looking discussion designed to equip you for the weekend's fixtures and the biggest European nights. What sets this podcast apart is its access. Alongside the regular panel, you'll hear from a rotating cast of insiders-former players, agents, and coaches-who bring a unique perspective from within the sport's inner circles. The analysis is sharp, the previews are detailed, and the tone is like listening in on a knowledgeable debate among friends who live and breathe football. Tune in each week for a thoughtful, comprehensive take on everything that matters, delivered with the authority and clarity you'd expect from The Independent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Copa Independent
Podcast Episodes
The 10 greatest World Cup players of all time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:35
The World Cup is nearly here, and we’re counting down the best of all time. This week a panel of Independent journalists have voted on their greatest stars.From Pele and Messi to Maradona and Beckenbauer, with a sprinkli…
Why Tuchel axed England's big names before World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:06
Miguel Delaney and Lawrence Ostlere were at Wembley to see Thomas Tuchel explain his England squad for the 2026 World Cup.They chew over the big-name omissions and why Tuchel didn’t pick Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent…
How to win the World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:22
As more big players struggle with injury, and there is now an expectation that set-pieces at the World Cup will be refereed in a completely different way to the Premier League, a few international managers are already ad…
I saw the Spain down in Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:12
We all know the ingredients that make a great World Cup, from moments to atmosphere, and 2010 had them all… but was it really a great tournament? Does that depend on age? And what of its champions? Were Spain boring or w…
The great World Cup rip-off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:47
With 2026 set to be by far the most expensive World Cup ever to attend, we investigate how it's got to this - and what it means for the future. This isn't just from being in an expensive United States right now. Fifa hav…
Born in the USA: 1994's great American World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:42
As the World Cup returns to America, it would not have been possible without the spectacular success of USA 94. That was actually a huge gamble at the time, but more than paid off - in multiple ways. A colourfully open t…
Will Donald Trump win the 2026 World Cup? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:42
In the last 15 months alone, the build-up to this World Cup has brought more unprecedented developments than any previous tournament in history, above all a host nation bombing a participant through the Iran war. That ra…
The other World Cup England should have won [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:16
Since England won the World Cup in 1966, they have not been back to another men’s final, appearing in only two semi-finals in 1990 and 2018 in their closest attempts at repeating the feat. So, as the 2026 World Cup appro…