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.


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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: 50

Copa Independent
Podcast Episodes
The best World Cup semi-finals…..ever? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 th…
Can anyone stop France? Plus our bold England vs Norway predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 quart…
Altitude v attitude: Will England survive Mexico City? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 descri…
The new World Cup format is broken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:34
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 h…
What England MUST change against Panama after drab Ghana draw [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
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 o…
Messi v Ronaldo? The debate was always absurd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:03
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 H…