Copa Independent

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.