It's our very last World Cup podcast of the summer!

It's a bittersweet moment as we look back on 7 weeks of non stop football. Thank you to everyone who's listened!

We use this show as an opportunity to reflect on the tournament as a whole, beginning with a wide ranging discussion on the future of international football, including whether Spain and France are destined to dominate future tournaments and a potential crossroads for South American nations.

We also discuss whether the Premier League is actually bad for the English national team and how USA and Mexico take another step in 2030.

We then address the tournament awards – do we agree with the winning players?

Next, we give out our highly prestigious James Rodriguez award to one lucky fella. We also reexamine and update our pre-tournament James 11-man lineup and go through some tournament superlatives.

Finally, we re-rank all 48 teams that competed at the World Cup.

We're headed on a brief holiday until August, when we'll be back with our regularly scheduled Europa/Conference League programming, more Club Spotlights, and some surprise content to be announced soon.

See you soon, and cheers to you all!

Chapters:

00:00 – the start

02:49 – how are we feeling?

04:52 – tournament reflections, will Spain and France continue to dominate?

07:47 – is the Premier League bad for English team?

14:35 – state of South America

21:31 – USA and Mexico

31:14 – pros and cons of expanded tournament

38:57 – tournament awards

43:33 – James Rodriguez Award

01:01:17 – superlatives

01:10:18 – re-ranking teams

Spain are your 2026 World Cup champions!

We're talking all about Spain's 1-0 extra time triumph over holders Argentina, including Argentina's negative approach, their lack of chances and poor behavior postgame, and how Spain once again controlled all facets of the game.

Additionally, we debate each side's place among the pantheon of great international sides, as well as Golden Boot-winner Rodri's place among the pantheon of great midfielders, and project whether Spain is a budding dynasty.

Cheers to Luis de la Fuente and España!

Chapters:

00:00 – the start

01:02 – immediate reactions

09:48 – what went wrong for Argentina?

32:08 – Spain is really good, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams

39:22 – Rodri

44:31 – is Spain building a dynasty?

47:09 – what is this Argentina side's legacy?

53:57 – Trump, the halftime show, & "New York New Jersey" Stadium

58:07 – 3rd place game – France 4-6 England

The World Cup final kicks off tomorrow, and we're breaking it all down for you on our Spain-Argentina preview!

We begin revisiting each nation's World Cup pasts and what's at stake for each in the historical pantheon.

We also discuss the country's relationships to one another. Though they've only previously played once at a World Cup, they are steeped in shared culture and footballing history, including Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, and of course, Lionel Messi (yes, we talk about the bathing photo).

Then we move on to discuss the unique tactical battle between two sides that operate very differently. Can Argentina affect Spain's metronomic midfield? How will Spain defend Messi? Can Argentina challenge Spain's immaculate defensive record?

Additionally, we tackle the key personnel and wonder if Argentina is still underrated – as crazy as that sounds – before picking a combined 11 between the teams.

Cheers to us all!

Chapters:

00:00 – the start

03:17 – Spain & Argentina's World Cup histories

13:02 – footballing connections between the countries

20:40 – tactical profiles & keys to the game

39:36 – combined 11

51:30 – predictions