Lawrence Ostlere

Scotland have missed out on the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup

“Is there anyone alive who honestly believes not just that Ronaldo’s a better plater, but that there’s any sort of debate at all?” This is the question batted around by Lawrence Ostlere and Miguel Delaney for today’s episode of Copa Independent after Messi’s stunning hat-trick for Arentina as they took on Algeria at the World Cup. Listen to the full episode, ‘Messi v Ronaldo? The debate was always absurd’, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch on YouTube. For all the analysis, predictions, and news you need for the World Cup, tune in to Copa Independent.

On his travels around Los Angeles, Houston and Dallas, Lawrence Ostlere finds football fans, life-giving food and an odd marriage between the World Cup and the USA

Thomas Tuchel and his medical staff are keeping a close eye on several England players ahead of their second game in Group L

Balogun was born in New York when his parents were on holiday from London but the USA embracing the striker as its new star is a delicious irony to Donald Trump’s stance on immigration

Comment: The decision to mandate three-minute hydration breaks during every half of football at the 2026 World Cup smacks of yet more greed, writes Lawrence Ostlere

Comment: Trump’s decision not to appear at USA’s first game of the tournament against Paraguay in Los Angeles comes after he was loudly booed at the NBA Finals in New York last week

Rice’s relentless running, pin-point set pieces and tireless tackling have been pivotal

The Spurs manager has denied that he was instructed to remove his flailing goalkeeper from the Champions League last-16 first leg by captain Romero

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge suggested Carrick should be appointed permanent manager if

Everything you need to know about how to watch the tournament at Alexandra Palace