Libero

As traditional World Cup giants like Germany and the Netherlands fall, their flaws are exposed but how deep do they run? Are these football cultures that have been overtaken the changes in the modern international game? Why then are France excelling? John Brewin, Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson discuss the reasons behind these shifts, as well as where new ideas in international football are coming from. They also berate some refereeing decisions, for good measure.

P1: (02:03)

P2: (28:34)

For this summer's main event, we are offering all new signups to SC Libero, the most important of the least important membership clubs, a two-week free trial. Time it right and that's two bonus episodes and four extended shows without paying a penny. Join now: liberopodcast.com.

—

Produced by: Tom Bassam

Email in via getintouch@liberopodcast.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @liberopod

Join our Discord @Libero Podcast

Follow us on X @podcast_libero

Follow us on Bluesky @liberopodcast

Follow us on Instagram @liberopod

Follow us on TikTok @liberopod

Follow us on Facebook @liberopod

Music: Kid Kodi - Blue Dot Sessions
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Memorable moments in the 2026 World Cup group stage were rare, with Lionel Messi, Iran and the late drama of Algeria v Austria providing the best of them. With jeopardy now back on the menu as we enter the knockouts, will the identity of the winner become clearer? Or is it foolish to draw any conclusions based the low-stakes football we've seen so far?

Jack Pitt-Brooke, Rory Smith and Tariq Panja chew over the tournament so far.

P1: (00:22)

P2: (27:40)

-

For this summer's main event, we are offering all new signups to SC Libero, the most important of the least important membership clubs, a two-week free trial. Time it right and that's two bonus episodes and four extended shows without paying a penny. Join now: liberopodcast.com.

—

Produced by: Tom Bassam

Email in via getintouch@liberopodcast.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @liberopod

Join our Discord @Libero Podcast

Follow us on X @podcast_libero

Follow us on Bluesky @liberopodcast

Follow us on Instagram @liberopod

Follow us on TikTok @liberopod

Follow us on Facebook @liberopod

Music: Kid Kodi - Blue Dot Sessions
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the 2026 World Cup concludes its final round of group games, it is time to ask whether the new format has delivered or not. Are the levels of the additional teams a problem? Why are the likes of Scotland being left in limbo? And what do the complicated permutations tell us about a changing game?

On today’s episode we have Rory Smith in LA, James Horncastle in Miami and Jack Pitt-Brooke in New York. They also discuss whether Miami is replacing LA as football's home in America and whether Lionel Messi has placed David Beckham as the game's king of marketing.

P1: (02:04)

P2: (28:37)

-

For this summer's main event, we are offering all new signups to SC Libero, the most important of the least important membership clubs, a two-week free trial. Time it right and that's two bonus episodes and four extended shows without paying a penny. Join now: liberopodcast.com.

—

Produced by: Tom Bassam

Email in via getintouch@liberopodcast.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @liberopod

Join our Discord @Libero Podcast

Follow us on X @podcast_libero

Follow us on Bluesky @liberopodcast

Follow us on Instagram @liberopod

Follow us on TikTok @liberopod

Follow us on Facebook @liberopod

Music: Kid Kodi - Blue Dot Sessions
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is essential for the success of international football tournaments that the hosts do well, and so far Team USA - undeniably the leader of the 2026 World Cup triumvirate - have exceeded expectations. Yet much of the discourse remains fixated on the popularity of the sport in a country where there are certainly other, bigger games in town. What will it take for the conversation to move on from the health of football in America? Jack Pitt-Brooke, Rory Smith and Jonathan Wilson dial are on the ground to take a pulse.

P1: (11:30)

P2: (29:58)

For this summer's main event, we are offering all new signups to SC Libero, the most important of the least important membership clubs, a two-week free trial. Time it right and that's two bonus episodes and four extended shows without paying a penny. Remember, bonus episodes are only available to members on the Einsteins tier and above. Join now: liberopodcast.com.

—

Produced by: Tom Bassam

Email in via getintouch@liberopodcast.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @liberopod

Join our Discord @Libero Podcast

Follow us on X @podcast_libero

Follow us on Bluesky @liberopodcast

Follow us on Instagram @liberopod

Follow us on TikTok @liberopod

Follow us on Facebook @liberopod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With all 48 teams at the World Cup 2026 now having played, Gianni Infantino will be delighted that the football is now doing the talking, quite emphatically. To pick apart the first round of matches and the off-field stories that are bubbling away under the surface at Fifa's big jamboree are Miguel Delaney, James Horncastle and Tariq Panja.

P1: (00:32)

P2: (30:45)

For this summer's main event, we are offering all new signups to SC Libero, the most important of the least important membership clubs, a two-week free trial. Time it right and that's two bonus episodes and four extended shows without paying a penny. Remember, bonus episodes are only available to members on the Einsteins tier and above. Join now: liberopodcast.com.

—

Produced by: Tom Bassam

Email in via getintouch@liberopodcast.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @liberopod

Join our Discord @Libero Podcast

Follow us on X @podcast_libero

Follow us on Bluesky @liberopodcast

Follow us on Instagram @liberopod

Follow us on TikTok @liberopod

Follow us on Facebook @liberopod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices