A Q&A with the Voices Shaping the 2026 World Cup
On Thursday, 21 May, between 2pm and 3pm, two of the most seasoned football correspondents in the business will open their notebooks to a live audience. Miguel Delaney and Lawrence Ostlere, each boasting more than two decades of coverage, will field questions about the upcoming 2026 World Cup, a tournament that promises to be as much a cultural event as a sporting one.
Their conversation will touch on England’s historical performance in the competition, the rising financial stakes that have turned the World Cup into a fiscal juggernaut, and the surprising political undercurrents that have emerged, not least the involvement of former U.S. president Donald Trump. The duo will also consider how the recent appointment of Thomas Tuchel could reshape England’s tactical outlook and chances of lifting the trophy.
Beyond the on‑field narratives, Delaney and Ostlere will reflect on the broader socio‑political implications of hosting a global event in an era of heightened scrutiny. From debates over infrastructure spending to the role of media platforms in shaping public perception, the discussion aims to dissect the many layers that lie beneath the glitter of the tournament.
Fans will also get a glimpse of the journalists’ own work through their co‑hosted podcast, Copa Independent. The series, which blends analysis with interviews, is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, offering listeners a deeper dive into the stories that will define the 2026 World Cup.