The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

<p>The European champions have become the world champions. Spain overcome Argentina to claim the world title for the second time.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Tim Spiers are poolside in LA one last time, with Duncan Alexander and Pol Ballus for company.</p><p> </p><p>An utterly dominant performance from La Roja cements Luis De La Fuente’s legacy. Can they be stopped? And will that be the end of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career?</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Plus we look back at our big tournament takeaways from the last 6 weeks. The goals, the drama, the government interference, the altitude and the skunk.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The French find a way yet again as their class tells in the first quarter-final of this World Cup.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Tim Spiers are baking in the LA sunshine on Day 28 of the tournament.</p><p> </p><p>Kylian Mbappe misses a first-half penalty but then scores and assists as Les Bleus win 2-0 against the Atlas Lions. How do you stop them?</p><p> </p><p>They will face the winners of Friday’s quarter-final between Spain and Belgium. Pol Ballus isn’t worried about the Red Devils. Axel Brisart thinks he should be. And are they the world’s favourite team now?</p><p> </p><p>Plus are England in defensive crisis ahead of their clash with Norway?</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The final day of the Last 16 brought yet more drama at the World Cup.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Felipe Cardenas are in LA taking in a 27th consecutive day of football.</p><p> </p><p>Holders Argentina were on the verge of elimination by Egypt. 2-0 down with 10 minutes to play before Messi and co turned things around in normal time and completed possibly the game of the tournament.</p><p> </p><p>Colombia v Switzerland wasn’t quite as good but it’s the Swiss who reach their first quarter-final since 1954 after winning via penalty shootout.</p><p> </p><p>The last 8 kicks off on Thursday with France taking on Morocco. It’s a rematch of their semi-final in Qatar. Can the Atlas Lions exact revenge? Maher Mezahi has more.</p><p> </p><p>And we take a look at the quarter-finals as a whole. Are we about to see a first-time winner?</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Day 26 saw European dominance in the last 16 continue at the World Cup.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Jimbo is joined by Tom Williams and Felipe Cardenas in Los Angeles with three of the four quarter-finals now set in stone.</p><br><p>After all the controversy, the USA’s World Cup adventure ends at the hands of a resurgent Belgium.</p><br><p>They will take on Spain, who beat Portugal thanks to a last-gasp Mikel Merino goal. And so ends Roberto Martinez’s tenure as Portugal manager and Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. How will we remember him?</p><br><p>24 hours on, Natalie Gedra is still trying to digest Brazil’s exit at the hands of Norway and what Carlo Ancelotti can do to bring the good times back.</p><br><p>Plus we look ahead to the final last 16 ties with holders Argentina facing Egypt, and Colombia taking on Switzerland. Are we all underestimating the Swiss? David Lemos has more.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It was epic at the Azteca - possibly the game of the tournament.</p><br><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams, Felipe Cardenas and Daniel Storey take in an incredible Day 25 at the World Cup from poolside in LA.</p><br><p>In a match that had everything, 10-man England become the first nation ever to beat Mexico in Mexico at the World Cup. Was it a defining night for Thomas Tuchel’s team?</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Up next for the Three Lions in the quarter-finals - it’s Norway! They overcame Brazil thanks to a stunning late Erling Haaland double. Can he be stopped? And what’s happened to Brazil?</p><br><p>The day began with the stunning news that Folarin Balogun had been cleared to play for the USA against Belgium despite his red card against Bosnia, after President Trump asks for the ban to be reviewed. Does this intervention tarnish the tournament?</p><br><p>Plus the return of Martin Sleipnes…and the skunk!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>France overcame a feisty and physical Paraguay rearguard to secure a place in the quarterfinals against Morocco courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe penalty.</p><br><p>Jimbo is joined at the Totally Ranch by Tom Williams and Felipe Cardenas to ring in the Fourth of July in style - and to discuss the first day of round of 16 action at this World Cup. </p><br><p>Jack Pitt-Brooke dials in from Mexico City to look ahead to a huge game at the Estadio Azteca tomorrow. Will he be running around the Azteca to test out the altitude?! Who will start at right-back?</p><br><p>Morocco withstood a spirited first 20 minutes by Canada and turned the screw in the second half, winning 3-0 without their star man Ismael Saibari - who came off injured in the first half.</p><br><p>Plus, the return of the Haaland vs Gabriel battle as Natalie Gedra stops by to preview Brazil vs Norway in New Jersey. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The world champions survive an almighty scare in an unforgettable matchup in Miami.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams, Felipe Cardenas and Phil Hay are in LA to take in a remarkable Day 23 at the World Cup.</p><p> </p><p>Messi scored again. Argentina won again. But Cape Verde are the story after coming from behind twice and scoring one of the great goals in tournament history.</p><p> </p><p>Scenes in Dallas where Australia take off goalkeeping legend Paddy Beach ahead of their penalty shootout with Egypt. It doesn’t go well.</p><p> </p><p>Colombia see off Ghana to set up a last 16 clash with Switzerland.</p><p> </p><p>A remarkable day at FIFA with talks of a drastic change in kick-off time between Mexico and England on Sunday before a U-turn.</p><p> </p><p>Plus we look ahead to the last 16 with France facing Paraguay in extreme heat, while Joshua Kloke tells us what victory for Canada over Morocco would mean to the nation.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Ronaldo and Ramos come to the fore for Portugal in a win over Croatia that had almost everything.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Felipe Cardenas try to digest events in Toronto and LA on Day 21 of the World Cup.</p><p> </p><p>Portugal are through to the last 16 after the longest half in World Cup history. A half that had disallowed goals, drama, the snick-o-meter and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first ever goal in the knockout stages.</p><p> </p><p>Next up for Roberto Martinez’s side, it’s Spain who cruise past Austria with possibly their best performance of the tournament. Tom saw Lamine Yamal in the flesh.</p><p> </p><p> Friday will see holders Argentina take on Cape Verde, Australia v Egypt, while Colombia take on their former manager Carlos Queiroz.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>More late drama in the last 32 as England’s captain comes to the rescue against DR Congo.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Laurie Whitwell react to another enthralling day of World Cup action Stateside.</p><p> </p><p>Thomas Tuchel and his team were given an almighty scare but a late brace from Harry Kane sets up a mouthwatering last 16 tie at the Azteca. Daniel Storey tells us how England are shaping up. Jack Lang tells us what to expect from Mexico.</p><p> </p><p>Pochettino's USA see off Bosnia 2-0 despite a controversial red card for Flo Balogun.</p><p> </p><p>Senegal were seconds away from a routine 2-0 win but an incredible late comeback from Belgium sets up a meeting with the Americans in the last 16.</p><p> </p><p>Thursday sees Spain look to win their first knockout tie at the World Cup since 2010. Plus it’s Ronaldo v Modric in Toronto.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Thomas Tuchel’s side look to join the big hitters in the last 16 as we look ahead to Wednesday’s action.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Phil Hay have seen some wonderful football in LA on Day 20 of the World Cup.</p><p> </p><p>Mbappe and Olise continue to sparkle as France dispatch Sweden 3-0. Can anyone stop Didier Deschamps’ devastating frontline?</p><p> </p><p>Erling Haaland’s late goal gives Norway their first ever knockout win against Ivory Coast. Next up Brazil for the team and superfan Martin Sliepnes!</p><p> </p><p>And Mexico breeze past Ecuador to set up a last 16 clash at the Azteca…possibly against England.</p><p> </p><p>The Three Lions face DR Congo in the opening match on Wednesday. Maher Mezahi tells us what to expect from the Leopards.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Nagelsmann, Neuer and the Netherlands are going home after an enthralling day of World Cup action.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Laurie Whitwell are by the pool in LA, taking in all the knockout action.</p><p> </p><p>Germany lose a World Cup shootout for the first time ever, as Paraguay progress to the last 16. There’s also controversy after Jonathan Tah’s disallowed winner in extra-time. Raphael Honigstein is back.</p><p> </p><p>Morocco will face Canada in the last 16 after also winning an incredible&nbsp;penalty shootout against the Netherlands.</p><p> </p><p>Brazil found themselves behind against Japan at half-time but find a way to the next round with Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gasp winner. Natalie Gedra watched it unfold.</p><p> </p><p>Plus Tuesday’s fixtures and more on Iran’s exit.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Jesse Marsch’s side are through to the last 16 - who else will join them on Day 19 at the World Cup?</p><br><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Daniel Storey are Stateside to cast their eye over some mouthwatering fixtures.</p><br><p>Canada leave it very late to beat South Africa in LA and continue their best tournament run ever. Up next, Morocco or a very fun Netherlands.</p><br><p>Monday also see Brazil take on one of the best counter-attacking teams in the tournament in Japan. Can Samurai Blue win their first ever knockout game at the World Cup?</p><br><p>And why are the vibes bad for Germany before they take on Paraguay? Raphael Honigstein tells us.</p><br><p>Plus Diomande’s decision and Tom’s hero - Telemundo commentator Ramses Sandoval - joins the show!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The last 32 at the World Cup is set in stone after Thomas Tuchel’s side top Group L.</p><p> </p><p> Jimbo, Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams are in LA to examine the action as the group stage concludes.</p><p> </p><p> England eventually find a way past Panama, with Bellingham and Kane on the scoresheet. Are we convinced by the Three Lions as they face the Congolese next?</p><p> </p><p> Saturday was the day Scotland were officially eliminated from the tournament, with Steve Clarke stepping down as manager as a result. Phil Hay ponders what happens next.</p><p> </p><p> There’s an incredible finale in Group J that sees Austria steal a knockout spot at the expense of Iran. And Lionel Messi scores for a record-breaking 7th World Cup game in a row.</p><p> </p><p> Plus we look back at the mammoth group stage and pick out our favourite moments.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It's the Totally Football Show in Los Angeles after another good day for the underdogs.</p><br><p>Jimbo has Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams for company with an exciting Day 12 in prospect.</p><br><p>Spain hit cruise control against Saudi Arabia, with Pol Ballus watching Yamal and co in full flow in Atlanta.</p><br><p>Cape Verde stun Uruguay by drawing 2-2 to make it two games unbeaten against two former world champions. Nick Miller knows what this means.</p><br><p>Egypt secure their first ever World Cup win against New Zealand. And Team Totally have a day out at SoFi to watch Iran hold the Belgians!</p><br><p>Messi, Mbappe and Haaland will step out onto the stage again on Monday with Argentina, France and Norway looking to book their place in the knockouts.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Die Mannschaft steal a last-gasp victory over Ivory Coast to top Group E on Day 10 of the World Cup.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo, Tom Williams and Phil Hay are by the pool in Los Angeles, taking a dip into the best of the action.</p><p> </p><p>Germany come from behind to beat Ivory Coast thanks to a game-changing cameo from Deniz Undav off the bench. Is he this tournament’s Toto Schillaci? </p><p> </p><p>Curacao claim their first ever World Cup point after a record-breaking number of saves by goalkeeper Eloy Room against Ecuador.</p><p> </p><p>Brian Brobbey is the star of Netherlands’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden as they take control of Group F. How far can Ronald Koeman’s side go?</p><p> </p><p>Sunday’s action will see Spain and Belgium try to secure their first wins of the tournament. Plus New Zealand and Egypt seek a first ever World Cup finals victory. Can the All Whites take the 3 points? Michael Burgess has more.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The USMNT become the second team to progress while Haiti are the first team eliminated.</p><p> </p><p> Jimbo is with Duncan Alexander and Phil Hay poolside in LA after a&nbsp;pretty fine Day 9 at the World Cup.</p><p> </p><p> USA make it two wins out of two and are through to the last 32 following their victory over Australia. And Pochettino and his players are dreaming of going all the way.</p><p> </p><p> Scotland are narrowly beaten by Morocco, conceding the only goal after just 70 seconds. It’s all on the line for Steve Clarke’s side when they face Brazil on Wednesday, who knock out Haiti.</p><p> </p><p> Day 10 will see Germany meet Ivory Coast in a mouthwatering encounter. Plus it’s Netherlands v Sweden. How good are the vibes with the Swedes after their 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia? Frida Fagerlund has more.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Mexico are through to the last 32, Canada look like joining them - what will Day 9 hold in store?</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo’s in LA with housemates Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams ahead of a mouthwatering day of action.</p><p> </p><p>Canada make history with the biggest win ever at the World Cup by a non-European or South American nation, smashing nine-man Qatar 6-0. Sadly the tournament is over for Ismael Kone. But it might not be for Qatar…</p><p> </p><p>Switzerland batter Bosnia 4-1 while the Czech Republic are pegged back by South Africa.</p><p> </p><p>Friday sees the USA and Australia battling it out for qualification. Paul Tenorio has the latest from Pochettino and his players.</p><p> </p><p>Jordan Campbell is on the streets of Boston which have taken over by Scotland fans ahead of their crunch clash with Morocco</p><p> </p><p> Plus Ronaldinho deep cuts and horses in departure lounges.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions roar past Croatia 4-2 in their opener in Arlington.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo is joined by Duncan Alexander, Tom Williams and Laurie Whitwell in LA after an impressive outing for England.</p><p> </p><p>After Croatia come from behind twice, England come flying out in the second half with Kane and Bellingham on song. Can Tuchel’s side go all the way?</p><p> </p><p>Elsewhere in Group L, the latest winning goal of this World Cup so far with Ghana breaking Panama hearts.</p><p> </p><p>It’s a famous day for DR Congo who claim their first World Cup point ever against Portugal, with Cristiano copping most of the flak.</p><p> </p><p>Megan Feringa fills us in on Colombia’s 3-1 win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan.</p><p> </p><p>Plus having now laid eyes on every team at this tournament, we pick our highlights of World Cup 2026 so far.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>England expects ahead of their opener with old rivals Croatia.</p><p> </p><p>Jimbo is joined by Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams to preview Day 7 of the World Cup and react to the big hitters coming to play on Day 6.</p><p> </p><p>A rampant second half from France sees them past Senegal. Michael Olise is in electrifying form but it’s Kylian Mbappe who breaks multiple records and has more in his sights.</p><p> </p><p>Erling Haaland is a World Cup goal scorer, grabbing a brace as Norway thump Iraq 4-1.</p><p> </p><p>But not to be outdone. Lionel Messi draws level with Miroslav Klose as all-time tournament top scorer after his very first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria. Will the holders retain for the first time since 1962?</p><p> </p><p>Elsewhere on Wednesday, Portugal start their tournament against DR Congo. David Novo joins us to review the Ronaldo conundrum.</p><p> </p><p>Join us on Reddit for the Totally Football Show’s Ask Me Anything ahead of the England game! <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/worldcup/comments/1u7mp8k/ama_thread_the_totally_football_show_with_james/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.reddit.com/r/worldcup/comments/1u7mp8k/ama_thread_the_totally_football_show_with_james/</a>&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Day 5 produces one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as European champions Spain draw 0-0 with tournament debutants Cape Verde.</p><br><p>Jimbo has Tom Williams, Megan Feringa and Maher Mezahi for company in LA on a headline-making day.</p><br><p>It continues to be a good tournament for Africa and a tricky one for Europe as Belgium end all square with Egypt.</p><br><p>The day of draws continued as Saudi Arabia share the spoils with Bielsa's Uruguay, and Iran and New Zealand play out an entertaining 2-2 tie at SoFi. </p><br><p>The World Cup finalists from Qatar are in action on Day 6. France with their incredible array of attacking talent take on Senegal. And holders Argentina kick off their campaign against Algeria.</p><br><p>Plus it’s time to see what much-fancied Norway are made off as they face Iraq.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>