Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! Today we break down all the action from this week’s Champions League slate, including Weston McKennie finding the back of the net for Juventus AGAIN and Manchester City suffering a shocking defeat in Norway. After, we discuss Patrick Agyemang and Haji Wright scoring once more for their clubs in the Championship and a potential $20M move to the Premier League for Agyemang. In #AskAlexi, we debate if Christian Pulisic is in a slump or not for Milan and get to the bottom of Mosse’s amazing mind. To finish up in One for the Road, Alexi reacts to a stunning story about the kidnapping of a former MLS manager. Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)Best Turnaround in Sports: Indiana vs Leicester City (2:50)UCL Recap: McKennie Scores, City falls in major upset (5:38)U.S. in Championship: Agyemang & Wright keep scoring (20:19)#AskAlexi: Pulisic slump? (30:22)One For The Road: The Athletic details former MLS coaches kidnapping (42:22) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! Today, we discuss the utter CHAOS that was the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. Disallowed goals, controversial penalties, players leaving the pitch, a missed panenka, fights over towels and so much more went down in Senegal’s 1-0 victory. We go to England next to break down the latest in Josh Sargent’s transfer saga with Norwich City, both Haji Wright and Patrick Agyemang finding the back of the yet, and the potential of a Ricardo Pepi Premier League move. In #AskAlexi, we have a voicemail asking if the USL’s move to a pro/rel system will have a bigger impact than MLS changing its season calendar. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi reacts to the rumors that Sporting Kansas City will be sold for $700M. Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)Senegal vs Morocco Madness (1:51)U.S. Abroad: Sargent MLS upadate, Agyemang vs Wright (13:11)Can City overtake Arsenal or is EPL race over? (24:18)#AskAlexi: USL Pro/Rel vs MLS Schedule change (34:25)One for the Road: SKC set to sell? (46:25) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas headed to St. Louis for the annual Mac Hermann Awards, college soccer's highest honor, to sit down with the finalist to pick their brains on the evolution of the game in the U.S. He was also joined by two USMNT legends, Brad Friedel and John Harkes, to preview the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, look back at how far the men's game has come since 1994, & a peak ahead to where the college game is headed. Use our code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)Brad Friedel - U.S Soccer Legend (2:12)John Harkes - U.S Soccer Legend (18:41)Donavan Phillip - 2025 Hermann Award Winner - NC State (36:46)Izzy Engle - Notre Dame MF/FW (41:10)Jordynn Dudley - FSU Forward (43:45)Jasmine Aikey - 2025 Hermann Award Winner - Stanford (45:58)Richie Aman - Washington Midfielder (48:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX Soccer Insider Doug McIntyre drops his first 2026 USA World Cup roster prediction, and we break it all down. From Matt Freese leading the way in goal, to bold calls like Tanner Tessmann starting alongside Tyler Adams in the midfield. We analyze Doug’s full Starting XI, major omissions (Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, Haji Wright, Joe Scally) before Alexi Lalas reveals his own USMNT Starting XI. We also preview a big USA Abroad Weekend Preview plus massive global matchups including Manchester United vs Manchester City, RB Leipzig vs Bayern & the Africa Cup of Nations Final. Before we wrap the podcast, the guys answer questions on the (lack?) of growth of soccer on the men’s game in the U.S in #AskAlexi Would Weston McKennie be the best player on the 1994 U.S. squad? Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)Doug McIntyre’s U.S. Roster & Starting XI predictions (5:55)Alexi’s Starting XI (12:22)U.S. Abroad: Sargent sitting out against Wrexham? (17:36)#AskAlexi: McKennie handed #10 on the 1994 World Cup team? (32:55)One For The Road: No Free Fan Fest? (44:58) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! We reveal our brand new studio look by discussing Ricardo Pepi’s arm injury, Toronto FC’s bid for Josh Sargent and Macclesfield FC’s historic FA Cup victory over Chris Richards and Crystal Palace. We also break down Weston McKennie scoring for Juventus AGAIN and what the next step in his career might look like. After, Alexi and Mosse discuss Barcelona’s triumph over Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa and Xabi Alonso’s subsequent sacking. In #AskAlexi, Alexi recaps his time at the Mac Hermann award show, answers how Michael Bradley will do as New York Red Bulls manager, and discusses the news that the German national team will be staying at Wake Forest for the upcoming World Cup. One for the Road ends the show with Alexi and Mosse talking about the current state of affairs in Iran as it pertains to the World Cup. Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)U.S. Abroad: Pepi out, Sargent to MLS? (6:10)#AskAlexi: Michael Bradley slam-dunk hire for NYRB? (37:00)One For The Road: Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (47:47) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The duo is joined by FOX Soccer insider, Doug McIntyre, to discuss Doug’s take of Weston McKennie being the greatest American midfielder of all-time, whether or not Brenden Aaronson has turned himself into a lock for the World Cup roster, and what US players should be seeking a transfer during this window. After Doug says goodbye, Alexi and Mosse preview Tim Weah battling PSG for some silverware and Johnny Cardoso and Atlético Madrid meeting rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa semifinals. In @AskAlexi, Christian Pulisic’s corner taking skills are debated, and Inter Miami’s roster building is interrogated. We finish with One for the Road taking a look at the rumored USA jerseys for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ that were potentially leaked. Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)Doug defends the 'McKennie is the GOAT' take, MLS next? (6:00)US Abroad: Aaronson on FIRE, Weah goes for hardware (25:00)#AskAlexi: MLS transfer rules, Pulisic's corners & More (35:31)One for the Road: USMNT World Cup Kit leaks... (45:03) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! Weston McKennie’s strong run of form for Juventus has posed the question: is he the greatest midfielder in USMNT history? After the debate, Alexi and Mosse discuss the impact that players such as Brenden Aaronson and Diego Luna will have on the USA’s squad at this summer’s World Cup. The January transfer window has opened and Ricardo Pepi’s name is flying around with a potential move to the Premier League looming, so the pair discuss what moves they’d like to see in this window. In #AskAlexi, Alexi power ranks the group stage matches he is most looking forward to at the World Cup and in One for the Road, we discuss the rising popularity of soccer in America. Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro: (0:00)Is Weston McKennie the greatest USA midfielder ever: (4:11)Will Brenden Aaronson or Diego Luna have a bigger World Cup impact: (11:11)Managers getting sacked left and right: (14:29)Ricardo Pepi to the Premier League?: (26:20)#AskAlexi: (31:29)One For the Road: (41:07) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are here with a new episode of State of the Union! Alexi hands out his 2025 USA soccer awards, including best player, best goal, and biggest surprise. He also hands out Mauricio Pochettino a grade for the year and dives into the 5 players who most improved their stock in 2025 and the players whose stock fell the most this year. In USA abroad, Alexi and Mosse discuss Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie’s strong form in Serie A, Jedi Robinson continuing a string of solid starts for Fulham and Brenden Aaronson’s Man of the Match performance. In #AskAlexi, we discuss what would constitute a disappointment for the USA in next Summer’s World Cup and debate who the best defenders in our pool are. In One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse share their thanks and a New Year’s message. Use our code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek: ⁠⁠https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU⁠⁠ Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30 discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)Alexi's U.S. Stock Up (6:20)Alexi's U.S. Stock Down (11:53)U.S. POY & Pochettino Grade (22:07)2026 FIFA Word Cup Predictions (28:21)U.S. Abroad (39:33)#AskAlexi: Best Defenders in World? (51:35)One For The Road: Happy New Year! (60:31) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Guardian’s Top 100 Players list dropped… and the biggest talking point might be who didn’t make it. No Christian Pulisic, despite 12 Serie A players landing on the list, including Scott McTominay, Lautaro Martínez, Denzel Dumfries and others. Meanwhile, The Athletic ranked Pulisic 39th, backing it up with elite production. So where would you rank the U.S. star?  Plus, a busy weekend abroad: McKennie bagged his 21st assist for Juventus, Musah fights for roster momentum, Dest feeds Pepi,  who can’t stop scoring, and Jedi Robinson keeps stacking starts in the Premier League. In #AskAlexi, we dive into the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on soccer in the United States + is a winter break coming for MLS? We wrap the podcast with Alexi’s Soccer Wishlist heading into a pivotal year.  Use our code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek:⁠https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU⁠ Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)Pulisic Subbed by Soccer World (5:17)US Abroad: Pepi can’t stop scoring (14:57)#AskAlexi (33:20)2026 Soccer Wishlist: Quarters or Bust? (44:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on USA Abroad, we break down Tyler Adams’ tough MCL news ahead of Bournemouth’s clash with Burnley. We also dive into Aaronson vs. Richards in Leeds, and Jedi Robinson’s strong Carabao Cup showing ahead of Fulham vs Forest. In Italy, Pulisic and Milan aim to defend their Supercoppa crown in Saudi Arabia, while McKennie’s Juventus host Roma in a key top-five battle. Gio Reyna faces his former club as Dortmund meet Gladbach, and Leipzig vs Leverkusen delivers a massive Bundesliga six-pointer. We wrap with full reaction to the 2025 FIFA Awards: Dembele crowned Best Men’s Player (Yamal snub?), Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman take coaching honors, and we break down the Best XI. Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro (0:00)USA Abroad: Adams injury, Jedi Assist, Gio's return (5:51)FIFA Awards: Dembele wins again, Best XI's of the Past (18:26)#AskAlexi: FIFA Fan Purity Test & More (29:21)One For The Road: Alexi's Christmas with Arsenal (42:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are here with a new episode of State of the Union! With both Jedi Robinson and Sergiño Dest back healthy, the two are posed the following question: does the USA have the best fullback pairing in the world? The pair discuss that possibility before diving into the latest happenings in Serie A with Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, a big Ligue 1 matchup between Tim Weah and Folarin Balgoun, and another Gio Reyna start in the Bundesliga. In #AskAlexi, we discuss which host nation is most likely to be grouped in the World Cup next summer and in One for the Road, Alexi gives his take on ticket prices for the World Cup. Use my code for $30 off your next order of World Cup Tickets on SeatGeek*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/SOTU Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $30 discount, Min. $200 Purchase Intro: (0:00)Jedi & Dest Best Fullback paring in world? (5:30)Adams picks up knock (17:23)Pulisic has goal chalked off (18:35)Reyna keeps playing (22:54)Nancy in trouble at Celtic (25:18)#AskAlexi (30:15)One For The Road (41:49) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union and we’re talking all things 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Alexi dives into his experience at the draw in Washington DC before he and Mosse give their thoughts on the USA’s group and whether the Stars and Stripes should be favorites to top Group D. Alexi shares his first bracket prediction for next summer’s tournament including the side he believes is going to hoist the trophy. After, Alexi and Mosse hop into the latest happenings in Europe where USA stars can’t stop scoring, with Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi ALL finding the back of the net for their clubs. In #AskAlexi, we break down the news that there will be hydration breaks in every match in next summer’s World Cup and in One for the Road, Alexi shares a touching story of giving back to the soccer community. Intro (0:00)U.S. Group D Review: Win or Bust? (10:05)Alexi's Way-Too-Early Knockout Bracket (20:04)U.S. Abroad: Americans stay hot in UCL (29:28)#AskAlexi: MLS top league in world or USMNT top 5? (41:02) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Landon Donovan, Cobi Jones, and Brad Guzan come together for a comprehensive dive into the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the draw.  Landon dives into the big storylines around Mexico, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, while Cobi jumps in on Canada’s opener, Japan’s chances, and England’s path. Brad brings a goalkeeper’s view on Brazil, Belgium, Argentina, and more. Throughout, they highlight the stars to watch, circle can’t-miss matchups, and throw out bold darkhorse picks. Can Morocco mirror their run in Qatar? How will Argentina and Portugal handle Messi and Ronaldo, respectively.  The crew also comes together for a full deep dive on Group D, sizing up the USMNT’s road through Paraguay, Australia, and the UEFA playoff winner before picking every their champion, Golden Ball & Golden Boot winners.  Intro (0:00) Group A (2:46) Group B (7:22) Group C (12:38) Group D: USA tops group? (19:03) Group E (33:33)  Group F (37:52) Group G (41:17) Group H (44:39)  Group I (48:00) Group J (52:34) Group K (5623:) Group L (59:18) Way-Too-Early World Cup Champion Picks (61:47)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special episode, U.S. Soccer legends Alexi Lalas, Landon Donovan, Stu Holden & Cobi Jones preview the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Final Draw from every angle. The guys take you through the latest outlook surrounding this USMNT, including a potential Group of Death and how far can this team realistically go next summer. Alexi, Stu, Landon & Cobi also preview the world's biggest teams & their stars including Messi's Argentina, Ronaldo's Portugal & Harry Kane's England & much more. We also walk you through what to expect from the largest draw in history and what to watch for on Friday from Washington D.C. From the UEFA & Intercontinental playoffs, to everything else in between, we have you covered. Make sure to tune into the draw LIVE on FOX on December 5th starting at 11:30 AM EST. Intro (0:00)USMNT Outlook: What can we expect from Pochettino's squad? (1:38)How does the expanded FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Draw work? (31:41)CONMEBOL: Argentina, Colombia, Brazil & more (39:06)UEFA: Spain, France, England & More (46:00)Rest of the World: Can Mexico make a run? (65:38)Tales from the Draw: Did they make a mistake in 1994? (71:55)USMNT Group of Death (80:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a new episode of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into a big weekend of topics and touch on Pulisic’s winner in the Derby della Madonnina, Malik Tillman’s Bundesliga brilliance, and Tim Weah's Ligue 1 goalazo. Over in England, Chris Richards’ manager can’t seem to decide if the U.S. plays him too much—or not enough—and Jedi Robinson’s absence lingers. We hit the MLS Cup Playoffs where Messi made more history, NYCFC snuck past Philly, and Vancouver outlasted LAFC in a wild match. In #AskAlexi we field questions including “who is the real leader for the USMNT?” And in One For The Road, we ponder a question about next summer's World Cup: why isn't Washington, D.C. a host city? Intro (0:00)Pulisic bags winner vs Inter Milan (6:30)Weah with a BANGER (13:50)Messi rolls in MLS Cup Playoffs (21:50)#AskAlexi: Real U.S. leader (33:45)One for the road: NO DC?! (41:25) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! In this episode, Alexi and Mosse break down the USMNT’s DOMINANT 5-1 win over Uruguay and some fiery comments made by manager Mauricio Pochettino in the buildup to the match. We ask such questions as where does this big win leave the USMNT going into the new year, what players stood out the most, and should our “regular” starters be worried? Around the globe, 42 of the 48 teams for next summer’s World Cup are set and Alexi and Mosse react to some major wins by Erling Haaland and Norway, Ireland and Scotland plus major drama in CONCACAF. In #AskAlexi, the USMNT’s potential geographic path to the World Cup final is discussed and in One for the Road, Alexi recounts his trip to Tampa to watch the USMNT run rampant on Uruguay. Intro (0:00)USMNT Recap: MLS runs riot over Uruguay (5:39)Pochettino's fiery comments: (21:56)WCQ Recap: 42 out of 48 teams set (31:50)#AskAlexi: Who has benefited most under Poch? (43:22) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stu Holden and David Mosse are here with a LIVE episode of State of the Union to break down the USMNT’s 2-1 victory over Paraguay. It was a successful night as both Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun scored as the USA continued towards next summer’s World Cup with a win. Stu and Mosse discussed the impact of the returning Sergiño Dest as well as a new backline combination. Around the world, World Cup qualifying is coming to an end as chaos reigns in Concacaf while Kylian Mbappé and France officially booked their tickets with Erling Haaland and Norway close behind. Intro (0:00)Starting XI: Back 3 is here to stay (2:39)Gio Reyna legacy game (5:50)FIGHT! (18:49)Baby Nats fall to Morocco again (24:15)WCQ: CONCACAF down to the WIRE (29:07)Brazilian Pulisic = Star (38:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are here with a brand-new episode of State of the Union. Alexi and Mosse start by answering some burning questions about the upcoming USMNT window: Without star man Christian Pulisic, who is going to step up and inspire the team? Are we going to experiment with two strikers up top? What is the backline going to look like? Make sure you tune into our live show on Saturday 11/15 after the USMNT plays Paraguay for a full break down. Around the world, qualifying for the World Cup is coming to an end. UEFA, CAF, AFC and CONCACAF will all see teams book their tickets for next summer’s tournament and you can catch a UEFA double header this Sunday 11/16 on FS1. In #AskAlexi, we get an all-time voicemail about Pochettino, and in One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse discuss the potential schedule changes coming to MLS. Intro (0:00)Burning question: Two strikers up top? (6:52)WCQ: Final Qualifying Window comes to exciting close (27:26)#AskAlexi: Method to Pochettino’s Madness? (35:09)One For The Road: MLS changes schedule? (48:03) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back for a new episode of State of the Union. Alexi gives his thoughts on the USMNT’s November roster and the news that Tyler Adams has joined the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, no longer on the roster. Gio Reyna and Sergiño Dest both made appearances for their clubs this weekend but there is still no sign of the injured Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, leading Mauricio Pochettino to admit he is “worried” about the fullback. In the States, the conference semifinals are set in the MLS Cup Playoffs where the likes of Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min are still alive and fighting for a title. In #AskAlexi, we argue against the idea that MLS isn’t good for player development and in his One for the Road, Alexi applauds El Tri youngster, Gilberto Mora, for his confidence in Mexico’s chances to win next summer’s World Cup. Intro (0:00)Tyler Adams OUT of USMNT Roster (06:27)Balogun & Agyemang bag goals (23:17)MLS Cup Playoffs: Messi is on FIRE (30:03)#AskAlexi: Back 5 victims for U.S (40:34)One for the Road: Mexico WC Favorites (50:24) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stu Holden and David Mosse react to the USMNT November roster reveal in this live episode of State of the Union. The pair discuss what to expect from the USA’s two upcoming matches with a roster that does not include Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie or Chris Richards among others. While some of the biggest stars are missing, Gio Reyna makes a surprise return to the roster and Stu and Mosse debate whether this is Gio’s last chance with the USMNT. Finally, manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his desire to move back to the Premier League at some point, should this concern USA fans as the team gears up for next summer’s World Cup? Intro - (0:00)Pulisic, McKennie, Musah and others OUT (:)Matt Turner done with USMNT? (:)Gio Reyna is BACK (:)Pochettino misses EPL? (:) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices