The Cooligans

Inter Miami were supposed to be unstoppable—but early in the season, they look anything but. Is this just a slow start, or is there something fundamentally wrong with how this team was built around Lionel Messi? We dig into whether David Beckham and the club’s leadership miscalculated, why the supporting cast isn’t clicking, and what Inter Miami can realistically do to fix things before expectations spiral out of control. Then we take a step back and look across the league. MLS always delivers chaos early in the season, but this year feels especially unpredictable. We break down the biggest surprises and disappointments so far, and spend real time on CF Montréal—a team that doesn’t just look bad, but directionless. Is this a rebuild, a collapse, or something worse? Finally, we turn to the United States men's national soccer team and have an honest conversation about fear. Not optimism, not hype—fear. What are the two biggest things that could go wrong heading into the World Cup, and are fans ignoring obvious warning signs? We break down what’s real, what’s overblown, and what should genuinely worry supporters right now.   Timestamps: (6:30) – Does Messi need a better squad around him? (27:00) -  Biggest surprises of the MLS season (36:30) – Biggest disappointments of the MLS season (52:00) - Stating our biggest USMNT fears for the World Cup (1:12:00) - Michele reacts to Italy missing a 3rd World Cup in a row Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Michael Olise is on a ridiculous run, closing in on Lionel Messi’s single-season assist record and forcing a real conversation: is he the best winger in the world right now? We break down what’s actually driving his production, whether the Messi comparisons are fair or completely out of control, and what it says about how quickly fans crown “the next Messi.” Plus, PSG just ran through Liverpool, and now questions are getting louder around Arne Slot—is this a system problem, a personnel issue, or something deeper? Then we get into one of the messiest stories in global soccer right now: World Cup ticket chaos. Fans are realizing their tickets might not match what they originally bought, as FIFA continues to adjust seating categories behind the scenes. Is this just modern dynamic pricing… or are fans being sold something that doesn’t fully exist yet? We unpack why this feels bigger than just expensive tickets—and what it says about who the World Cup is really for now. And finally, disaster for the USMNT. Patrick Agyemang is out with a torn Achilles, leaving a massive hole in the squad heading toward the World Cup. We talk through how the team replaces his presence, whether anyone is actually ready to step into that role, and what this injury reveals about the depth—and fragility—of this USMNT group at the worst possible time.   Timestamps: (6:30) – Is Michael Olise the best winger in the world? (16:00) -  Liverpool dominated again: Arne Slot at fault? (28:45) – FIFA’s World Cup ticket deceit continues to anger fans (41:45) - Patrick Agyemang is out for the World Cup. Who will step up? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

In this special episode, The Cooligans go one-on-one with NYCFC CEO Brad Sims for an in-depth conversation about what it really takes to run a club in Major League Soccer. We kick things off with the long and complicated journey to get a stadium built in New York City—why it took so long, what hurdles had to be cleared, and what it reveals about how sports, politics, and business collide in one of the toughest markets in the world. From there, we zoom out to the league level and tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding MLS today: why isn’t more of the country watching? Brad breaks down the challenges around broadcast, accessibility, and casual fan engagement, and explains why the league may need to rethink some of its rules and structure if it wants to truly grow its audience. Finally, we look ahead at the future of MLS—where the league is headed, what success could look like in the coming years, and how it plans to compete in an increasingly crowded global soccer landscape. It’s an honest, revealing conversation that gives fans a rare look behind the curtain at how decisions are made and where the game is going in the U.S.   Timestamps: (0:00) – Brad Sims joins The Cooligans (3:00) -  The trials and tribulations behind NYCFC’s new stadium (18:00) – How do clubs prepare to capitalize on Messi? (24:00) - Will NYCFC target a big name signing soon? (30:00) – How can MLS cap rules be used as an advantage? (44:30) - How Brad Sims juggles the sporting and business side as CEO (50:30) - What is MLS’ brand sales pitch? (1:01:30) - Brad Sims explains why more Superteams are good for MLS Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Christian Pulisic is supposed to be the guy for the USMNT—but right now, it’s not looking great. We break down his dip in form for both club and country and ask the uncomfortable question: can the U.S. really trust him to deliver on the biggest stage? Is this just a rough patch, or are we seeing the limits of what he can be as the face of American soccer? We also partnered with Meta to tap directly into the fan conversation, answering your biggest USMNT questions straight from Threads. From lineup debates to World Cup expectations, we dig into what supporters are really thinking—and where the panic might (or might not) be justified. Finally, we zoom out to the global game and react to the chaos of World Cup qualifying playoffs, presented by Smirnoff Ice. Italy misses out on another World Cup and the questions are only getting louder, while Iraq’s qualification gives us one of the best stories in football right now. Add in inspiring runs from Congo and Sweden, and a bigger conversation about the expanded World Cup format, and there’s plenty to get into.   Timestamps: (8:30) – Can USMNT trust Christian Pulisic this World Cup? (20:30) -  Responding to your USMNT questions on Threads (43:30) – Italy misses out on ANOTHER World Cup (1:00:00) – Iraq ends 40-year World Cup drought (1:02:00) - Expanded World Cup field was a good idea (1:04:30) - Congo and Sweden’s World Cup qualifying run was awesome Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Another tough result for the USMNT, this time a 2-0 loss to Portugal—and the questions are only getting louder. We break down exactly what went wrong, from tactical issues to individual performances, and ask the big question: is it time to panic? Bruno Fernandes ran the show for Portugal and earns our Player of the Game, while Christian Pulisic’s struggles are becoming harder to ignore. What does his current form mean for the U.S. heading into a massive summer? With the March international window now behind us, we take a step back and evaluate Mauricio Pochettino’s performance as a whole. Did he learn enough? Did he experiment too much? And most importantly, how much work remains before the World Cup kicks off? With the U.S. group now officially set, we preview the matchups and give our honest predictions on whether this team can advance out of the group—or if there’s real trouble brewing. To close things out, we look ahead and try to project the USMNT’s starting XI heading into the summer. Who’s locked in, who’s on the bubble, and who might be playing their way out of contention? Plus, we tap into the live chat and social media reactions to hear what fans are saying—because right now, everyone has an opinion, and not all of them are optimistic. Timestamps: (0:00) – Recapping USMNT’s lackluster loss to Portugal (6:30) -  Player of the Game: Bruno Fernandes (12:40) – Breaking down Christian Pulisic’s worrying form (17:30) – Grading Mauricio Pochettino’s March window (26:00) - USMNT World Cup group preview and predictions (35:40) - Predicting USMNT’s World Cup starting XI Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

That was rough. The USMNT got hit hard in a 5-2 loss to Belgium, and we went live immediately after the final whistle to make sense of it all. Is this the kind of loss that forces growth—or proof that this team just isn’t ready yet? We break down Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, decisions, and whether he got it completely wrong on the night. Then, USMNT legend Marcelo Balboa joins us to offer real insight into what failed on the pitch and what the team must fix before it’s too late. Belgium came to play, and one name stood above the rest: Dodi Lukebakio. With two goals and a dominant performance, he earns our Player of the Game honors. Meanwhile, we take a hard look at Pochettino’s lineup choices, substitutions, and overall game management. Were the players set up to fail, or did individuals simply not rise to the occasion? We hand out grades and don’t hold back. As always, the chat had plenty to say—and we bring the best (and wildest) fan reactions into the show. From frustration to full-on panic, the USMNT discourse is heating up. We wrap things up by turning the page to what’s next: a massive test against Portugal. What needs to change, and can the U.S. bounce back? We’ve got you covered. Timestamps: (1:55) – Recapping USMNT’s brutal loss to Belgium (6:30) - Marcelo Balboa joins the Show (17:15) – Player of the Game: Dodi Lukebakio (28:00) – Grading Mauricio Pochettino (40:00) - USMNT vs Portugal preview Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Arsenal fans, we’ve been here before… and it’s not pretty. The Gunners have let another trophy slip through their fingers, and we’re asking the big question: what’s actually missing? Is it mentality, depth, tactics—or something deeper? We break down where it all went wrong and what needs to change if Arsenal want to stop being “almost” and start being champions. Plus, things get weird off the pitch as Jorginho finds himself in an unexpected back-and-forth with pop star Chappell Roan. Trust us, this story is as chaotic as it sounds. Then, we’re joined by one of the brightest stars in North American soccer: Santi Gimenez. He talks to us about his road to recovery from injury, what it’s been like navigating the growing wave of CONCACAF talent making moves in Europe, and how his time at AC Milan is shaping his career. We also get into what it would mean for him to represent Mexico in a World Cup played on home soil—a moment that could define a generation. Finally, we head back to MLS for some classic controversy. Inter Miami vs NYCFC gave us a head-scratching handball non-call involving Dayne St. Clair that has everyone talking—and we’ve got opinions. To top it all off, the rumor mill is heating up with Antoine Griezmann reportedly edging closer to a long-awaited move to MLS. Could this finally be the moment? We break it all down, with plenty of laughs along the way.   Timestamps: (11:30) – Arsenal bottle another trophy opportunity (25:00) - Jorginho and Chappell Roan are beefing!? (35:00) – Santi Gimenez joins The Cooligans (54:00) – Handball non-call saves Inter Miami vs NYCFC (1:04:00) - Antoine Griezmann finalizes move to Orlando City (1:08:00) - MLS suspends Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

The World Cup is around the corner, and the USMNT roster decisions are getting real. We dig into Mauricio Pochettino’s latest squad selection and debate whether he got it right—or if there are some glaring issues that could haunt the U.S. on the biggest stage. One of the biggest talking points: Gio Reyna. Is he still deserving of a place in this team, or is it time to move on? We also explore Ricardo Pepi’s reported move to Fulham and why this could be a make-or-break moment in his career as he fights to become the USMNT’s starting striker. Over in Europe, it was a brutal Champions League Round of 16 for the Premier League. Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Newcastle all crashing out? Yeah, we’ve got a lot to say. Is this proof that the Premier League might be overrated this season, or is it just one of those years where things didn’t go their way? We break down what went wrong and what it says about the state of England’s top clubs compared to the rest of Europe. And then… chaos. Absolute chaos. CAF somehow manages to strip Senegal of their AFCON title and hand it to Morocco nearly two months after the tournament ended. We try to make sense of one of the wildest administrative decisions in recent soccer history—and fail miserably. So instead, we do what we do best: roast the situation, question everything, and unpack just how ridiculous this whole saga really is. Timetamps: (9:30) – USMNT roster reaction: did Pochettino get it right? (33:00) – Ricardo Pepi to Fulham! Can he prove himself at the highest level? (40:45) – Premier League teams get embarrassed in Champions League (1:03:30) – CONCACAF Champions Cup: Inter Miam eliminated! (1:07:00) – Roasting CAF for the AFCON title reversal Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

On this episode of The Cooligans, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros dive into the early MLS season and ask a big question: are LAFC already pulling away from the rest of the league? With Vancouver and Inter Miami chasing close behind, the guys break down whether anyone can keep up with LAFC’s dominant start or if we’re witnessing the beginning of another runaway season. Across the Atlantic, Liverpool’s frustrating habit of dropping points late in matches continues, raising questions about whether new manager Arne Slot deserves some blame. The hosts also take a look at Pep Guardiola and whether his legendary run with Manchester City F.C. might finally be losing its edge. Meanwhile, Chelsea F.C. receive what feels like a light punishment for breaking Premier League financial rules—did they get off too easy? Plus, the guys fire off quick reactions to some of the week’s strangest and funniest football moments: Erling Haaland blasting a shot straight into someone’s face, Chelsea’s awkward pre-game huddle, the latest United States Men's National Team World Cup kit reveal, and the big question facing Orlando City SC—who should be their next head coach?   (7:00) –  LAFC already separating themselves from the rest of the league? (13:30) – Inter Miami too dependent on Messi? (23:45) – Arne Slot to blame for Liverpool’s late game woes? (31:30) – Pep Guardiola’s time at Man City coming to an end? (36:30) – Arsenal closing in on PL title (45:30) - Chelsea fined for financial breach: but is it enough? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Real Madrid continued their quest for their 16th Champions League title on Wednesday in the Round of 16. After handily defeating Manchester City in the first leg 3–0, many are starting to wonder if there is a certain aura surrounding Real Madrid when they play in this tournament. Is it something that the Blues and other potential foes will be able to overcome the rest of the way? The conversation then shifts to Tottenham Hotspur’s miserable season continuing as they were trounced in their first leg of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid. While their prospects for a better second leg might be dim, it’s the Premier League relegation battle that Tottenham must start to worry about. Can they avoid completing an embarrassing season and being relegated from the Premier League? Christian and Alexis are then joined by Juventus FC and USMNT midfield star Weston McKennie as he talks about his time playing in Italy, what he’s looking forward to in the upcoming World Cup and his interesting take on a controversial pizza condiment. The guys close the show by previewing the upcoming NWSL season and who they think will be this year’s champion.   7:18 – Top Topic: Real Madrid defeats Man City 22:59 – Tottenham’s relegation battle 33:00 – Weston McKennie joins the show 1:06:46 – 2026 NWSL preview Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

The international break drama starts with a major blow for the United States as Sergiño Dest goes down with another injury. Alexis and Christian analyze how big the loss is for Mauricio Pochettino’s system and explore the realistic options the USMNT has at right-back moving forward. Is there a clear replacement, or does the position become a tactical problem heading into upcoming friendlies? The conversation then shifts to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s visit to the White House—an appearance that sparked unexpected backlash, particularly among Argentine fans. The hosts unpack why the moment created controversy, how politics and sports collided online, and whether it has any real impact on Messi’s legacy or public perception. Finally, the guys turn their attention to Major League Soccer and the pressure building on managers whose teams are stuck at the bottom of the Supporters’ Shield standings. With results not improving and expectations rising across the league, Alexis and Christian debate which coach might be the next casualty of MLS’s increasingly impatient ownership groups. Timestamps: (10:30) – Who can replace Dest? (25:35) - Messi and Inter Miami Visit the White House (43:47) – MLS Teams starting the season bottom of the Supporter’s Shield (45:00)- What coach could potentially be fired? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Are results enough, or should great teams also play beautiful football? The guys debate whether Arsenal F.C.’s winning formula is coming at the expense of the “beautiful game.” If you’re a title contender, should the expectations be higher than just grinding out results? Meanwhile, Manchester United fan Matty FC joins the show to talk about the recent resurgence at Manchester United F.C. and whether the positive run under Michael Carrick is the beginning of something real—or just a short-term bounce. Next, we look toward the future of Europe’s elite goal scorers. With Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé dominating headlines, who will be the next striker to break into that top tier? The boys give their predictions for the next killer No. 9 in Europe and discuss which young forwards have the talent, mentality, and opportunity to reach that rarefied level. Finally, it’s time to talk about Brazil—and things aren’t exactly calm. With the Brazil national football team entering the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid growing pressure, Matty FC and Christian Polanco break down why the vibes around the Seleção feel uneasy. Can legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti steady the ship and bring Brazil back to World Cup glory, or are deeper problems threatening their chances? The Cooligans dig into it all.  Timestamps: (5:30) – Are Arsenal ruining the “beautiful game”? (14:00) - Are Manchester United really back? (29:00) – Who is Europe’s next killer striker? (39:15) – Brazil World Cup panic meter Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

The MLS season is heating up and we’ve got takes. MLS analyst Matt Doyle stops by to help us separate early-season overreactions from real trends. Is Julian Hall’s breakout with the New York Red Bulls the beginning of a superstar arc or just a hot streak? Are Inter Miami CF papering over long-term roster concerns despite their win over Orlando City SC? And can the early momentum from the San Jose Earthquakes — and Timo Werner — actually last? We dig into what’s real, what’s noise, and what it means moving forward. Then we head across the Atlantic for an incredible conversation with Steve Fletcher, assistant coach and club legend at AFC Bournemouth. Fletcher gives us insight into why Tyler Adams is one of the most respected players at the club, how his leadership extends far beyond the pitch, and why every team needs a player like him. If you’re an American soccer fan, this is one you won’t want to miss. We also dive into the impact of manager Andoni Iraola and how his consistency, culture-setting, and tactical identity have helped elevate Bournemouth in the Premier League. Fletcher reflects on his own storied career — from signing in the early ’90s to becoming the club’s all-time appearance leader — and what it means to represent one club for over three decades. MLS chaos, Premier League insight, and legendary football stories all in one episode.   Timestamps: (7:30) – Julian Hall is leading a youth movement in New York (16:00) - Will Inter Miami struggle this season despite win? (22:00) – Can San Jose and Timo Werner’s hot start last? (26:30) – MLS weekend recap (37:00) - Steve Fletcher joins The Cooligans Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Could Antoine Griezmann really be headed to Orlando City SC — and if so, would he be the one player capable of challenging Lionel Messi for MLS supremacy? We kick things off by diving into the rumor, the fit, and what Griezmann’s personality and playing style would mean for the league. Is this realistic, or just classic MLS chaos? Then NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins the show. She reflects on Gotham’s improbable championship run, the weight of expectations heading into the new season, and what it’s like being a 10-year NWSL veteran who’s seen the league evolve from host families and modest crowds to sold-out stadiums. Mandy also opens up about her love of fashion and gives a thoughtful critique of the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule — explaining why raising the ceiling doesn’t necessarily raise the floor for players across the league. We wrap with Champions League drama: Weston McKennie continues to shine, but did Juventus FC let him down again? Is it time for him to seek a bigger move? Vinícius Júnior delivers another electric performance against SL Benfica, while FK Bodø/Glimt stun Inter Milan — raising serious questions about what’s happening with Italian teams in Europe this season. Timestamps: (7:30) – Griezmann to Orlando!? Can he dethrone Messi in MLS? (18:00) - Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins The Cooligans (42:00) – Weston Mckennie continues to shine but Juve is failing him (53:30) – Vini Jr. Shuts up Benfica with another amazing performance (59:00) - Bodø/Glimt stun Inter Milan Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

LAFC sent a loud message in their 3-0 dismantling of Inter Miami, and it wasn’t just about the scoreline. Los Angeles FC looked sharp, organized, and ruthless, while Inter Miami CF looked frustrated and overwhelmed. We break down what went wrong for Miami, what this result means long-term, and whether Lionel Messi’s heated postgame interaction with referees is a sign of deeper cracks. Plus, we recap the rest of MLS opening weekend and highlight the teams that set the tone early. Across the pond, the Premier League title race is heating up once again. Manchester City and Arsenal continue to push each other to the limit at the top of the table. Can City pull off another late surge, or is this finally Arsenal’s year? We examine the remaining fixtures, squad depth, and pressure points that could decide the title. Off the pitch, concerns are growing around the 2026 tournament. With New Jersey canceling its World Cup fan zone and Gillette Stadium reportedly resisting FIFA licensing without additional funding, we ask whether the 2026 World Cup is starting to show serious organizational strain. Is this just early logistical turbulence—or a warning sign for what’s ahead? Timestamps: (7:00) – LAFC thrash Messi and Inter Miami (23:00) - MLS opening weekend recap (32:00) – Arsenal and Man City continue to battle in PL title race (47:45) – World Cup in danger of falling apart already? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

The Cooligans welcome former MLS head coach and analyst Giovanni Savarese for a deep dive into the 2026 MLS season. Gio shares his predictions, breakout teams to watch, and how the league continues to evolve ahead of a massive 2026 on home soil. The conversation also turns to the USMNT, as the guys assess expectations, pressure, and what success should realistically look like at the 2026 World Cup.Christian and Alexis then tackle the troubling racist incident involving Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s clash with Benfica. They unpack how these situations are currently handled, question whether the responsibility to stop a match unfairly falls on the player experiencing abuse, and debate what meaningful structural changes could better protect players moving forward.Finally, it’s a jam-packed Champions League recap. Folarin Balogun shines in a statement performance against Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus suffer a shocking defeat to Galatasaray, and Bodø/Glimt pull off a stunning win over Inter Milan. The boys react to all the drama, surprises, and what these results mean going forward. Timestamps:(6:30) – 2026 MLS preview and predictions(30:00) - Gio Savarese’s USMNT World Cup outlook(39:00) – Vinicius Junior deals with racism again: time for a rule change?(59:00) – Folarin Balogun shines in Champions League loss to PSG(1:04:30) - Serie A teams suffer shocking Champions League losses Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Real Madrid are staring down a potentially humiliating Champions League exit — can they steady the ship against Benfica in the Round of 32? The boys break down what’s gone wrong, whether Madrid’s aura still carries weight in Europe, and give their official predictions for all Round of 32 matchups.Then we’re joined by the legendary Glenn Crooks, who gives incredible insight into how Emma Hayes developed into the elite manager she is today. Crooks also reflects on his own journey in soccer, shares thoughts on NYCFC’s upcoming season, discusses Pascal Jansen’s evolution as a coach, and weighs in on what the club’s new stadium means for the future of football in New York City.To close it out, we react to Carlo Ancelotti being spotted at Carnival — is that a bad look for Brazil’s head coach given the national team’s current form? Plus, we discuss Tottenham’s new manager, Raheem Sterling’s move to Feyenoord, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s first La Liga loss, and Antoine Semenyo’s absolutely unhinged pizza opinion. Another packed episode full of insight, debate, and chaos. Timestamps:(7:30) – Real Madrid in Champions League trouble?(13:00) - Every Round of 32 UCL prediction(25:00) – Glenn Crooks joins The Cooligans(1:02:00) – Carlo Ancelotti spotted at Carnival(1:06:30) - Reacting to other world soccer news Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tottenham have parted ways with Thomas Frank, and the big question is: was he really the problem? The boys dig into what’s actually happening at Spurs, whether the issues run deeper than the head coach, and which managers could realistically step in to fix things. Is this about tactics, recruitment, ownership — or something bigger?Then Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez joins the show for an honest and revealing conversation. He opens up about recovering from his ACL injury, doing “quick maths” in his head about the World Cup timeline the moment he got hurt, and what it will take to fight his way back into the U.S. Men’s National Team picture. Vazquez also shares what it was really like playing in Liga MX — from nonstop media attention to the intensity of fan culture — and how it compares to MLS. Plus, we get the full origin story of his “Superman” goal celebration (yes, including the capes).To close it out, the boys react to the 2026 MLS kit reveal and give their unfiltered best and worst picks. Which clubs nailed it? Which designs should’ve stayed in the concept phase? We’re handing out praise, roasting questionable choices, and ranking the fits you’ll be seeing all season long. Timestamps:(11:00) – Thomas Frank sacked! What is the issue at Tottenham?(20:00) - Discussing possible replacement for Tottenham(27:15) – Brandon Vazquez joins The Cooligans(51:30) – Revealing the best 2026 MLS kits(59:45) - Revealing the worst 2026 MLS kits Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Segment one is pure MLS therapy. The Cooligans rank and debate the worst Designated Player signings of all time, asking how so many big names with even bigger expectations fell flat. From Rafa Márquez’s infamous tenure to the complicated legacies of Giroud, Shaqiri, and Insigne, the guys break down why hype doesn’t always translate on the field — and what MLS should learn from these costly misfires.In segment two, attention shifts to England as Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City sparks controversy. Was the red card justified, or did it unfairly tilt the match? The boys react in real time to City’s statement win and zoom out to assess what it means for the Premier League title race, with Arsenal now feeling real pressure as City creep closer.The episode wraps with a moment that raised eyebrows across the soccer world: Mauricio Pochettino telling Timothy Weah to “keep quiet” about World Cup ticket prices. The guys unpack why that comment hit a nerve, what it reveals about the relationship between players and federations, and why conversations about access and cost around the World Cup aren’t going away anytime soon. Timestamps:(9:00) – Revealing the worst MLS DP flops of all-time(27:30) - Was Liverpool’s red card justified?(40:30) – Premier League title race heats up as Man City inch closer(49:00) – Reacting to Pochettino telling Tim Weah to “keep quiet” about World Cup ticket prices Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Is James Rodríguez really headed to Minnesota United? In one of the strangest transfer rumors we’ve ever seen, the Cooligans unpack how a global superstar could end up in MLS, what it would mean for Minnesota, and whether James still has enough left to move the needle in the league — or if this is destined to be pure chaos.Next, we revisit the USMNT hype machine and ask some uncomfortable questions. Gio Reyna, Yunus Musah, Gianluca Busio, Jordan Morris — all players who once felt like sure things. So what happened? We break down why their trajectories have stalled, what went wrong at club level, and whether there’s still time for a second act.Finally, we react to the wildest stories from around world soccer. From Vinícius Jr.’s girlfriend revealing uncomfortable details involving Real Madrid, to Gabriel Barbosa’s tense encounter with fans, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s “missing” posters popping up in Saudi Arabia — it’s another reminder that no sport delivers chaos quite like football. Timestamps:(6:30) – James Rodriguez’s shock transfer to Minnesota United(21:30) - USMNT rising stars that have now faded(49:30) – Vini Jr’s girlfriend’s weird ointment story(53:30) – Reacting to other news around the soccer world Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv