U.S. Soccer Podcast

Adam Ballou first started kicking a soccer ball when he was just 3-years old. And after that, he never looked back: Adam was first called into the U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team when he was 14. Since then the midfielder has amassed almost 100 caps and represented his country in two Paralympic Games. Adam was also a part of the CP team that won the 2025 Copa America for the first time.   In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Adam down with host Meghan Klingenberg to discuss his joining the CP National Team, his proudest achievements representing team USA, and what soccer means to him.   2:25–  Meghan Klingenberg interviews Adam Ballou  6:03 – Adam discusses playing soccer in Spain  10:16 – Adam explains how he qualifies for the CP team  16:55 – Joining the team at just 15  25:19 – Adam’s proudest moment 31:18 – Adam discusses what soccer means to him  32:39 – Kling breaks out her story meeting Taylor Swift in 2015  36:33 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Adam Ballou  Producer: Matthew Nelson  Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit.  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his storied USMNT career, forward Jozy Altidore earned over 100 caps and appeared at two World Cups. Jozy scored his first professional goal at just 16 and this knack for finding the net sent him around Europe’s top leagues before ending his career in Major League Soccer.  Since retiring, Jozy has stayed just as busy – He's an avid investor and is a board member of the soccer training company, Sogility.   In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Jozy sits down with host Meghan Klingenberg to discuss his mom’s cooking, his storied career, and life after soccer.  1:00– Meghan Klingenberg interviews Jozy Altidore  2:21 – Jozy discusses his soccer origin story  9:51– Moving to Europe and adjusting to soccer in Spain  19:35 – Jozy takes us inside the mind of a strike  28:05 – What it meant to wear the USMNT jersey 37:40 – Jozy discusses his investments, including Sogility  48:34 – Jozy’s thoughts on the USMNT’s chances at the 2026 World Cup  55:28 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    To learn more about Sogility, visit https://www.sogility.net/  The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Jozy Altidore  Producer: Matthew Nelson  Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit.  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They called you Tobin Heath the ‘Queen of the Nutmeg’ because throughout the forward’s storied soccer career she left defenders trailing in her wake. Tobin was also a true winner: She won two Women’s World Cups, three Olympic medals (two gold and a bronze) and three NCAA Division I championships at the University of North Carolina. In 181 international appearances she created countless indelible moments. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Tobin sits down with he longtime friend and former teammate, Meghan Klingenberg, to discuss the eras that her career: Tobin the prodigy, the artist, and the architect.   1:23 – Meghan Klingenberg interviews Tobin Heath   3:27 – Part one: The prodigy  24:31 – Part two: The artist  30:28 – Tobin discusses the 2011 World Cup  34:24 – The 2015 World Cup 40:26 – Part three: The architect  55:28 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts  The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Tobin Heath  Producer: Matthew Nelson  Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit.    To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They’re finally here! Earlier this week U.S. Soccer and Nike unveiled the new 2026 U.S. Soccer National Team kits, which will be worn across all 27 U.S. Soccer National Teams. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Nike’s global product director Ronnie J. Stewart and apparel graphic designer Yaz Rosete break down the development process and how they incorporated athlete feedback to authentically represent the team’s identity.   Watch here! https://youtu.be/MGLQBaHDNAo  3:11 – The U.S. Soccer podcast interviews Ronnie J. Stewart and Yaz Rosete  5:20 – A closer look at the kit design elements  7:02 – Ronnie explains the jersey’s unique fabric  9:23 – The team discusses their favorite design elements  11:36 – Product testing  15:56 – Meghan and David discuss the new kits  25:29 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    Read More: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/03/stars-stripes-nike-process-details-national-team-world-cup-jersey-kit  The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Ronnie J. Stewart, Yaz Rosete  Producer: Matthew Nelson  Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit.    To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kristine Lilly played in five FIFA Women’s World Cups, three Olympics, scored 130 international goals and amassed a world record 354 caps for the U.S. Women’s National Team. It’s no wonder Lilly earned the nickname “Queen of Caps”. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg talks to Lilly about her incredible longevity, how the iconic 99ers team won a World Cup on home soil, and her thoughts on the upcoming Netflix movie that tells the story of that triumph.  1:08 – Meghan Klingenberg interviews Kristine Lilly  3:03 – Early career and the landscape of women’s soccer  9:24 – How setbacks can lead to growth  16:15 – How to win a World Cup in America  19:16 – Favorite memory from the 1999 World Cup  24:00 – Upcoming movie on the 99ers  31:21 – How the culture of women’s soccer changed  41:40 – Can anyone surpass Lilly's caps record?  55:35 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Kristine Lilly  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s now less than 100 days to go until the World Cup!  In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg catches up with US men’s national team head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, to hear how things are going. In a conversation that takes you behind the scenes of the USMNT’s preparations, Pochettino discusses roster building, how there’s no such thing as a friendly, and what inspires him outside of soccer.  0:55 – Meghan Klingenberg interviews Mauricio Pochettino  1:23 – Mauricio talks about how his own excitement is building ahead of the World Cup  4:32 – To coach, there’s no such thing as a friendly  12:40 – Mauricio talks about roster selection  15:50 – Inspiration from other sports  25:52 – Mauricio explains why he believes his team can win the World Cup  33:13 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    As the U.S. Men’s National Team chases greatness on the road to the world’s biggest tournament, you can show your support through artwork.  In partnership with AT&T, U.S. Soccer is connecting fans to players through their Fan Art platform, where a handful of the most compelling artworks will be showcased to U.S. Men’s National Team players and at their match vs Belgium in Atlanta on March 28.  Submit your artwork here: https://events.ussoccer.com/2026fanartpresentedbyatt   Submissions open through March 10.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Mauricio Pochettino  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eddie Pope was part of iconic 2002 World Cup team that made a run to the quarterfinals – the best men’s team showing of the modern era. But he was also a part of the 1998 team that was dumped out of the group stages without gaining a single point. So, when it comes to World Cups, Eddie Pope knows a thing or two about what has to go right for a team to find success, and the many things that can go wrong and lead to disappointment.   In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg talks to Eddie about his three World Cups: 1998, 2002, and 2006. In each chapter, Eddie discusses what went right, what didn’t quite go to plan, and his favorite memories.   2:38 – Chapter 1: France 1998  4:08 – Eddie explains that team chemistry was an issue in ‘98  9:41 – Chapter 2: Japan and South Korea 2002  13:01 – Eddie talks about how the class of ‘26 can replicate the success of this team  23:18 – Chapter 3: Germany 2006   26:01 – Eddie explains how the ‘06 team remains a “what if?”  33:18 – Eddie’s words of wisdom for the 20026 team  37:43 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    As the U.S. Men’s National Team chases greatness on the road to the world’s biggest tournament, you can show your support through artwork.  In partnership with AT&T, U.S. Soccer is connecting fans to players through their Fan Art platform, where a handful of the most compelling artworks will be showcased to U.S. Men’s National Team players and at their match vs Belgium in Atlanta on March 28.  Submit your artwork here: https://events.ussoccer.com/2026fanartpresentedbyatt   Submissions open through March 10.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Eddie Pope  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a player, Bev Yanez was a force. The forward represented teams in Finland, Japan and was a two-time NWSL Shield winner with the Seattle Reign. After Bev’s playing career ended, she started coaching – first as an assistant before stepping up to become Racing Louisville’s head coach in 2023, and it was here that she really made her mark. Last year, Bev led the team to their first ever playoff appearance – an accomplishment that saw her named NWSL Coach of the Year.  In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg discusses Bev’s transition from playing to coaching, her philosophy, how she handles difficult conversations with players, and her ambitions for the future.  But that’s not all! Kling also checks in with co-host and Philadelphia Union captain Ale Bedoya to talk about the upcoming MLS season.     2:35 – Kling interviews Bev Yanez  6:05 – Bev talks about her experience playing in Japan  13:47 – Philosophy and team dynamics  25:36 – How Bev handles tricky conversations with players  34:48 – Bev describes the turning point for the team last season  39:27 – Bev talks about her ultimate coaching ambitions  42:20 – Kling catches up with Ale Bedoya and previews the 2026 MLS season  51:32 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, Ale Bedoya  Guest: Bev Yanez  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This time on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, we’re getting to know rising USWNT stars Maddie Dahlien and Riley Jackson. The pair both gained their first caps in the January camp and host Meghan Klingenberg checked in to ask them about their friendship, working with coach Emma Hayes, and what it was like to play in the 2024 U-20 World Cup comeback win against Germany -- a game dubbed “the miracle of Cali”.    0:55 – Kling interviews Maddie Dahlien and Riley Jackson  3:15 – Maddie and Riley talk about how they felt when they were called up to the USWNT  06:52 – Kling shares a story about her first USWNT camp  11:05 – Maddie and Riley discuss working with Emma Hayes and the atmosphere in camp    13:26 – The pair discuss their friendship  20:45 – Maddie and Riley discuss “the miracle of Cali”  26:22 – The pair share their ambitions with the USWNT  31:25 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass   Guest: Maddie Dahlien and Riley Jackson  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, USWNT dynamo Ally Sentnor shares her views on everything from the pressures of being in the spotlight from a young age, coming through the University of North Carolina “competitive cauldron”, and her interest in space travel. As always, host Meghan Klingenberg is asking the questions that matter and getting the (zero gravity) tea.    0:40 – Kling interviews Ally Sentnor  2:57 – Ally describes what it’s like to be a star player from an early age  06:50 – Why are so many top players from Hanson, Massachusetts?   11:10 – The “competitive cauldron” at UNC  18:04 – Ally talks about leadership and resilience  22:00 – Kling finds out if Ally would like to go to space  29:09 – Ally’s ultimate ambitions for the USWNT  33:50 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass   Guest: Ally Sentnor  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christen Press and Meghan Klingenberg go way back. Before World Cup glory in 2015, the pair were Olympic alternates and young pros trying to carve out a career in the Swedish women’s league. In this wide-ranging interview, the two USWNT icons divide their shared history into three eras that span Christen and Kling’s early disappointments, the high of winning a World Cup, and their present-day reality: a never-ending offseason. It’s an interview that’s revealing, surprising and hilarious.      01:10 – The Alternates Era: Kling and Christen reflect on their experience as Olympic alternates in 2012, playing table tennis with Brazil soccer stars Neymar and Marcello, and eating copious amounts of hummus during their spell in Sweden.  20:30 – On Top of the World Era: Kling and Christen revisit how winning the 2015 World Cup changed their lives. For Christen, it meant being able to party like a rock star with Neymar, but also the reality that she was now in the public eye.   32:10 – The Permanent Offseason Era: Kling and Christen are both retired now, and the pair discuss how they are now able to enjoy weekends, pursue new interests, and start new careers. Christen also talks about overcoming adversity after her agonizing penalty miss at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and what she’s most proud of in her career.  45:33 – Kling and co-host David Gass discuss the interview and share more lore.   55:41 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass   Guest: Christen Press  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alessandro Canale contains multitudes. The beach soccer star has played in 4 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cups, scored 12 World Cup goals, and made over 100 appearances for team USA. But he balances beach soccer with an acting career (Canale once appeared in an episode of Malcolm in the Middle) and his passion for art, design, and skateboarding. In this episode of The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg touches on all of this and more.     01:11 – David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg explain why Alessandro Canale is such a star in the beach soccer game  02:49 – Kling interviews Alessandro Canale  04:05 – Transition to beach soccer  14:50 – Creativity and art in soccer  21:24 – Biggest accomplishments in the game  26:34 – What makes beach soccer so specual  29:55 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass   Guest: Alessandro Canale  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cat Macario is on a hot streak for the USWNT: The forward has scored 3 goals in her last two national team appearances. In this feature interview for the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Macario discusses her recent form, how Hannah Montana helped her master English, her historic Nike deal, her USWNT ambitions, and the importance of   mental resilience and seeking self-worth beyond the soccer field.     00:50 – David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg explain what makes Cat Macario such a special player  02:49 – Kling interviews Cat Macario  02:59 – Cultural adjustments and team dynamics  11:08 – Representing the USWNT  25:23 – Overcoming injuries and self-worth outside of soccer  32:57 – Ultimate USWNT ambitions  35:55 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass   Guest: Cat Macario  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the offseason for the National Women’s Soccer League, and before the 2026 NWSL season kickoff in February, we catch up with league veteran Kelly Hubly. The Bay FC defender chats with former teammate Meghan Klingenberg to reveal what the offseason looks like for professional soccer players. Later, Kling and co-host David Gass preview the 2026 SheBelieves Cup. The USWNT will face Argentina in Nashville, Tennessee on March 1, Canada in Columbus, Ohio on March 4 and Colombia in Harrison, New Jersey on March 7.    00:50 – David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg usher in the new year  04:18 – Kling interviews Kelli Hubly  05:40 – Pilates and staying fit during the offseason  08:30 – Kelli’s favorite books  15:50 – ‘Do players stay sober?’  20:07 – The Offseason, the NWSL’s reality TV show  27:20 – Soccer weddings  28:30 – Looking ahead to 2026  31:21 – SheBelieves Cup Preview!  34:30 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass   Guest: Kelli Hubly  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our three hosts embrace a festive spirit as they recap 2025 in this joyful holiday edition of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel. Listen as David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya debate whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, review their wish lists, and rank the best soccer moments and performances of the year.  0:30 – Festive nicknames & sweaters ❄️  4:45 – End-of-Year awards 🏅  19:35 – Mailbag! 📬  34:50 – Red Card or Play On? ⚽  37:55 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts 🚗    Happy Holidays from the U.S. Soccer Podcast!    The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg, Alejandro Bedoya  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

December is Disability Soccer Month, and this week on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel we’re shining a light on our Extended National Teams with two special guests.  Josh Brunais, captain of the Men's Cerebral Palsy National Team, shares his journey from a military career to soccer champion, leading the U.S. to the 2025 IFCPF Copa América title. Later, Chief Advancement Officer Leah Burton introduces U.S. Soccer’s “Behind the Dream” campaign and discusses how philanthropy is helping propel the sport forward.  00:00:52 – Intro with David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg  00:03:37 – Kling interviews Josh Brunais  00:08:30 – Josh’s military service  00:14:40 – His path to the CP National Team  00:22:40 – The different rules of CP soccer  00:29:55 – Winning the 2025 IFCPF Copa América title  00:37:50 – Josh’s first cap  00:41:15 – 2016 Paralympics & meeting President Barack Obama  00:48:15 – U.S. Soccer’s Extended National Teams  00:50:18 – Leah Burton discusses ‘Beyond the Dream’  01:05:25 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guests: Justin Brunais, Leah Burton  Producer: Matthew Nelson  More on the U.S. Men’s CP National Team: https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/mens-cp-national-team  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The stage is set! The U.S. Men’s National Team was drawn into Group D along with Paraguay, Australia and the winner of UEFA Playoff C – either Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia or Türkiye – at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw held Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.  We’re months away from the first group stage match for the Americans against Paraguay on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. So, what comes next? Sporting Director Matt Crocker joins the show to take us behind the scenes of U.S. Soccer’s preparations in the months ahead and the belief building around the USMNT, which enters 2026 on a five-match unbeaten streak.  0:37 – Intro with David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg  4:45 – Gass and Kling interview Matt Crocker  8 46 – The process of scouting Paraguay and Australia   9:55 – How the sporting department works with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino  12:45 – On how the staff can prepare for a team yet to be determined in UEFA Playoff C  14:45 – Crocker's assessment of wins over Australia in October and Paraguay in November  17:20 – The competitive advantage we don't realize the U.S. has playing on home soil  20:30 – The ‘traveling circus’ of a World Cup camp and building the best environment for the players  24:00 – How U.S. Soccer embraces the families along for the ride  26:20 – Changing to a 48-team tournament  27:35 – “Our objective is to win the World Cup”  29:10 – “I'm a snotty-nosed little soccer kid from Wales”  31:50 – Learn more about U.S. Soccer’s ‘Never Chase Reality’ campaign  33:00 – How the 2026 FIFA World Cup and upcoming tournaments will give U.S. Soccer the platform to grow and elevate soccer in America  38:10 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    https://youtu.be/D3yyRji0gyI    The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Matt Crocker  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  For more on Matt Crocker, visit https://www.ussoccer.com/executive-leadership/matt-crocker  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re taking you behind the scenes of the U.S. Soccer Summit in New York City with this week’s episode which features an exclusive panel interview with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino and assistant coach Jesús Pérez hosted by FOX broadcaster Jenny Taft.  00:15 – Intro with David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg  04:16 – Jenny Taft interviews USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino and assistant coach Jesús Pérez  08:49 – Mauricio Pochettino on building a “family-style” connection to American soccer  12:45 – Jesús Pérez on the importance of his role on implementing Pochettino’s vision  14:40 – Mauricio Pochettino on why this was the right time in his career to become USMNT head coach   16:45 – Comparing the club experience to the national team  18:40 – Thoughts on the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center, which will be ready in 2026  22:15 – Pochettino’s vision and timeline for the 2026 FIFA World Cup  27:20 – The state of the USMNT program now coming off recent wins over Paraguay and Uruguay in November   29:00 – Managing expectations for a World Cup on home soil  34:50 – How Pérez has seen the USMNT players grow and trust Pochettino  36:35 – Reaction to the four matches for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s final march towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring three of the world’s top 10-teams in Belgium, Portugal and Germany  38:55 – How Mauricio Pochettino is liking America sports culture and the connection to the movie Miracle   44:30 – Details of the FIFA World Cup Draw on Friday, Dec. 5 and U.S. Soccer’s event in the heart of Times Square in New York City  45:30 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg, Jenny Taft  Guest: Mauricio Pochettino, Jesús Perez  Producer: Matthew Nelson  Supervising Producer: Sandy McAfee  Executive Producer: Michael Allardyce  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever wondered who’s next to head coach Mauricio Pochettino on the bench during a U.S. Men’s National Team match? Get to know Jesús Pérez, USMNT assistant coach, Pochettino’s right-hand man and this week’s featured guest on the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Since joining Pochettino nearly 15 years ago at his first managerial job in Europe, Pérez has supported Pochettino at each successive stop on the European club circuit and now serves alongside him on the U.S. staff preparing the National Team for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.  0:30 – Intro with David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya and Meghan Klingenberg  2:18 – Ale interviews U.S. Men’s National Team assistant coach Jesús Pérez   3:03 – Pérez shares his soccer journey growing up in Barcelona and playing right wing  6:00 – Meeting Mauricio Pochettino for the first time at Espanyol and early coaching days in La Liga  13:00 – Pérez on what impresses him most about Pochettino  15:12 – How the USMNT coaching staff utilizes data analytics and the role it plays in roster selection   24:40 – What is Team USA’s tactics and philosophies?   27:00 – Pérez discusses the FIFA 2026 World Cup: "We really believe that we can win it”  31:00 – Working with swimmers and how that shaped his coaching perspective  33:40 – Gass and Kling react to the interview (they're fired up!), then Kling and Ale name the assistant coaches, including Pat Noonan, who impacted their careers  39:40 – Show your fandom and shop official U.S. Soccer gear this holiday season  40:00 – Join our World Cup Group Draw experience in Times Square in New York City  40:25 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts  47:30 – Ale Bedoya looks back on the 2025 MLS season for Philadelphia Union and reacts to the season coming to an end in the MLS Cup Playoffs    The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Alejandro Bedoya, David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Jesús Pérez  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  ###  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two of our hosts go head-to-head in the latest episode of the U.S. Podcast! In front of a live audience at Subaru Park, Pennsylvania native Meghan Klingenberg interviews Philadelphia Union star and co-host Alejandro Bedoya about his favorite memories over the years playing soccer for club and country.  0:26 – Intro with David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya  3:45 – Kling interviews Ale, co-host and Philadelphia Union midfielder   5:20 – Growing up in a soccer household  10:00 – North Jersey, playing for the Clifton Stallions  11:15 – Why Bedoya chose not to enter the MLS SuperDraft  15:25 – Collecting rejection emails  17:30 – The racquet sport of 'padel’  22:35 – Sweden and speaking Swedish  25:40 – Rangers FC and the rivalry with Celtic in Scotland   32:45 – Developing as a player in Europe  36:55 – Red card or play on?  41:30 – U.S. Men’s National Team callups  44:00 – 2014 World Cup in Brazil  49:00 – Major League Soccer and signing with Philadelphia Union  56:00 – What gives Alejandro Bedoya joy  59:15 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts  This episode was recorded in front of a live audience prior to the matchup between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Paraguay on Nov. 15 at Subaru Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania. Learn more on how you can be part of upcoming live shows by becoming a U.S. Soccer Insider.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya  Guest: Alejandro Bedoya  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices