A New Era Begins: Grading Pochettino's First Post-World Cup U.S. Squad

A New Era Begins: Grading Pochettino's First Post-World Cup U.S. Squad

Author: FOX Sports September 18, 2026 Duration: 59:42
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! The first post 2026 FIFA World Cup USA roster was announced and it is full of young and exciting players! Alexi and Mosse are joined by former USMNT player Sacha Kljestan to break down the squad. The highlight of this roster was the inclusion of 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan and the absence of Christian Pulisic. The three discuss Sacha’s favorite USMNT prospects currently playing in MLS and debate what Pochettino should do at the goalkeeper position. After Sacha says goodbye, Alexi and Mosse wrap up all the Europa League action that saw Chris Richards score for Crystal Palace and Weston McKennie add an assist for Juventus. Tyler Adams and Bournemouth took down Pellegrino Matarazzo and Real Sociedad in a battle of Yanks. We then preview the upcoming Madrid Derby before getting to #AskAlexi where we discuss whether these coming international window matches are must wins and if Alexi could beat Zlatan in a race. We end the show with One for the Road where Alexi and Mosse break down Cavan Sullivan’s pre-game playlist. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro1:18 - Mauricio Pochettino drops 28-man fall window roster2:51 - Sacha Kljestan joins the show!6:22 - Cavan Sullivan in, Christian Pulisic out11:39 - What are we going to do at goalkeeper?20:51 - Who is the face of the USMNT?22:10 - Sacha's MLS thoughts: MLS Cup favorites & best rivalry?29:22 - Europa League wrap-up: Richards scores, McKennie assists35:23 - Previewing the Madrid Derby: Why didn't Johnny make the roster?30:04 - #AskAlexi: Zlatan vs Alexi... Who wins in a race? 46:32 - One for the Road: Cavan Sullivan's pregame tunes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tune in to Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast for a distinctly American perspective on the global game. Hosted by the iconic U.S. Soccer figure Alexi Lalas alongside analyst David Mosse, this FOX Sports production cuts through the noise with unfiltered, passionate, and often provocative conversation. The discussion centers on the U.S. national teams-both the men's and women's sides-tracking their progress and dissecting their performances with a critical eye. But the scope of this podcast extends far beyond domestic borders, diving deep into the major European leagues like the Premier League and Bundesliga, while also keeping a close watch on Major League Soccer's evolving landscape. Every major tournament, from the World Cup to continental championships, is broken down with the same intensity. What you'll hear is analysis shaped by Lalas's unique experience as a player and pundit, offering arguments that are as engaging as they are informative. It’s a regular audit of soccer's most pressing topics, delivered with the kind of candor and personality that sparks debate among fans. For anyone invested in the sport's biggest stories, especially through an American lens, this show provides a essential weekly listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Argentina’s Miracle Comeback and Alexi’s Power Rankings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:38
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! We start the show breaking down Argentina’s great escape vs Egypt that saw the Albiceleste come back from a 2-0 hole to win 3-2 in stoppage…
Reaction to the USA’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
Alexi Lalas is back with a new episode of State of the Union! The USA was eliminated by Belgium in the Round of 16 4-1 and Alexi provides a full break down. What went wrong for the USA, which players failed to step up, w…
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal send Croatia home, Spain cruise 3-0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:07
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! We start the show breaking down the INSANE match between Portugal and Croatia that saw Cristiano Ronaldo’s side send Luka Modrić and co. home…
LIVE Reaction to Canada’s Late Win & Previewing Netherlands-Morocco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:39
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! The Round of 32 started today and Canada kicked it off in dramatic fashion with a stoppage time winner vs South Africa. Alexi and Mossi disc…