Alexi's Ballon d'Or Ballot, Champions League is BACK, do you REALLY need to play in Europe?

Alexi's Ballon d'Or Ballot, Champions League is BACK, do you REALLY need to play in Europe?

Author: FOX Sports September 10, 2026 Duration: 1:06:16
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! The 2026 Ballon D’or top 30 finalists have been announced, and we go through all the names and pick out our biggest surprises, snubs and more. Alexi then reveals his personal top 10 Ballon D’or ballot before we give Rose Lavelle her flowers for being the only American nominated for the Ballon d'Or Féminin. After, Alexi and Mosse break down the return of the Champions League, that saw Real Madrid top Inter Milan, Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid and Arsenal just hold off Napoli. Looking ahead to the weekend, AC Milan meets Lazio as Christian Pulisic watch continues and in the Bundesliga, Malik Tillman takes on Noahkai Banks. In #AskAlexi, Alexi goes deep on the very best and the very worst of US soccer and in One for the Road, we tip our cap to USMNT legend, Eric Wynalda, who just took a manager stop in Estonia. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro2:33 - 2026 Ballon D'or top 30 finalists revealed11:10 - Alexi's Ballon D'or ballot: Will Messi win another?22:53 - The Champions League is BACK: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard dominate30:04 - Alex Freeman's UCL Debut: Does playing in Europe REALLY matter?34:21 - 3 can't miss matches USMNT matches: Musah battles Lazio42:32 - #AskAlexi: The best and worst of US Soccer53:42 - One For The Road: Eric Wynalda the manager 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
LIVE Reaction to the USA’s 3-2 Defeat to Türkiye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! The USA ended its group stage in defeat, falling to Türkiye 3-2. Alexi and Mosse break down the match that saw manager Mauricio Pochettino m…
LIVE reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace and England’s 0-0 draw [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:47
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! We start the show today discussing Cristiano Ronaldo joining the superstar goal party with a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Al…
LIVE Reaction to the USA Clinching the Top Spot in Group D [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! For the first time since 2010 in a men’s FIFA World Cup, the USA has won its group! A 2-0 US win over Australia coupled with a 1-0 Paraguay…