FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Roundtable: Host Country Legends

FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Roundtable: Host Country Legends

Author: FOX Sports June 4, 2026 Duration: 58:55
With the world’s eyes on North America, icons Alexi Lalas (USA), Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (Mexico) and Dwayne De Rosario (Canada) come together to break down the host nations' identity and expectations in 2026 - debating the role each country’s professional leagues have with their national teams, the "Quinto Partido" curse and which CONCACAF giant will be the first to truly conquer the world’s game. Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:46 -  Chicharito on Mexico’s “soap opera” soccer identity2:50 - Dwayne De Rosario on Canada's “relentless” soccer identity3:42 - USA’s “diverse” soccer identity4:36 - Alexi Lalas ‘Mexico plays like assholes’5:27 - Chicharito on USA’s style of play7:08 - Dwayne De Rosario on playing the "privileged" USMNT7:57 - Chicharito’s favorite moments playing the U.S.10:13 - Dwayne De Rosario’s favorite moments playing the U.S.11:09 - The Impact of Hosting a FIFA World Cup13:00 - Turning Canada into a soccer country15:30 - The Legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup17:05 - The Impact of MLS on the host nations20:00 - MLS and the Mexican Player22:09 - MLS vs the Canadian Premier League24:10 - How can MLS & Liga MX compete against EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A?28:42 - The Lionel Messi effect30:34 - “We still need to fight each other”31:31 - Will Mexico, Canada or the U.S. win a World Cup first?33:45 - Are the expectations on Mexico fair?37:47 - Will Canada rise to higher expectations?40:47 - Criticism of Mexico's style of play42:40 - The most ANGRY Alexi ever got in a Mexico match43:40 - The beauty of the El Tri fan base45:00 - Prediction: Jesse Marsch & Canada to the KNOCKOUT ROUND?!47:57 - Prediction: Mexico and the Quinto Partido52:20 - Prediction: USA = Quarterfinals or BUST? 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: 100

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Group I Preview: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
The GROUP OF DEATH! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into Group I featuring the co-favorites, France. This is a star studded affair as well with Norway’s Erling Haaland, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Senegal’s Sadio Mane t…
LIVE post-match reaction to the USA's 2-1 loss vs Germany [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:31
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! We react to the USA’s hard fought 2-1 loss to Germany which was the States’ last warm up match before the World Cup kicks off. Alexi and Mos…
Group H Preview: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:49
Your defending Euro Champions, Spain, and Group H are up next as we roll through our World Cup previews. Alexi Lalas get you set for the tournament looking at Federico Valverde and Uruguay, Salem Al-Dawsari and Saudi Ara…
Group G Preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:08
Group G is up next as Alexi Lalas and David Mosse preview every group at the World Cup. Will Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium bring the magic and go on a run? What do the guys expect from Mohamed Salah and Egypt? Tune in dail…
Group F Preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:22
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse keep on rolling with their group preview series, this time breaking down Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia and Group F! Are the guys worried about Japan’s injuries? Tune in daily for a new g…
Group E Preview: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:34
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into Group E featuring four-time champions, Germany! The duo dives into everything you need to know including Alexi’s surprising group picks. Is Moisés Caicedo and Ecuador set for a deep…
Group D Preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:11
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse have reached the United States of America’s group, Group D, in their series previewing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The duo focuses on the USA’s opponents starting with Paraguay. What makes Miguel…
FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Rank: Top 100 Players (10-1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
The finale is here! Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and Maurice Edu reveal the best of the best in the FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Rank. From Mbappé and Haaland to Vinícius Jr. and Kane, who is the best player at the 2026 FIFA Wo…
Group C Preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:29
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into the LOADED Group C up next! Heavyweight Brazil will battle Morocco for the top of the group. But don’t count out Scott McTominay and the Scots either. What is the latest on Neymar’s…
LIVE post-match reaction to the USA's 3-2 win vs Senegal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:37
Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new LIVE episode of State of the Union! Today, the pair react to the USA’s exciting 3-2 win over Senegal. Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest got on the scoresheet early before…