What Eddie Pope  learned at 3 World Cups

What Eddie Pope learned at 3 World Cups

Author: US Soccer | Cumulus Podcast Network February 25, 2026 Duration: 46:42
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

Each week, the U.S. Soccer Podcast opens up a direct line to the individuals shaping the sport across the country. Host David Gass guides these Wednesday conversations, which are less about formal interviews and more about genuine discussions with coaches, staff, and players from every corner of the American game. You’ll hear from figures connected to the senior national teams, of course, but the dialogue consistently extends to the youth setups and the broader ecosystem dedicated to development. This approach provides a unique, ground-level perspective on the efforts to advance soccer in the United States. These are honest and often uplifting chats that go beyond scores and tactics to reveal the personal stories and professional philosophies driving progress. Tuning into this podcast means getting a clearer sense of the people behind the programs, from emerging talents to the seasoned minds guiding them. It’s an ongoing series of conversations that collectively map out the present and future of U.S. soccer, delivered through a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the Cumulus Podcast Network with support from Henkel.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

U.S. Soccer Podcast
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