Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

In this exclusive conversation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, Tom Brady and Zlatan Ibrahimović reflect on their legendary career paths, the relentless mental toughness required to sustain excellence, and how they channeled an insatiable drive to stay at the top for decades. They also dive deep into leadership styles and the anatomy of iconic moments, like Zlatan's infamous bicycle kick. Plus, Tom Brady shares his firsthand advice with Zlatan on transitioning from the pitch to the FOX Sports analyst desk. Chapters0:00 Intro1:00 Becoming Zlatan9:38 Tom Brady’s Path16:14 Mental Toughness21:42 The Infamous Bicycle Kick25:42 Leadership & Anger30:45 Never Satisfied36:54 World Cup Prep43:16 The GOAT Mindset50:51 Zero Distractions57:59 Analyzing Fandom1:06:17 Brady’s Advice For Zlatan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Rank hits the home stretch! Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and Mo Edu break down the elite, from Messi and Bellingham to Rodri and Valverde. Who will edge closer to the top? Find out the top 10 on June 1st! Chapters:0:00 - Intro1:06 - Players 25-21: Luis Díaz DISRESPECTED3:50 - Can Antoine Semenyo find his club form with Ghana?5:01 - Players 20-16 - Declan Rice & Jude Bellingham due for big summers for England?9:40 - Lionel Messi WAY TOO LOW?!12:03 - Should Messi be closer to Cristiano Ronaldo?17:20 - Players 15-11: Will Raphinha lead Brazil on a deep run?18:05 - Rodri vs Federico Valverde 25-21: Luis Díaz DISRESPECTED3:50 - Can Antoine Semenyo find his club form with Ghana?5:01 - Players 20-16 - Declan Rice & Jude Bellingham due for big summers for England?9:40 - Lionel Messi WAY TOO LOW?!12:03 - Should Messi be closer to Cristiano Ronaldo?17:20 - Players 15-11: Will Raphinha lead Brazil on a deep run?18:05 - Rodri vs Federico Valverde Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before the stars of 2026 take the pitch, the icons of '94 take the stage. Alexi Lalas, Cobi Jones, John Harkes, and Marcelo Balboa go frame-by-frame through the most pivotal summer in American soccer history—settling old locker room scores, reliving the '94 Brazil heartbreak, and debating if the U.S. is finally ready to finish what they started thirty-two years ago. Make sure to watch the full Summer of ‘94 Documentary, out now only on FOX! Chapters:0:00 - Intro1:06 - Players 25-21: Luis Díaz DISRESPECTED3:50 - Can Antoine Semenyo find his club form with Ghana?5:01 - Players 20-16 - Declan Rice & Jude Bellingham due for big summers for England?9:40 - Lionel Messi WAY TOO LOW?!12:03 - Should Messi be closer to Cristiano Ronaldo?17:20 - Players 15-11: Will Raphinha lead Brazil on a deep run?18:05 - Rodri vs Federico ValverdeSean Sullivan [5:18 PM]Chapters:0:00 - Intro1:55 - The USMNT at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy6:20 - The “wasteland” era of soccer in America8:30 - U.S. Soccer Federation: “We CAN NOT fail in 1994”9:57 - “We hated you guys”11:51 - Inside Mission Video: Camp Stories16:10 - The Mad Scientist: Bora Milutinović19:10 - World Cup Practice: One Player, One Ball22:34 - Injury Problems: Marcelo Balboa on his emotional fight to make the roster30:47 - Cobi Jones on World Cup Roster Cuts32:50 - The Group Stage is HERE38:04 - The OJ Simpson Bronco Chase40:14 - USA vs Switzerland: Deep Dive44:14 - Eric Wynalda: Best goal in U.S. World Cup history?48:48 - USA vs Colombia: Deep Dive50:11 - USA vs Colombia pregame hype53:59 - John Harkes on US opening goal55:19 - An ode to Andrés Escobar55:39 - Alexi Lalas was NOT OFFSIDES59:58 - Breakdown of Earnie Stewart goal vs Colombia61:56 - The Greatest Miss in World Cup History64:26 - Miracle on Grass: The US tops Colombia67:09 - USA vs Romania: Deep Dive69:39 - Dan Petrescu beats Tony Meola for the opener71:58 - John Harkes SHOCK SUSPENSION73:45 - USA vs Brazil: Knockout Rounds Deep Dive78:54 - The Turning Point: Tab Ramos & the Brazil Red Card82:00 - Bebeto breaks American hearts85:31 - The Lasting Legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup88:55 - What will be the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?90:17 - Outlook on 2026 USMNT: Time to make history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The injury bug for the USA continued this past weekend as both Chris Richards and Brenden Aaronson came down with knocks but thankfully neither look particularly serious. In better news for the Yanks, Christian Pulisic contributed an assist in Milan’s win, Antonee "Jedi" Robinson scored his first ever Premier League goal from the spot for Fulham, and Ricardo Pepi kept his record season going with another goal for PSV. Around the world of soccer, Neymar made the Brazil World Cup squad, Arsenal are one step closer to the Premier League title, Pep Guardiola will officially leave Manchester City after the season, José Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso is heading to Stamford Bridge with Chelsea. In #AskAlexi, after much fanfare and commentary from our followers, Alexi and Mosse take another look at Alexi’s all-time USA World Cup starting XI and in One for the Road, there may be some trouble in paradise for Messi and Miami.Presented by Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro2:33 - Is Richard the valuable player for the USA?7:33 - Brenden Aaronson goes down with injury8:50 - Arsenal vs Manchester City title race down to final week10:56 Pep Guardiola leaves City, Xabi to Chelsea, José Mourinho to Madrid16:40 - Christian Pulisic bags assist, Weston McKennie's UCL bid takes hit25:37 - Zavier Gozo stays hot29:29 - Neymar makes Brazil roster36:15 - USMNT All-Time Best XI: Which historical player are you adding '26?43:56 - Messi vs the Inter Miami Fans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Rank heats up! Join Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and Mo Edu as icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bukayo Saka enter the fray. From Luka Modrić to Virgil van Dijk, the world’s best face the countdown. See who makes the cut for players Top 25 on May 25th! Chapters:0:00 - Intro1:08 - Players 50-46: Marc Cucurella OVERRATED2:52 - Players 45-41: Rayan Cherki due for a breakout summer6:18 - Players 40-36: Ronaldo DISRESPECTED?!8:03 - Son Heung-min or Cristiano Ronaldo?14:25 - Players 35-31: Luka Modrić's final ride16:55 - Jamal Musiala is the German engine19:20 - Players 30-26: Is Alphonso Davies the best player in CONCACAF? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this very special edition of State of the Union Presented by Zillow, Alexi Lalas had the chance to dive into the beautiful game through the lens of red, white and blue colored glasses with four guests with an eye to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Up first, Tab Ramos dives into the USA ahead of this summer. Is he worried about Pulisic's slump and how far should we expect the U.S. to advance? Soccer writer Leander Schaerlaeckens then joins the show to pull back the curtain on the history of U.S. Soccer, including a glaring issue with this current batch of players. His book, "The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts", is out now. Up next, former Galaxy President and current co-chair for the LA Host Committee for the World Cup, Chris Klein, dives into what fans can expect this summer. Last, but certainly not least, Host City Executive and CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Meg Kane dispels any rumors on the tailgate ban and what we can expect with her city as we are under a month from the world's biggest sporting event kicking off. 0:00 Intro1:41: Feeling on U.S. team ahead of World Cup7:12: Ramos on American soccer development13:02: Matt Crocker leaving NOT a “Shock”, who is next?14:33: Pulisic’s slump… concerned?17:30: How far with the USMNT advance this summer?18:17 - Leander Schaerlaeckens joins the show20:45 - How far have we come since The Miracle of 1950?24:10 - Profiling the current stars: Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Jedi Robinson & Co.27:23 - Team America: A forgotten past29:57 - The biggest issue with the current USA stars…33:01 - What does U.S. Soccer need to do to take the next step?35:15 - Chris Klein joins the show36:50 - Biggest issues planning a World Cup39:19 - What can fans expect in LA?39:35 - Expectations for USMNT41:59 - On his time with the Los Angeles Galaxy47:39 - What would MLS Commissioner Klein do to grow the game first?50:34 - Meg Kane joins the show51:19 - What is keeping Meg Kane up at night hosting a World Cup?52:32 - Context on working with FIFA58:45 - Tailgating in Philadelphia61:37 - France vs Germany on the 4th of July?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The show starts with some unfortunate news: Johnny Cardoso is set to undergo surgery and will miss the World Cup. Alexi and Mosse discuss the ramifications of this and who might step up in Johnny’s absence for the USA. Tanner Tessmann also picked up a knock for Lyon but Gio Reyna got back on the scoresheet for Monchengladbach for the first time in over a year. Pulisic wasn’t present for Milan’s latest loss but Sergiño Dest assisted a Ricardo Pepi goal for PSV. Alexi and Mosse touch on Barcelona topping Real Madrid for the La Liga title before heading over to MLS where Lionel Messi made some more history. In #AskAlexi, the question is asked whether the USA should be building their roster around Folarin Balogun instead of Christian Pulisic and in One for the Road, Alexi unveils his USA all-time World Cup starting XI.Presented by Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro2:59 - Johnny Cardoso OUT10:50 - Gio Reyna SCORES12:57 Ricardo Pepi over Flo Balogun?14:40 - Do we Trust, Trusty?19:04 - Arsenal hold on, Barca wins La Liga26:14 Jack McGlynn & Alex Zendejas make the roster?30:27 - Messi with another record33:58 - Matt Turner vs Matt Freese38:47 - #AskAlexi: Folarin Balogun vs Christian Pulisic48:34 - One For The Road: Alexi’s All-time USA World Cup XI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are one month out from the greatest show on earth, and we are on a mission to name the top 100 players who are expected to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We polled fifty of our FOX Sports experts, men and women who have played in these games, and produced the moments you'll never forget, to rank the world’s elite. On this episode, Stu Holden, Mo Edu and Alexi Lalas count down players 75 through 51. 0:00 - Intro1:30 - Players 75-71: Is Weston McKennie THE most important US player?4:05 - McKennie vs Pulisic6:27 - Alexis Mac Allister too high?!8:28 - Players 70-66: João Pedro & William Saliba set for massive summers11:38 - Players 65-61: Cody Gakpo is OVERRATED13:14 - Players 60-56: Is Mohamed Salah still elite?18:17 - Players 55-51: Sadio Mané too high?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stu Holden and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! In today’s show, Stu and Mosse recap the 2nd leg of the Champions League semis that saw Arsenal and PSG advance to the final at the expense of Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. Despite falling to Arsenal, Stu says Johnny Cardoso made enough of an impression in the semis to be a LOCK for the USA squad this summer. After, the pair discuss the upcoming Europa League and Conference Leagues semis, La Liga potentially being decided by a Clásico, a plethora of USA players seeking Champions League spots for next season and more. In #AskAlexi, we show off the brand-new FOX Sports World Cup ad that sees the USA topping Brazil in the final, and in One for the Road, Stu shares how you can make $50K just for watching the World Cup this summer. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Arsenal beats Atlético in UCL Semi (2:29)PSG advances to UCL final over Bayern (11:33)Europa and Conference League Semis Preview (15:41)El Clásico for La Liga title (21:47)Americans on the hunt for UCL spots (28:18)Can Messi, Miami get back on track? (35:35)Mexican national team drama (41:29)#AskAlexi: FOX Sports' new FIFA World Cup™ ad (46:36)Getting paid $50K to watch soccer?? (52:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse have a hot off the presses State of the Union episode presented by Zillow. To kick off the show, the duo dives into the red-hot form of Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi before debating Alex Freeman vs Sergiño Dest vs Tim Weah for the right side of the defense this summer. Will Christian Pulisic wake up from his slump in time for the opening match vs Paraguay? Elsewhere, Manchester City was held to a draw against Everton as Arsenal blew past Fulham. Is the EPL title race over?In #AskAlexi, the guys answer your questions on prime Clint Dempsey vs prime Tim Howard for the 2026 roster and who would have a bigger impact. As we wrap the show, we tip the cap to our own Heather O’Reilly and the rest of the 2026 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductees. Presented by Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro1:55 - U.S. Abroad: Balogun & Pepi score yet again3:09 - Dest returns, Freemans shines9:56 - Pulisic goalless streak continues17:56 - Manchester City tumbles against the Toffees20:43 - MLS Recap: Luna, Gozo continue to star, Messi and Co falter32:05 - #AskAlexi: Howard vs Dempsey for 202640:10 - One For The Road: Congrats HAO, Bob Ley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Rank! We polled 50 of our elite on-air experts and production staff to build the definitive countdown of the world’s biggest stars set to take the stage in 2026. Over the next five weeks, we’re working our way down to number one. Today, we are breaking down players #100 through #76, featuring massive names like Alexander Isak, Son Heung-min, Raúl Jiménez and the ultimate lightning rod: Christian Pulisic. Do you agree with the desk? Is Pulisic a Top 20 player in the world, or is #79 exactly where he belongs? 1:40 - Players 100-95 - Is Alexander Isak Isak too low?3:34 - Kim Min-jae set to be a lock-down CB this summer5:42 - Players 95-91 - Mikel Oyarzabal set for monster World Cup9:41 - Raúl Jiménez is OVERRATED11:16 - Players 89-86 - U.S. in danger against Kenan Yıldız14:00 - Players 85-81 - Son underrated?18:14 - Players 80-76 - Arda Güler is a BEAST20:22 - Is Christian Pulisic TOO LOW? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! In today’s show, the pair break down all the action from a thrilling UCL semifinal first leg that saw PSG and Bayern put up nine combined goals and Arsenal and Atletico both receive penalties. Alexi and Mosse react to Christian Pulisic’s manager at AC Milan calling him “sensitive” and what his current run of poor form says about him as a player. In #AskAlexi, the pair discuss the pros and cons of the US youth soccer system and then debate what the US will have to do in the World Cup to reach the quarterfinals and beyond. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse react to the newly announced yellow and red card rules that will be implemented in this summer’s World Cup. Presented by Zillow #Zillow PSG and Bayern play out a classic: (1:39)Arsenal and Atletico draw in 1st leg: (7:25) Chris Richards in Conference League semis: (15:01)U.S. Abroad: Aidan Morris looking for promotion to EPL: (22:33)Max Allegri says Christian Pulisic is “sensitive”: (27:00)MLS Weekend preview: (32:08)#AskAlexi: Current State of US Youth Soccer (42:17)#AskAlexi: What is the USA's Achilles heel this summer (48:04)One For The Road: (55:13) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! In today’s episode, the pair covers Pulisic’s goal drought continuing, Pepi hitting a brace for PSV, Manchester City and Chelsea booking their spots in the FA Cup final, and some breaking news involving the Vancouver Whitecaps and a potential move to Las Vegas. In #AskAlexi, Alexi and Mosse debate if the USA should heavily alter their lineup for the first World Cup match vs Paraguay and what kind of impact this summer’s tournament will have on leagues around the world. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi ranks his 5 biggest x-factors for the USA in the World Cup.Presented by Zillow #Zillow (0:00) Intro(4:19) U.S. Abroad: Pulisic vs McKennie(11:26) Pepi on FIRE(12:36) Alex Freeman, Joe Scally & Max Afsten rounding into form(16:58) Who will be the shock add to U.S. Roster by Pochettino?(26:23) Cobi Jones statue unveiled(33:16) #AskAlexi: U.S. WC Warmup, MLS in U.S. Starting XI & more(44:58) One For The Road: U.S. World Cup X factors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a special episode of State of the Union. To celebrate being 50 days out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, Alexi power ranked all 48 teams in this summer’s tournament. Additionally, Alexi and Mosse preview the AC Milan – Juventus match this weekend that will see Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie square off. In #AskAlexi, the guys are hit with a shocker: should Pulisic be starting for the USA in the World Cup at all? And in One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse go over the newest valuations of clubs around the world including some BIG numbers attached to numerous MLS clubs. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Power Rankings 48-41: CONCACAF HATE? (3:41)Power Rankings 40-36: AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE (6:21)Power Rankings 35-31: Mo Salah and Co underrated? (7:53)Power Rankings 30-26: Scotland run incoming? (9:58)Power Rankings 25-21: Watch out for Türkiye (11:43)Power Rankings 20-16: Norway darkhorses no more... (13:30)Power Rankings 15-11: Should USA be in top 10? (15:15)Power Rankings 10-6: Estevao OUT (17:57)Power Rankings 5-1: Yamal... also OUT? (21:09)U.S. Abroad: McKennie vs Pulisic (33:35)USA Coaches Roundtable: MLS Quota for a U.S. Roster? (35:01)#AskAlexi: Bench Pulisic? (43:24)One For The Road: MLS teams ranked among most valuable clubs in world (49:02) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former USA managers Jürgen Klinsmann, Bob Bradley and Steve Sampson, join host Stu Holden for an unprecedented look behind the curtain of the American soccer machine. The crew dives into the all-time U.S. moments at the World Cup, the high-stakes recruitment of dual nationals, and the heavy burden of making roster cuts that define a nation’s legacy. 0:00 Intro2:42 Getting the call to manage the U.S. Men's National Team7:12 How did Steve Sampson scout players for the national team leading up to the 1994 World Cup?10:19 How important is MLS to developing American players for Bob Bradley?12:38 How did Jürgen Klinsmann juggle being USA manager, technical director and trying to improve MLS?15:26 How did Jürgen Klinsmann manage the USA players leaving Europe for more money in the MLS?17:50 Steve Sampson explains how MLS impacted his player selection for the 1998 World Cup19:10 Bob Bradley sets the record straight on whether a number MLS players are mandated by the federation to be on the roster20:49 How did Jürgen Klinsmann evaluate the talent of the USA player pool?24:14 Bob Bradley describes how the USA can start developing world class talent26:12 Jürgen Klinsmann’s take on how the American soccer mentality and culture has to change to be more successful31:47 Steve Sampson addresses how important the USMNT's history of scheduling tough opponents before a World Cup34:17 Bob Bradley explains the team mentality and composition leading up to the upset of Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal in 200938:29 Jürgen Klinsmann breaks down how he built out his USMNT rosters41:02 How did Jürgen Klinsmann manage dual nationality players and how they fit into the roster?42:44 Steve Sampson talks about bringing in dual national David Regis on the 1998 World Cup team43:56 Steve Sampson on how Gio Reyna is a difficult decision for the USMNT roster44:26 Bob Bradley’s observations on a player’s character and how they fit the roster45:17 Stu Holden and Bob Bradley discuss how hard roster decisions are45: 54 - Bob Bradley’s hardest roster decisions47:04 Jürgen Klinsmann’s hardest roster decisions48:17 How did Jürgen Klinsmann make the hard roster decisions?49:00 Steve Sampson’s hardest roster decisions and how his assistants helped out50:39 Bob Bradley on how an in-form player can sneak onto the USMNT roster52:46 Jürgen Klinsmann’s expands on how he selected his team for Brazil55:13 “The night before” speech from Bob Bradley and Stu Holden’s reaction57:13 Steve Sampson’s “The night before” speech58:30 Jürgen Klinsmann’s “The night before” speech1:00:15 Franz Beckenbauer’s speech to the German team, Jürgen Klinsmann ahead of the FIFA World Cup Final1:01:34 Bob Bradley’s reaction to Landon Donovan’s goal against Algeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup1:04:01 Jürgen Klinsmann’s reaction to Clint Dempsey's goal vs Ghana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup1:05:44 Steve Sampson’s reaction to Eric Wynalda’s free kick goal against Switzerland in the 1994 FIFA World Cup1:07:10 Steve Sampson’s reaction to the game against Brazil before the 1998 FIFA World Cup1:07:51 Steve Sampson vs Jurgen Klinsmann at the 1998 FIFA World Cup1:12:15 Bob Bradley’s expectations for the USA at the 2026 FIFA World Cup1:14:25 Jürgen Klinsmann’s psychology behind whether the USA can win a World Cup and what it takes1:18:55 Steve Sampson’s take on the psychology to win the World and expectations for this cup1:20:29 Bob Bradley’s key USA contributors for this World Cup1:23:21 Jürgen Klinsmann breaks down the USA forwards1:25:41 Bob Bradley’s most influential coach in his career1:27:19 Jürgen Klinsmann’s most influential coach in his career, including Phil Jackson1:29:53 Steve Sampson’s most influential coach in his career Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The guys begin with the Copa Del Rey final where Real Sociedad, managed by American Pellegrino Matarazzo, upset Atletico Madrid and in turn making Matarazzo the first ever American manager to win a trophy in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues. After, Alexi and Mosse break down Flo Balogun scoring for Monaco again, Christian Pulisic not scoring for Milan again, Bayern winning the Bundesliga again, and Arsenal potentially bottling the Premier League again. In #AskAlexi, we plug Alexi’s most recent big screen cameo and debate a potential surprise addition to the USA’s World Cup GK corps. In One for the Road, Alexi shouts out the running Lalases who partook in the Boston Marathon.Presented by Zillow #Zillow 0:00 Intro 3:28 US Abroad: Pelligrino Matterazzo makes history8:30 Does Matterazzo want to be the US National Team coach?10:24 Fox Sports FIFA World Cup Roundtables announcement13:51 Balogun extends his scoring record in League 115:04 PSG-Lyon - Tessmann & Co dent PSG title bid16:05 Pulisic’s scoring drought continues17:37 McKennie bags an assist against Bologna19:01 Haji Wright makes team of the year and Coventry secure promotion21:08 Brenden Aaronson assist helps Leeds avoid the drop22:24 Tyler Adams comes off the bench for Bournemouth24:18 Man City tops Arsenal to tighten the EPL race31:32 Bayern Munich clinch the 13th Bundesliga title in 14 years32:47 MLS Recap: Diego Luna scores off a keeper blunder for RSL34:43 Cristian Roldan vs. Johnny Cardoso36:44 Messi brace helps new manager in Miami to settle in38:45 Bruce Arena and San Jose shock LAFC41:35 Ask Alexi: Are you going to be a movie star?49:00 One for the road: The Running of the Lalases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stu Holden is BACK and joins David Mosse for a new episode of State of the Union! On this show, the duo reacts to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer for a leadership role with Saudi Arabia so soon before the World Cup. After, Stu and Mosse recap a WILD Champions League week that saw Bayern, PSG, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid advance to the semi-finals. Stu asks if Mbappe is the best player in the world despite Real's loss and gives his pick for the UCL winner. Back stateside, Nashville made history by becoming the first MLS side to win in the mighty Azteca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, knocking off Club America. In #AskAlexi, Stu and Mosse debate if Mexico or the U.S. utilize their domestic league better and in One for the Road, the guys dive into the sudden departure of Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Stu's Reaction to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer (1:36)The UCL semifinals are set (6:34)U.S. abroad weekend preview (29:31)Nashville SC pulls off historic CCC upset (35:25)#AskAlexi (45:32)One for the Road (56:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The show starts with the breaking news that U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker is leaving his current post to move to work with the Saudi Arabian football federation. Alexi and Mosse break down the implications of this as we rapidly approach the World Cup before moving on to U.S. Abroad where Flo Balogun and Ricardo Pepi found the back of the net for Monaco and PSV. Weston McKennie was suspended due to yellow card accumulation and Christian Pulisic’s scoring drought reached 16 games for club and country. Next, Alexi and Mosse preview the midweek quarterfinals in both the Champions League where Real Madrid and Barcelona are looking for 2nd leg turnarounds and the CONCACAF Champions Cup where LAFC is the only MLS side to take a lead into the 2nd leg. The pair roundup the weekend action from MLS before getting into the most difficult groups in the coming World Cup in #AskAlexi. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi discusses the Americanization of soccer and what is the American soccer identity. Presented by Zillow #Zillow (0:00) Intro (1:39) U.S. Sporting Director Matt Crocker leaves for Saudi Arabia (4:46) U.S. Abroad: Pulisic slump, Balogun & Pepi score(10:23) Emma Hayes as USMNT coach?(21:53) MLS Recap: Sebastian Berhalter bags another assist (25:49) #AskAlexi: Group of Death Rankings(36:27) One For The Road: American Soccer Identity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! With the news becoming official that Patrick Agyemang will miss the World Cup with an Achilles injury, Alexi and Mosse discuss what that means for the US roster this summer and what strikers could step up and step in for the injured Agyemang. After, the pair break down all the happenings from the first leg of the UCL quarterfinals, including PSG dominating Liverpool, Bayern beating Real Madrid away, Arsenal winning late, and Atletico Madrid seeing off Barcelona. In U.S. Abroad, Alexi asks if it is time for Christian Pulisic to leave AC Milan in the wake of his poor form. Alexi and Mosse then preview the upcoming MLS weekend matches that will see Messi and Inter Miami host Michael Bradley’s NYRB and old rivals New England DC facing off once more. In #AskAlexi, Alexi recounts his favorite trash talk moments and gives a full postmortem for Italy missing the World Cup and in One For The Road, Alexi and Mosse discuss negativity within the USA fanbase and tease a giveaway. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Patrick Agyemang OUT for the World Cup (5:11)UCL Quarterfinal first leg recap (11:43)Should Pulisic leave AC Milan? (24:38)MLS Weekend Preview (31:50)#AskAlexi (42:39)One for the Road (53:32) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The European clubs were back in action after the international break and Weston McKennie found the back of the net again for Juventus in a win, but Christian Pulisic stayed cold appearing as a sub in Milan’s loss to Napoli. Malik Tillman scored for Leverkusen and Gio Reyna made another appearance for Monchengladbach as Alexi and Mosse debate whether or not Gio made a mistake not moving to MLS. Pepi and Dest secured a league title with PSV, Balogun scored a worldie for Monaco and Agyemang went down with an injury for Derby. Josh Sargent and Diego Luna got on the scoresheet in MLS and Lionel Messi christened Inter Miami’s new stadium with a goal. In #AskAlexi, the guys break down Doug McIntyre’s latest USA roster predictions and in One for the Road, Alexi explains what it’s like at the FOX studio lot the night before the World Cup.Presented by Zillow #Zillow (0:00) Intro(3:52) U.S. Abroad: Balogun & McKennie on FIRE(14:51) Agyemang goes down with an injury(21:16) MLS recap: Luna, Messi score(30:58) #AskAlexi: Pochettino Roster Prediction(41:47) 1994 vs 2026: How much progress have we seen in U.S.? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices