Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

FIFA Rankings Are a JOKE: The REAL Top 10 Teams in the World Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! FIFA announced their new world rankings with the USA coming in at #16 and Mexico at #10 and the guys have some thoughts. We debate the merit of the rankings before Alexi unveils his own post international break power rankings of the top 10 teams in the world. After, we head to Europe to highlight the biggest matches of the weekend that will see Folarin Balogun make his return to Monaco, Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie take the field in Serie A, Alex Freeman meet Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid, and Liverpool host Manchester City in their first match back in the EPL after being found guilty on 114 of their 115 charges. In #AskAlexi, we discuss if any of the newly capped USA players we saw debut this window could make a World Cup roster right now and if we expect Mauricio Pochettino to remain at the helm of the USMNT until 2030. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse discuss reports that Copa America will be coming back to the States in 2028.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
2:30 - Final thoughts on the USMNT’s 4-0 window
5:17 - FIFA RANKINGS put the U.S. WHERE? AND MEXICO ABOVE THEM?!
10:23 - Alexi’s Power Rankings: THE best 10 teams in the world
14:48 - Portugal is better without Ronaldo?
20:14 - 5 Can’t Miss Matches: Where to McKennie & Pulisic stands after the window?
40:05 - #AskAlexi: Youth Movement in World Cup Qualifiers & Pochettino makes it to 2030?
53:36 - One For The Road: Copa America BACK stateside?

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US beats Jesse Marsch, Canada for perfect window | LIVE instant reaction Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and Stu Holden are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! The USA completed a perfect 4-0-0 international window with a 1-0 win over Canada. The guys break down everything from the game, including strong performances from Alex Freeman, Justin Ellis, and goalkeeper Brian Schwake. After discussing the game, the guys react to recent comments made by Canada’s manager Jesse Marsch. Marsch invoked the Folarin Balogun incident from this summer’s World Cup and said it is “why everyone around the world hates America.” After talking Marsch’s comments, we look ahead to the CONCACAF Nations League quarters in November where the USA will face Haiti. Next, we talk the latest from the UEFA Nations League where Germany and Jurgen Klopp are still having growing pains, Michael Olise and Harry Kane are carrying France and England, and believe it or not there is even more Ronaldo drama. CR7 might actually NOT be retired from international play and he MIGHT be called in during the next international window. In stark contrast, Messi played his last game for Argentina and collected two assists and a goal in the process. Alexi, Mosse, and Stu discuss Messi’s legacy and what he has meant for the game as a whole. In #AskAlexi, we ask if it’s possible to overplay the youngsters, where Sebastian Berhalter fits in a USA starting XI, and do a bit of trivia. Finally, in One for the Road, we unveil the State of the Union pregame playlist.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:14 - USMNT beats Canada 1-0: Instant Reaction
6:19 - Justin Ellis scoring with a knock: The people love it
13:27 - Who is the leader to start in goal for the USA?
16:14 - Who should start at CB with Chris Richards?
18:33 - MVP of the window and why is it Cavan Sullivan?
29:52 - Did we like the 4-game international window?
32:57 - Alexi’s Jesse Marsch Rant
36:56 - Is USA vs Canada a true rivalry?
42:42 - UEFA Nations League: Michael Olise a top-5 player in the world?
44:23 - UEFA Nations League: Harry Kane the best English player of all-time?
48:25 - Did Ronaldo release his statement on Messi's final matchday on purpose?
52:45 - Messi the GOAT with one final act
58:31 - #AskAlexi: Should Sebastian Berhalter start?
69:20 - One For The Road: SOTU or Cavan Sullivan’s pregame playlist?

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USA tops rivals Mexico 3-0 | LIVE REACTION SHOW Oct 04, 2026

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and Stu Holden are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! The USA routed rivals Mexico 3-0 behind goals from Julian Hall, Cavan Sullivan, and Malik Tillman. In scoring, Cavan Sullivan became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history and the guys break down everything from the game. Which players stood out the most, how did Diego Kochen look getting the start in goal, and how important overall it is too see such a big win over Mexico. After discussing the win over El Tri, Alexi, Mosse, and Stu turn their attention to the last match of the fall international window against Canada, and what we expect going up against Jesse Marsch’s side. After breaking down all things USA, we go to the UEFA Nations League where England absolutely destroyed Croatia 7-0 and Cristiano Ronaldo officially left the Portugal side. The guys discuss where this leaves Cristiano’s international legacy and if he can ever recover from this ignominious end to things with Portugal. In #AskAlexi, the guys debate if USA-Mexico is the best international soccer rivalry and if Cavan Sullivan or Julian Hall could walk into the starting XI of a top 5 European team right NOW.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro 1:05 - Instant Takeaways: Tres a Cero USA
4:42 - Mexico is NOT on the same level as the USMNT
6:56 - U.S. Starting XI: Mauricio Pochettino got it right
12:21 - Cavan Sullivan is a young star
22:02 - Putting pressure on Christian Pulisic and the vets
30:52 - Would any player on El Tri start for the USA?
34:25 - UEFA Nations League: Ronaldo drama rolls on
49:10 - #AskAlexi: Is U.S vs Mexico the best rivalry in international soccer?

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U.S. tops Chile as youth movement continues | LIVE reaction Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and Stu Holden are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! The USA picked up their 2nd straight win of the international fall window, defeating Chile 4-2. Sebastian Berhalter, Julian Hall, Chris Richards, and Mathis Albert all got on the scoresheet for the USA in the big win. With his goal, Mathis Albert became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the US Men’s National Team. Alexi, Mosse, and Stu break down all the action including which of the youngsters stood out the most and if any progress was made in our great goalkeeper hunt. We then look ahead to Saturday’s match with Mexico and give some love to Cavan Sullivan who starred in a substitute appearance. After wrapping up the USA win, the guys recap action from the CONCACAF Nations League that saw Curaçao and Haiti build off their World Cup appearances with wins. Then we recap the UEFA Nations League that saw Jürgen Klopp’s Germany fall to Greece, Michael Olise give France a winner over Belgium, Lamine Yamal star for Spain, and Harry Kane bag another goal for England. In #AskAlexi, we discuss what impact Manchester City’s recent controversy could have on Cavan Sullivan joining the club and debate which of these young USA players is most likely to make an impact in the CONCACAF Nations League. We finish with One for the Road, where Alexi poses the question: which position has the smartest soccer players?

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro
1:48 - USA defeat Chile 4-2 in 2nd straight fall window win
6:30 - Sebastian Berhalter USMNT MVP?
9:05 - Is Gio Reyna a pillar of this team?
10:15 - Who do you start vs Mexico in goal?
21:15 - Has Julian Hall been the most impressing youngster?
23:51 - Cavan Sullivan looking Messi-esque
27:50 - Buying stock in Cavan Sullivan OR Gilberto Mora?
31:13 - CONCACAF Nations League: What is wrong with Costa Rica?
36:04 - Olise, Yamal and Kane star in UEFA Nations League
57:25 - #AskAlexi: What should be Man City's punishment & impact on Cavan Sullivan
65:50 - #AskAlexi: What young USA players can start in the Nations League
71:52 - One for the Road: Who are the smartest soccer players?

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USA youth begins new era with win over Peru | LIVE reaction Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

The United States Men’s National Team is BACK! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to their 4-1 win over Peru. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino handed out 11 debut caps for the next wave of youth for the red, white, and blue. Who stood out with Julian Hall and Justin Ellis bagging their first goals for the national team. Elsewhere, CONCACAF Nations League action rolls on as does UEFA Nations League as Lamine Yamal and Spain topped England in Wembley. Is Mosse worried about Brazil? Make sure to tune in after the next USA match against Chile on Tuesday.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:25 - USMNT Starting XI: Who stood out?
3:15 - Grading Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall and the debuts
14:32 - Are we done with Matt Freese?
15:49 - Pochettino says he wishes he was “more involved” with Balogun red card
21:10 - CONCACAF Nations League Madness
23:03 - UEFA Nations League: Haaland bags a brace as Manchester City issues loom
34:04 - #AskAlexi: USMNT Ballon D’or and has Pulisic’s ship sailed?
42:28 - One For The Road: Harry Kane wants to kick in NFL

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Alexi's USMNT Starting XI, U.S. Weekend Stock Watch Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! We start today’s show with a Stock Up and Stock Down from USA internationals around the world. Christian Pulisic finally got back on the scoresheet for Milan in a 3-0 win, Cavan Sullivan continued his ridiculous form with a goal in 4-3 comeback win for Philadelphia and in the process broke the record for most regular season assists by a teenager in a single MLS season. On the negative side, Ricardo Pepi went down with an injury once more for PSV and was taken off the international roster for the fall window. Tim Weah saw red for Marseille as they fell 2-1 to PSG and down to 17th in the Ligue 1 table. We then reveal Alexi’s projected USMNT starting XI for the coming fall window which features MANY young stars including Cavan Sullivan, Adri Mehmeti, and Julian Hall. In #AskAlexi, Alexi and Mosse debate which current dual-nationals on the USMNT roster would feature for their *other* country. And in One for the Road, the guys go through the pros and the cons of the USA having such a young roster for this international window.

CHAPTERS:
0:00: Intro
2:46 - USA Weekend Stock Watch
3:18 - USA Stock Up: Pulisic finally scores, Sullivan breaks a record
13:18 - USA Stock Down: Weah sees red, Pepi hurt again
21:09 - Alexi's USA fall window starting XI
27:37 - What would we consider a successful window for Pochettino and Co?
29:50 - Messi's swan song and the UEFA Nations League
34:44 - #AskAlexi: The other side of USA dual-nationals, Johnny playing for Brazil?
46:17 - One for the Road: Pros and Cons of a young roster

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A New Era Begins: Grading Pochettino's First Post-World Cup U.S. Squad Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

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 - Intro
1:18 - Mauricio Pochettino drops 28-man fall window roster
2:51 - Sacha Kljestan joins the show!
6:22 - Cavan Sullivan in, Christian Pulisic out
11:39 - 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 assists
35:23 - 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

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Burning U.S. Soccer questions ahead of window & The Cavan Sullivan hype is real Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! We begin the show with burning questions surrounding the USMNT as the first post-World Cup international window is rapidly approaching, and we start with the question on everyone’s mind: Will Cavan Sullivan be called up? Furthermore, how many young players overall will we see on this next international roster and what are we going to do at the GK position? We then move to Christian Pulisic who, in the face of comments from both USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim, provided a key assist as Milan came back from a 2-0 deficit to draw Lazio 2-2 on the weekend. Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter and Jack McGlynn also had strong performances this past weekend while stateside, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann continued their scorching forms. In #AskAlexi, we discuss why MLS still sees some less than ideal crowd sizes despite the abundance of talent and in One For the Road, Alexi brings us along on his journey to a college soccer match.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:59 - U.S. Soccer Burning questions
4:39 - Burning Questions: Are we calling up Cavan Sullivan?
15:16 - Burning Questions: What do we do with our goalkeepers?
17:53 - Burning Questions: What's going on with Christian Pulisic?
24:49 - U.S. Abroad: Pulisic and Tillman assist, Berhalter and McGlynn score
34:24 - Controversy in the Manchester Derby
43:08 - #AskAlexi: MLS crowd sizes & Antoine Griezmann MVP push
49:08 - One For The Road: Alexi's college soccer night out

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Alexi's Ballon d'Or Ballot, Champions League is BACK, do you REALLY need to play in Europe? Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

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 - Intro
2:33 - 2026 Ballon D'or top 30 finalists revealed
11:10 - Alexi's Ballon D'or ballot: Will Messi win another?
22:53 - The Champions League is BACK: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard dominate
30:04 - Alex Freeman's UCL Debut: Does playing in Europe REALLY matter?
34:21 - 3 can't miss matches USMNT matches: Musah battles Lazio
42:32 - #AskAlexi: The best and worst of US Soccer
53:42 - One For The Road: Eric Wynalda the manager

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Mauricio Pochettino's 2030 World Cup Plan + Noahkai Banks' decision Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! We begin the show with a guest appearance from FOX Sports soccer writer, Doug McIntyre, to break down the upcoming international window and what we should expect from Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT. Alexi, Doug, and Mosse discuss what young phenoms we could potentially see get a roster call up and all the latest with dual-national Noahkai Banks. After, Alexi and Mosse discuss the biggest matches from around Europe including a Juventus-AC Milan battle that saw neither Weston McKennie nor Christian Pulisic take the field. Elsewhere in Europe, Gio Reyna and Ricardo Pepi found the net for Strasbourg and PSV respectfully while Arsenal and Chelsea met in a massive early season Premier League battle. Alexi and Mosse preview the returning Champions League and highlight some of the biggest matches coming in matchday 1. In MLS, Cavan Sullivan scored again, prompting a question in #AskAlexi about whether Sullivan really is that good or if he success is due to playing in MLS. To wrap the show up in One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse discuss a time keeping disasterclass from the world of college football.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro
2:36 - Doug McIntyre joins the show after speaking with Mauricio Pochettino
11:47 - Has the tenor changed on Noahkai Banks?
20:30 - What is the future of the goalkeeping position for the USMNT?
22:52 - U.S Abroad: McKennie, Pulisic STILL out
27:30 - Ricardo Pepi scores… can he catch Folarin U.S. Abroad: Balogun this window?
33:06 - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS BACK
35:00 - #AskAlexi: Is Poch right? Too much pressure of Cavan Sullivan?
48:29 - One For The Road: Mosse addresses stoppage time in Michigan michigas

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