Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

FOX Sports FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Draw Reaction Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Landon Donovan, Cobi Jones, and Brad Guzan come together for a comprehensive dive into the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the draw.

Landon dives into the big storylines around Mexico, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, while Cobi jumps in on Canada’s opener, Japan’s chances, and England’s path. Brad brings a goalkeeper’s view on Brazil, Belgium, Argentina, and more. Throughout, they highlight the stars to watch, circle can’t-miss matchups, and throw out bold darkhorse picks. Can Morocco mirror their run in Qatar? How will Argentina and Portugal handle Messi and Ronaldo, respectively.

The crew also comes together for a full deep dive on Group D, sizing up the USMNT’s road through Paraguay, Australia, and the UEFA playoff winner before picking every their champion, Golden Ball & Golden Boot winners.

Intro (0:00)

Group A (2:46)

Group B (7:22)

Group C (12:38)

Group D: USA tops group? (19:03)

Group E (33:33)

Group F (37:52)

Group G (41:17)

Group H (44:39)

Group I (48:00)

Group J (52:34)

Group K (5623:)

Group L (59:18)

Way-Too-Early World Cup Champion Picks (61:47)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX Sports FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Draw Preview Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

On this special episode, U.S. Soccer legends Alexi Lalas, Landon Donovan, Stu Holden & Cobi Jones preview the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Final Draw from every angle. The guys take you through the latest outlook surrounding this USMNT, including a potential Group of Death and how far can this team realistically go next summer.

Alexi, Stu, Landon & Cobi also preview the world's biggest teams & their stars including Messi's Argentina, Ronaldo's Portugal & Harry Kane's England & much more. We also walk you through what to expect from the largest draw in history and what to watch for on Friday from Washington D.C.

From the UEFA & Intercontinental playoffs, to everything else in between, we have you covered. Make sure to tune into the draw LIVE on FOX on December 5th starting at 11:30 AM EST.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Outlook: What can we expect from Pochettino's squad? (1:38)
How does the expanded FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Draw work? (31:41)
CONMEBOL: Argentina, Colombia, Brazil & more (39:06)
UEFA: Spain, France, England & More (46:00)
Rest of the World: Can Mexico make a run? (65:38)
Tales from the Draw: Did they make a mistake in 1994? (71:55)
USMNT Group of Death (80:40)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USMNT Abroad Recap: Pulisic, Weah, Tillman Shine Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

On a new episode of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into a big weekend of topics and touch on Pulisic’s winner in the Derby della Madonnina, Malik Tillman’s Bundesliga brilliance, and Tim Weah's Ligue 1 goalazo. Over in England, Chris Richards’ manager can’t seem to decide if the U.S. plays him too much—or not enough—and Jedi Robinson’s absence lingers. We hit the MLS Cup Playoffs where Messi made more history, NYCFC snuck past Philly, and Vancouver outlasted LAFC in a wild match. In #AskAlexi we field questions including “who is the real leader for the USMNT?” And in One For The Road, we ponder a question about next summer's World Cup: why isn't Washington, D.C. a host city?

Intro (0:00)
Pulisic bags winner vs Inter Milan (6:30)
Weah with a BANGER (13:50)
Messi rolls in MLS Cup Playoffs (21:50)
#AskAlexi: Real U.S. leader (33:45)
One for the road: NO DC?! (41:25)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USMNT dominates Uruguay 5-1 | Match Reaction Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! In this episode, Alexi and Mosse break down the USMNT’s DOMINANT 5-1 win over Uruguay and some fiery comments made by manager Mauricio Pochettino in the buildup to the match. We ask such questions as where does this big win leave the USMNT going into the new year, what players stood out the most, and should our “regular” starters be worried? Around the globe, 42 of the 48 teams for next summer’s World Cup are set and Alexi and Mosse react to some major wins by Erling Haaland and Norway, Ireland and Scotland plus major drama in CONCACAF. In #AskAlexi, the USMNT’s potential geographic path to the World Cup final is discussed and in One for the Road, Alexi recounts his trip to Tampa to watch the USMNT run rampant on Uruguay.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Recap: MLS runs riot over Uruguay (5:39)
Pochettino's fiery comments: (21:56)
WCQ Recap: 42 out of 48 teams set (31:50)
#AskAlexi: Who has benefited most under Poch? (43:22)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USA vs Paraguay Instant Reaction 🇺🇸 🇵🇾 Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

Stu Holden and David Mosse are here with a LIVE episode of State of the Union to break down the USMNT’s 2-1 victory over Paraguay. It was a successful night as both Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun scored as the USA continued towards next summer’s World Cup with a win. Stu and Mosse discussed the impact of the returning Sergiño Dest as well as a new backline combination. Around the world, World Cup qualifying is coming to an end as chaos reigns in Concacaf while Kylian Mbappé and France officially booked their tickets with Erling Haaland and Norway close behind.

Intro (0:00)
Starting XI: Back 3 is here to stay (2:39)
Gio Reyna legacy game (5:50)
FIGHT! (18:49)
Baby Nats fall to Morocco again (24:15)
WCQ: CONCACAF down to the WIRE (29:07)
Brazilian Pulisic = Star (38:50)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

International Window Preview: Who will step up without Pulisic, Richards, McKennie? Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are here with a brand-new episode of State of the Union. Alexi and Mosse start by answering some burning questions about the upcoming USMNT window: Without star man Christian Pulisic, who is going to step up and inspire the team? Are we going to experiment with two strikers up top? What is the backline going to look like? Make sure you tune into our live show on Saturday 11/15 after the USMNT plays Paraguay for a full break down. Around the world, qualifying for the World Cup is coming to an end. UEFA, CAF, AFC and CONCACAF will all see teams book their tickets for next summer’s tournament and you can catch a UEFA double header this Sunday 11/16 on FS1. In #AskAlexi, we get an all-time voicemail about Pochettino, and in One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse discuss the potential schedule changes coming to MLS.

Intro (0:00)
Burning question: Two strikers up top? (6:52)
WCQ: Final Qualifying Window comes to exciting close (27:26)
#AskAlexi: Method to Pochettino’s Madness? (35:09)
One For The Road: MLS changes schedule? (48:03)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Adams OUT, Gio Reyna’s MLS fit, Mexico a World Cup favorite? Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back for a new episode of State of the Union. Alexi gives his thoughts on the USMNT’s November roster and the news that Tyler Adams has joined the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, no longer on the roster. Gio Reyna and Sergiño Dest both made appearances for their clubs this weekend but there is still no sign of the injured Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, leading Mauricio Pochettino to admit he is “worried” about the fullback. In the States, the conference semifinals are set in the MLS Cup Playoffs where the likes of Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min are still alive and fighting for a title. In #AskAlexi, we argue against the idea that MLS isn’t good for player development and in his One for the Road, Alexi applauds El Tri youngster, Gilberto Mora, for his confidence in Mexico’s chances to win next summer’s World Cup.

Intro (0:00)
Tyler Adams OUT of USMNT Roster (06:27)
Balogun & Agyemang bag goals (23:17)
MLS Cup Playoffs: Messi is on FIRE (30:03)
#AskAlexi: Back 5 victims for U.S (40:34)
One for the Road: Mexico WC Favorites (50:24)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USMNT November Roster Instant Reaction: Pulisic, McKennie OUT 🇺🇸 Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Stu Holden and David Mosse react to the USMNT November roster reveal in this live episode of State of the Union. The pair discuss what to expect from the USA’s two upcoming matches with a roster that does not include Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie or Chris Richards among others. While some of the biggest stars are missing, Gio Reyna makes a surprise return to the roster and Stu and Mosse debate whether this is Gio’s last chance with the USMNT. Finally, manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his desire to move back to the Premier League at some point, should this concern USA fans as the team gears up for next summer’s World Cup?

Intro - (0:00)
Pulisic, McKennie, Musah and others OUT (:)
Matt Turner done with USMNT? (:)
Gio Reyna is BACK (:)
Pochettino misses EPL? (:)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pepi makes history, Balogun bags his goal | USMNT in UCL Recap Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

This State of the Union episode is packed with USMNT in UCL goals, heated MLS playoff drama & more. We kick things off with a UEFA Champions League recap as Ricardo Pepi’s stoppage-time heroics for PSV secured a 1–1 draw against Olympiacos, tying legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Agüero for a record. Flo Balogun bagged his first-ever Champions League goal for Monaco in a 1–0 win over Bodo/Glimt, while Weston McKennie’s Juventus held Sporting to a 1–1 draw. Elsewhere, PSG fell 2–1 to Bayern, Liverpool edged out Real Madrid 1–0, and Erling Haaland extended his insane UCL scoring streak in City’s 4–1 rout of Dortmund.

We’re also still on Pulisic Watch as Parma takes on AC Milan. The MLS Cup Playoff opening round is coming to a close, with must-watch matchups like Inter Miami vs. Nashville and Cincinnati vs. Columbus. Did Luis Suarez deserve the suspension?

Plus, stay tuned for #AskAlexi where we are debating Gregg Berhalter vs. Mauricio Pochettino and what would count as success in 2026 for the USMNT. Smash that YouTube sub and join the conversation!

Intro (0:00)
USMNT in UCL: Pepi & Balogun score (:)
MLS Cup Playoff Preview: Suarez suspended (:)
#AskAlexi: Berhalter or Pochettino? (:)
One For The Road: Mamdani the soccer player (:)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Adams Scores his 1st in EPL, Pulisic Nears Return, and dream World Cup Final matchups Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down all the latest happenings of USMNT stars around the world in the newest episode of State of the Union. Tyler Adams scored his first ever Premier League goal for Bournemouth as Chris Richards returned from a brief Injury spell at Crystal Palace. Jedi Robinson, Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman are still waiting to make their returns to the pitch as is Christian Pulisic, who is being asked by AC Milan to stay in Italy for the next international break. Stateside, the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs are finishing with a flurry as we saw penalty shootouts between Portland and San Diego, Dallas and Vancouver and Charlotte and NYCFC. Messi and Miami will face Nashville for a decisive third game on Saturday. The guys debate a dream World Cup Final for next summer and finally, for his One for the Road, Alexi breaks down the potential use of AI to shape lineups and tactics and we reveal a USMNT starting XI chosen by ChatGPT.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Abroad: Adams scores, Pulisic pulled from U.S. duty (5:48)
MLS Cup Playoffs Recap: (15:31)
#AskAlexi: Dream World Cup Final matchups: Messi vs Ronaldo? (25:09)
Coach ChatGPT: Would you use AI to make your lineup? (37:32)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected