Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Leon Bailey Ignites Jamaica, Marsch’s Presser Turns Heads, USMNT Eyes Haiti Clash Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

Leon Bailey dazzles in San Jose, leading Jamaica to a comeback win over Guadeloupe with a wonder strike and relentless pressure. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down the Reggae Boyz’s performance and Panama’s 1-0 win over Guatemala. With the USMNT securing back-to-back wins and a spot in the quarterfinals, the guys continue the center back conversation and preview lineup decisions ahead of Sunday’s clash with Haiti. Plus, the controversy at Jesse Marsch's post-match presser, and what to expect from Canada and the rest of Group C. Club World Cup results round out the show.
Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife
Intro (0:00)
Leon Bailey Boosts Jamaica (2:15)
Panama Tops Guatemala 1-0 (7:41)
USMNT vs Haiti Preview (11:15)
Is Tim Ream our Starting CB? (14:34)
Jesse Marsch Reacts (19:35)
Club World Cup Action (24:10)

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Chris Richards Two-Way Masterclass, Messi’s Historic Free Kick Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Chris Richards delivers a statement performance on both ends of the field as the USMNT grinds out a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Landon Donovan break down Richards' game-winning goal off a set piece and his crucial defensive stops. Is he the leader this backline needs? The guys also discuss Matt Freese’s solid showing in net, and what Pochettino’s consistent XI says about World Cup planning.
Then, a look ahead to a critical Group C showdown as Jamaica faces Guadeloupe and Guatemala battles Panama, with knockout stage spots on the line. In Club World Cup action, Lionel Messi makes history again — scoring the match-winner for Inter Miami in their 2-1 victory over Porto, marking the first MLS win over a European club in a competitive match.

Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife

Intro (0:00)
Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti Draw 1-1 (3:57)
USMNT Rolls Out Same Starting XI vs Saudi Arabia (5:55)
Chris Richards Saves the Day (15:00)
Set Piece Goals (22:44)
Pochettino’s Approach Against Haiti (26:03)
Group C Preview (32:38)
Messi’s Inter Miami Makes History (36:11)

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Mexico Set Piece Kings & Jesse Marsch’s Suspended Dreams + USMNT vs Saudi Arabia Preview Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Mo Edu dive into the Gold Cup action following Mexico’s second half goals in the night game. Costa Rica snatches a late winner over the DR, Mexico punches their ticket thanks to set-piece domination, and Jesse Marsch is under the microscope again. Alexi drops his latest CONCACAF Power Rankings—Canada on top, USMNT hanging on. We break down the USMNT Starting XI ahead of their clash with Saudi Arabia: who’s in, who’s out, and who needs to step up. Plus, Pochettino responds to the doubters.
The FIFA Club World also rolls on tonight with Captain Weston McKennie and Tim Weah securing a 5-0 win in their opening match. How much can we really glean from this tournament?

Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife

Intro (0:00)
Costa Rica Late Game Winner (5:16)
Set Pieces, Set Pieces, Set Pieces (10:22)
Jesse Marsch Under Investigation (17:29)
USMNT Predicted Starting XI & Pochettino Getting Revenge on the Doubters? (22:54)
Captain Weston McKennie (33:37)

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Canada Makes a Statement, USMNT Reinforcements Return Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

On this day 31 years ago, the 1994 FIFA World Cup kicked off on U.S. soil—and with just under a year to go until the next one at home, Alexi Lalas reflects on that historic moment.
In today’s Gold Cup action, Curaçao and El Salvador battled to a scoreless draw, while Canada sent a clear message with a dominant 6-0 win over Honduras. Canada’s depth shined tonight, as the young star Promise David netted his first CONCACAF Gold Cup goal. Is Canada the favorite to win it all? And whose opening win was more impressive: Canada or the United States?
Plus, good news for the USMNT—Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, and Damion Downs are back in training ahead of Thursday’s match against Saudi Arabia. With key players returning, Mauricio Pochettino has some big decisions to make when setting his Starting XI.

Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife

Intro (0:00)
Gold Cup: Day 4 Recap (5:51)
Boost of the Game: Promise David Shows Canadian Depth (15:16)
Adams & Cardoso Back for USMNT (19:52)
Club World Cup Update (22:45)
Group A Rolls On (24:40)

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Guatemala Shocks Jamaica in Antonio’s Return, Canada & Marsch Best in CONCACAF? Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Guatemala stuns Jamaica and Panama puts on a show on Day 3 of the Gold Cup! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse highlight standout performances across Group C, including Ismael Díaz’s brace against Guadeloupe and Oscar Santis’ screamer to upset Jamaica.
They also discuss Michail Antonio’s inspiring return just 196 days after a tragic car accident, the ongoing debate over the USMNT’s best center-back pairing, and whether Tyler Adams will suit up against Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Plus, the guys preview tomorrow’s Group B action and debate whether Canada—and Jesse Marsch—deserve the title of CONCACAF’s best.

Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife

Intro (0:00)
Panama Dominates Guadaloupe (3:20)
Oscar Santis Stuns Reggae Boys (6:57)
Boost of the Game: Michail Antonio Inspiring Return (12:35)
Tyler Adams Gold Cup Status (14:45)
Is Jesse Marsch the Best Coach in CONCACAF? (26:45)

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USMNT Takes Game One: Luna & Tillman Deliver, Forward Battle Brewing Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

The USMNT opens their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with a dominant 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down standout performances from Malik Tillman and Diego Luna, and react to Mauricio Pochettino’s pointed comments about Tillman’s fight and commitment. The guys also dive into the striker debate: Patrick Agyemang got the start—will Haji Wright be next against Saudi Arabia?
Plus, a look ahead to tomorrow’s Group C matchups, including Panama vs. Guadeloupe and a showdown between Jamaica and Guatemala. All that and more in a packed live recap!
Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife
Intro (0:00)
USMNT vs Trinidad & Tobago Recap (4:32)
Luna & Tillman: Dynamic Duo (8:14)
Pochettino on Tillman’s Mentality (9:25)
Who Starts Next? Agyemang or Wright? (16:56)
Group C Preview: Panama, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Guatemala (25:44)

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USMNT Gold Cup X-Factors + Mexico Survives DR Scare Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

Mexico holds off a historic Dominican Republic rally in a wild 3-2 Gold Cup tournament opener! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down all the drama—from Edson Álvarez’s opening header to Raul Jiménez’s clinical finish and the Dominican Republic’s first-ever Gold Cup goal.
Plus, we turn the page to tomorrow’s big USMNT clash with Trinidad and Tobago. Alexi reveals the three players who will make or break the United States’ Gold Cup run, and we unpack the latest comments from Mauricio Pochettino and Jesse Marsch on Christian Pulisic’s decision to sit out the international window.
Stick around for predictions, throwback to the 2021 Gold Cup champs, and a look ahead to Group D matchups. It’s chaos, controversy, and CONCACAF—just how we like it.

Intro (0:00)
Mexico vs Dominican Republic Recap (4:46)
Boost of The Game: Santi Giménez to Raul Jiménez (8:40)
USMNT Opens Gold Cup Run with Trinidad and Tobago (11:20)
Mauricio Pochettino & Jesse Marsch Latest Thoughts (18:58)
U.S. Players to Make or Break USMNT Gold Cup Performance (21:23)

Presented by Yerba Madre #ComeToLife

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One Year to Go: USMNT Outlook, Players That Will Decide 2026 FIFA World Cup Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

With just one year until the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup kicks off on home soil, Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and Rob Stone reunite to break down what success actually means for the USMNT next summer. From past performance stats and future expectations, the crew evaluates how far this team has come since 1994, 2002, and 2014—and how far they still need to go.
Alexi opens the show with a look at what's ahead for the team, including a pivotal Gold Cup.
A listener chimes in for #AskAlexi, including a classic debate: 1994 vs. 2026? Then, it’s a global check-in with Alexi’s World Cup Power Rankings. Spain tops the list, but who joins them in the top ten? And who are the five players that could define the 2026 tournament?
All that, plus a USMNT style-of-play debate and historical FIFA rankings comparisons. Don’t miss this milestone episode.

Intro(0:00)

What Does Success Look for the USMNT? (3:42)
USMNT Style of Play Debate (18:11)
USMNT Historical Comparison (25:09)
1994 vs Today (30:39)
Alexi's Top 10 World Cup Power Rankings (43:13)
Players That Will Decide the 2026 FIFA World Cup (51:15)

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USMNT Embarrassed By Switzerland One Year To Go from Home World Cup Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

The USMNT suffers a brutal 4-0 home loss to Switzerland, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down the nightmare first half and the experimental Starting XI. With just one year to go until the World Cup, this performance continues to raise doubts about the USMNT's depth and leadership. Plus the guys chat Tyler Adams' injury concerns and transfer updates on Matt Turner and Yunus Musah. To wrap, Alexi and Mosse preview the USMNT's Gold Cup group and check in on World Cup qualifying across the globe.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT's 4th-Straight Loss (1:42)
Mr. Pulisic vs Landon Donovan (16:18)
Turner & Musah Transfer News (26:50)
International Window Roundup (29:58)

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USMNT Falls to Türkiye, McGlynn Shines, and Could Pochettino Leave for Spurs? Jun 08, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react LIVE to the USMNT’s 2-1 loss to Türkiye, breaking down debut performances from Matt Freese and Alex Freeman, Jack McGlynn’s first-minute stunner, and Johnny Cardoso’s costly mistake. They also dive into Tyler Adams’ second-half leadership and post-match takeaways. Plus, could Mauricio Pochettino really leave the USMNT for Tottenham?

The guys wrap up with a preview of Tuesday’s match vs. Switzerland, a look ahead to Gold Cup group play, and the latest headlines from the Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers.

Intro (0:00)

Instant Reactions (1:33)

Tyler Adams Brings 2nd Half Spark (13:22)

Pochettino to Spurs? (21:02)

International Window Recap (25:13)

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