The Cooligans

Latest Episodes:

McKennie Leaving Juve? USMNT 2026 Sleepers + Lawrence Cann on how soccer saved his life Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick things off with reports that Weston McKennie could leave Juventus this summer. Where should the USMNT midfielder go next, and what kind of club best suits his skill set ahead of 2026? The guys also reveal their USMNT “secret weapon” players who could surprise their way onto the World Cup roster, with Alexis highlighting James Sands and Sebastian Berhalter, while Christian makes the case for Max Arfsten and Brenden Aaronson.

Next, Christian and Alexis are joined by Lawrence Cann, founder of Street Soccer USA, for a powerful and emotional interview about how the game can change lives. Lawrence shares the personal story of losing his home as a child — and how soccer, community, and the support of a coach helped put him on a new path. The conversation dives into grassroots soccer, access, and why building opportunity at the community level matters now more than ever.

Finally, the boys close out with Rapido Reactions from across the soccer world: their thoughts on a leaked USMNT jersey, a bizarre viral moment featuring an Algerian fan standing frozen like a statue, Gabon canceling their entire national team, a wild goal celebration that nearly ended in disaster, and their AFCON quarterfinal predictions.

Timestamps:
(8:00) – Where should Weston Mckennie go this summer?

(18:30) – USMNT’s secret weapons for the 2026 World Cup

(28:30) – Founder of Street Soccer USA joins The Cooligans

(52:00) – Rapido Reactions: USMNT jersey leak, AFCON headlines & more

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Man United sack Ruben Amorim: Is the job impossible? + Ali Krieger on NWSL salary cap Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to breaking news as Manchester United part ways with Ruben Amorim just 14 months after his appointment. Why has the job at Old Trafford become so unstable? Is being head coach at Manchester United now an impossible task? And does the club need to return to hiring traditional managers instead of head coaches?

Then, Christian and Alexis are joined by NWSL and USWNT legend Ali Krieger to talk all things women’s soccer. They break down the growing issues within the NWSL and why the league’s salary cap must evolve for it to remain competitive on a global level. Ali also discusses her work with the Dragonfly Collective, a charity she partners with to support mothers who give up their children for adoption.

Later, the boys react to another shocking managerial departure, as Wilfried Nancy’s reign at Celtic ends after just 33 days. What went wrong so quickly? And should Nancy consider a return to MLS?

Timestamps:
(9:30) – Man United sack Ruben Amorim: Is coaching United impossible?

(28:00) – Ali Krieger joins The Cooligans

(42:00) – Ali on her work with the Dragonfly Collective

(1:00:45) – Wilfried Nancy leaves Celtic: Should he return to MLS?

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Can Pellegrino Matarazzo Thrive in La Liga? + Franklin Leonard on Black Media Bias in England Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Pellegrino Matarazzo becoming the first American coach in La Liga. Can Matarazzo succeed at Real Sociedad, and what would a successful stint mean for his future and U.S. Soccer’s future?

Then, Christian and Alexis bring on American film producer and soccer fanatic Franklin Leonard to discuss English media bias in soccer and whether England is ready to accept a Black superstar on the national team.

Later, they also chat about Leonard’s soccer fandom, the direction of the film industry, and his recent foray into politics.

Timestamps:
(10:30) – Can Pellegrino Matarazzo succeed in La Liga?

(30:00) – Franklin Leonard joins The Cooligans

(42:00) – Is there media bias against Black soccer players?

(52:00) – Diving into the ever-changing film industry

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Jermain Defoe on Spurs Glory, EPL’s Toughest Defenders & That Surprise Call From Drake Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros sit down with Premier League and MLS legend Jermain Defoe for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most memorable careers in modern soccer.

Defoe reflects on his iconic five-goal performance for Tottenham Hotspur, what it meant to hear Spurs fans chanting his name before his emotional return to the club, and the toughest defenders he battled in the Premier League. He also shares the surreal story of receiving a phone call from Drake ahead of his move to Toronto FC, and gives his take on which MLS players he believes could have succeeded in Europe.

From Premier League glory to MLS insight, this is a must-listen interview with one of England’s most prolific strikers.

Timestamps:
(1:00) – Jermain Defoe joins The Cooligans

(6:00) – Memorable moments from his time with Toronto FC

(11:30) – Breaking down Jermain’s legendary Premier League career

(37:15) – Breaking down his decision to join Toronto

(41:00) – Not being at Tottenham for the 2008 Carling Cup win

(46:30) – MLS players that could’ve played in Europe

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2026 MLS Early Overreactions! Who Will Disappoint the Most? + Danny Navarro’s 2026 World Cup Ticket Tips and Tricks Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros share their 2026 Major League Soccer early overreactions. Who will be the biggest disappointment? Will Inter Miami repeat as MLS Cup champions? And can anyone compete with Messi for MVP?

Next, Christian chats with Danny Navarro, aka Travel Futbol Fan, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Danny shares his best tips and tricks on how to make the World Cup a little more affordable.

Later, Danny also tells us what to expect in the USA next summer as the World Cup comes stateside.

Timestamps:
(9:30) – Who Will Be MLS’ Biggest Disappointment in 2026?

(15:00) – Biggest Offseason Signing

(19:00) – 2026 MLS MVP Predictions

(21:00) – 2026 MLS Surprise of the Season

(24:15) – Predicting the 2026 MLS Cup Winner

(28:30) – Danny Navarro Joins The Cooligans

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Could Mo Salah Make His Way to MLS? + NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani on Why FIFA Has a World Cup Pricing Problem Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Mohamed Salah’s rumored potential move to San Diego FC. Would Mo Salah be the biggest signing in MLS history? And why might San Diego FC’s ownership convince him to choose MLS over Saudi Arabia?

Next, Christian and Alexis chat on the subway with New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. They talk all things soccer, including why Zohran is pushing back against FIFA over skyrocketing ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup. They also discuss the USMNT’s World Cup group and his biggest soccer memories as a fan.

Later, the boys break down an impressive Champions League week for American players. Folarin Balogun scores in his third consecutive Champions League match, and Weston McKennie shines against Pafos FC for Juventus. Are the USMNT’s key figures peaking at the right time?

Timestamps:
(7:30) – Mo Salah Headed to MLS?

(23:00) – Zohran Mamdani Joins The Cooligans

(35:00) – Folarin Balogun Scores Again in the Champions League

(38:30) – Weston McKennie Shines Against Pafos

(42:00) – Christian Pulisic Continues to Dominate in Serie A

(45:15) – Can Xabi Alonso Save His Job at Real Madrid?

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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Capture Their First MLS Cup Title! Full Match and Season Recap Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react live to Inter Miami and Lionel Messi’s 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup Final. The boys break down Messi’s two-assist performance en route to capturing his first MLS title and discuss what this means for his legacy in Major League Soccer.

Then, Christian and Alexis look back at the MLS careers of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as they play their final match as MLS champions. They also break down Rodrigo De Paul’s importance to Inter Miami throughout the entire season, including his impact in the championship match.

Finally, they recap the entire Major League Soccer season as it comes to an end — including their favorite moments and their pick for playoff MVP.

(0:30) – MLS Cup Final Match Recap

(5:00) – Player of the Game: Lionel Messi

(16:30) – Highlighting Rodrigo De Paul’s Impact This Season

(21:00) – Looking Back on Busquets and Alba’s Careers

(38:00) – MLS Season Recap

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2026 World Cup Draw Breakdown: Group of Death, USMNT Reaction + Who Is in Prime Position to Win It All? Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros give their live reaction to the World Cup Draw. The boys discuss the USMNT’s group — which includes Australia and Paraguay — and how far the Stars and Stripes can go next summer. They also look at the draw overall and reveal their pick for the “Group of Death.”

Then, Christian and Alexis break down the tournament’s biggest juggernauts, including England, France, Portugal, Spain, and Argentina, and share who they think is primed for a deep run. They also compare Ronaldo and Messi’s legacies ahead of what is likely each of their final World Cups.

Finally, they reveal their dark horses for the tournament and predict who will hoist the World Cup in July. They also discuss how far the USMNT will go — and what would qualify as a successful tournament for the Red, White, and Blue.

(2:00) – USMNT World Cup Group Preview

(16:30) – Examining Each Potential “Group of Death”

(25:15) – Which Juggernaut Is Primed to Win It All?

(36:00) – Ronaldo vs. Messi: One Last Time?

(41:00) – Who’s the World Cup Dark Horse?

(49:00) – Predicting the 2026 World Cup Winner

(51:30) – Breaking Down the Remaining Six WC Spots

(56:00) – How Far Will the USMNT Go in 2026?

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Can Thomas Müller & Vancouver stop Messi, or is Inter Miami too dominant? + Clint Dempsey breaks down the USMNT’s recent resurgence Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Taylor Twellman react to Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps’ dominant performances in the MLS Conference Finals. Will Lionel Messi and Inter Miami finally hoist the MLS Cup, or can Thomas Müller’s gritty Vancouver side spoil the celebrations?

Next, Christian and Alexis bring on MLS and USMNT legend Clint Dempsey to chat all things USMNT, including what Mauricio Pochettino has changed within the squad to spark their current resurgence. Clint also shares his thoughts on what the new Summer–Spring calendar will mean for Major League Soccer.

Later, Clint discusses the USMNT’s striker dilemma and why he believes competition for the starting spot is a good thing.

Timestamps:
(2:45) – Are Inter Miami unstoppable?

(13:00) – Can Thomas Müller & Co. spoil Miami’s party?

(18:30) – MLS Cup Final preview

(28:45) – Breaking down the USMNT ahead of the World Cup

(36:00) – Clint Dempsey reacts to the new MLS calendar change

(41:00) – Breaking down the USMNT’s striker dilemma

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Inter Miami dominate Cincinnati! Will they bench Luis Suárez permanently? + Tim Ream talks USMNT ahead of the World Cup Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to a crazy weekend in the MLS playoffs. First, LAFC were stunned by the Vancouver Whitecaps — how did it all go down, and does this make Vancouver the Western Conference favorites? Then, Inter Miami dominated FC Cincinnati. Will Javier Mascherano bench Luis Suárez permanently?

Next, Christian and Alexis bring on MLS and USMNT center back Tim Ream to chat all things USMNT, including Gio Reyna’s unlikely return. How will the USMNT prepare heading into the final stretch before the World Cup, and what difference has Pochettino made for the team?

Later, the boys break down whether Arsenal can stave off competition from Man City and Chelsea and continue their impressive start to the season. They also look at Liverpool’s struggles and what that means for Arne Slot.

Timestamps:
(6:30) – LAFC stunned by 9-man Vancouver
(20:00) – Are Inter Miami better off without Luis Suárez?
(37:00) – NYCFC eliminate top-seeded Philadelphia Union
(47:30) – Tim Ream joins The Cooligans
(1:02:00) – Can anyone catch Arsenal in the title race?

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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