The Cooligans

Latest Episodes:

PSG Go Back-to-Back! Arsenal Too Defensive? Kvaratskhelia Shines & Is Luis Enrique the Best? May 30, 2026

Show notes

The Cooligans are LIVE with immediate reaction to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. securing back-to-back UEFA Champions League Final triumphs! We break down the biggest moments from the match, ask whether Arsenal F.C. set up too defensively for a game of this magnitude, and react to the loudest takes, memes, and hottest opinions flooding the internet after the final whistle.

We also hand out Player of the Game honors to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and debate how league strength may have influenced the outcome. Did playing in a weaker domestic environment help PSG stay fresher and more dangerous? Did the grind of the Premier League leave Arsenal less prepared for Europe’s biggest night? The guys dig into the tactical and structural questions behind the result.

Plus, we zoom out to the bigger picture and ask whether Luis Enrique has now earned the title of best manager in European football. We react to your comments, tackle the biggest debates from the live chat, and unpack what this final means for PSG, Arsenal, and the future of elite European football.

Timestamps:
(0:00) - Champions League Final Live Reaction

(21:00) - Player of the Game: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

(33:00) - Luis Enrique the best manager in football?

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USMNT World Cup Roster Reveal LIVE! Jedi Robinson, Kyle Martino & Our Bold Starting XI Picks May 26, 2026

Show notes

The Cooligans are LIVE from the roster reveal for the United States men's national soccer team ahead of the FIFA World Cup! We kick things off with instant reactions to the vibe, tension, excitement, and atmosphere surrounding one of the biggest moments in American soccer. What does this roster tell us about expectations for a World Cup on home soil, and what are fans already feeling about this squad? Then, USMNT left back Antonee Robinson joins the show to talk about hearing his name called, the emotion of being selected, and the unity building inside the team ahead of the tournament.

Later, former USMNT star and MLS legend Kyle Martino stops by to discuss the long-term impact this World Cup could have on the country, the expectations surrounding the squad, and what success should realistically look like.

To close it out, we react to your best comments and answer the biggest questions: How far will the USMNT go? Who will become the breakout stars of the tournament? And what should the ideal starting XI look like when the games finally begin? Predictions, debates, and live reactions — all from the front row of a massive moment for American soccer.

Timestamps:
(7:30) - Antonee Robinson joins the Cooligans

(14:30) - Kyle Martino joins the Cooligans

(25:30) - USMNT World Cup Predictions and takes

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Leaked USMNT World Cup Roster SHOCKS, Chicharito on Mexico’s Problems & Pep’s Emotional Premier League Goodbye May 25, 2026

Show notes

The leaked USMNT World Cup roster is here and The Cooligans are diving into every shocking inclusion and painful omission. Did Mauricio Pochettino get it right leaving Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann off the list? Should Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas have made the squad? Christian and Alexis debate the biggest roster controversies and what these decisions say about the future of the U.S. Men’s National Team heading into the World Cup.

Then, former Mexico striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández joins the show for one of the most thoughtful football conversations we’ve had in a long time. Chicharito opens up about the biggest problems in Mexican soccer, why fans need to rethink how they support players, how he developed his instincts as a striker, and why Hugo Sánchez still doesn’t get enough respect as one of the greatest goal scorers the sport has ever seen.

Plus, we react to one of the tensest Premier League decision days in recent memory. West Ham are down, Tottenham somehow survive, Sunderland are headed to Europe in their first season back in the top flight, and Pep Guardiola says goodbye to the Premier League in emotional fashion. Is Pep the greatest manager football has ever seen? We debate it all.

.Timestamps:
(1:30) - Reacting to USMNT’s leaked World Cup roster

(25:30) - Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez joins the Cooligans

(1:09:30) - West Ham eliminated, Tottenham survive relegation

(1:18:00) - Sunderland qualify for European football

(1:22:30) - Pep Guardiola says goodbye to Manchester City

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Arsenal Finally Win The Premier League, Stu Holden Joins & USMNT World Cup Dark Horse Debate May 21, 2026

Show notes

Arsenal are finally Premier League champions! After more than two decades of heartbreak, near-misses, memes, and endless “bottlers” jokes, Mikel Arteta’s side has officially brought the title back to North London. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether this championship changes Arsenal’s reputation forever and if this young squad could become the next true Premier League dynasty. Plus, NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani reacts to Arsenal’s title win and explains his new initiative aimed at helping New Yorkers get affordable tickets for the upcoming World Cup.

Then, former USMNT midfielder and Fox Sports analyst Stu Holden joins The Cooligans to preview the massive summer ahead for American soccer. Stu opens up about the pressure facing the USMNT during a home World Cup, why he believes this tournament will transform soccer culture in the United States forever, and what advice he would give Christian Pulisic as the face of American soccer heading into the biggest moment of his career.

Finally, the boys reveal their six World Cup dark horses and debate which nations could shock the football world this summer. Can the USMNT finally make a serious run on home soil? Which under-the-radar squads are being overlooked? And what teams have the perfect mix of talent, chemistry, and chaos to become this tournament’s surprise story?

.Timestamps:
(8:00) - Arsenal win the Premier League! Bottlers no more?

(27:00) - Zohran Mamdani joins the Cooligans

(31:00) - Stu Holden joins the Cooligans

(1:04:00) - Revealing World Cup dark horses

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Xabi Alonso Chooses Chelsea, Antonee Robinson Joins & Is Jose Mourinho Returning to Real Madrid? May 18, 2026

Show notes

Xabi Alonso is heading to Chelsea and the football world is divided. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether Chelsea is truly the best destination for one of Europe’s most in-demand managers and why Liverpool may have passed on making a move for their former midfield legend. Can Alonso handle the pressure and dysfunction at Stamford Bridge, or is this the beginning of a new Chelsea era?

Then, USMNT and Fulham left back Antonee Robinson joins The Cooligans! “Jedi” talks about the growth and maturity of the U.S. men’s national team ahead of the biggest World Cup in American history, his strong Premier League performances, and the surprising reason many fans in Liverpool actually root for the USMNT over England. He also opens up about life in the Premier League and the confidence surrounding this current American squad.

Finally, the boys react to rumors of Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid and debate whether “The Special One” can still bring trophies to Los Blancos or if he would only add more drama to an already chaotic club. Plus: Neymar’s latest outburst, Sam Sarver’s hilarious celebration, Antoine Griezmann’s emotional goodbye, and more of the biggest stories from around world football.

.Timestamps:
(8:00) - Why did Xabi Alonso choose Chelsea?

(24:00) - Antonee Robinson joins the Cooligans

(35:00) - Jose Mourinho the right man to fix Real Madrid?

(44:00) - Rapido Reactions: Neymar, Antoine Griezmann & more

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Is Messi Worth MLS’ Massive Salary? Christian Pulisic Joins & 5 USMNT Stars Must Step Up at the 2026 World Cup May 14, 2026

Show notes

MLS salary numbers are officially out and the results are wild. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Lionel Messi making more money than 28 entire MLS teams and debate whether his arrival has truly been worth the investment for the league. The boys also discuss MLS potentially loosening salary cap restrictions and whether spending more freely would actually improve the quality and competitiveness of American soccer.

Then, USMNT captain and AC Milan superstar Christian Pulisic joins The Cooligans! Pulisic talks about preparing for the biggest World Cup of his career, partnering with Michelob Ultra for their latest FIFA World Cup campaign, and how he handles the nonstop pressure and criticism that comes with being the face of American soccer. He also shares a memorable story about Gregg Berhalter and the advice that helped elevate his game to another level.

Finally, the guys look ahead to the World Cup and identify the five USMNT players who will need to deliver if the United States hopes to make history on home soil. Which stars are ready for the spotlight? Who could become the breakout hero of the tournament? And does this current squad have what it takes to change the way the world views American soccer forever?

Timestamps:
(7:30) - Is Messi’s salary worth it for MLS?

(30:00) - Christian Pulisic joins the Cooligans

(43:15) - 5 USMNT players who must step up at the World Cup

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Is Christian Pulisic Ready for the World Cup? + Landon Donovan & Barcelona Humiliate Real Madrid May 11, 2026

Show notes

Christian Pulisic missed the weekend with a reported glute injury, and with the World Cup right around the corner, USMNT fans officially have reason to sweat. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether this is just precautionary rest or a real concern for the American star’s form and fitness heading into the biggest tournament of his career. Is the pressure starting to mount for the USMNT captain?

Then, USMNT legend Landon Donovan joins the show for a candid conversation about the modern American soccer player. Landon shares advice for Christian Pulisic ahead of the World Cup, explains why social media makes today’s pressure even more intense, and opens up about being critical of USMNT players on his podcast. He also discusses his memoir, media life after retirement, and what fans misunderstand about honest soccer analysis.

Finally, Barcelona officially clinch the La Liga title by defeating Real Madrid in El Clasico — the first time the rivalry has ever directly decided the championship. The guys break down Real Madrid’s shocking decline, debate who deserves the blame for the collapse, and discuss whether rumored managerial target Jose Mourinho could realistically restore Madrid back to glory.

Timestamps:
(12:15) - Christian Pulisic is injured: time to worry?

(25:30) - Landon Donovan joins the Cooligans

(37:00) - Who’s to blame for Real Madrid’s fall from grace?

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Can Arsenal Survive PSG? Tim Ream on USMNT Pressure & Is Mbappe Tearing Real Madrid Apart? May 07, 2026

Show notes

Arsenal are headed to the Champions League Final, but are they completely underestimating PSG? The Cooligans break down why Luis Enrique may have built the perfect tactical trap for Mikel Arteta’s side and whether Arsenal are truly ready for the biggest match in club football. The boys preview every angle of the final, debate who has the edge mentally and tactically, and give their official predictions.

Then USMNT captain Tim Ream joins the show! The Charlotte FC defender opens up about the pressure of hosting a World Cup on home soil, what’s changed inside the USMNT locker room under Mauricio Pochettino, and why the team isn’t overreacting to recent poor performances. He also talks about returning to MLS after years in the Premier League, what it’s like playing alongside Wilfried Zaha, and somehow managing life with six dogs at home.

Finally, Real Madrid are spiraling. Fans are frustrated, the locker room reportedly feels divided, and Kylian Mbappe’s first season in Madrid has ended without a major trophy. The boys debate whether Mbappe is unfairly taking the blame or if Real Madrid made a massive mistake bringing him in. Is this just a rough first season… or the beginning of something much worse for Los Blancos?

Timestamps:
(10:30) - Will PSG have too much firepower for Arsenal in the UCL Final?

(35:30) - Tim Ream joins the Cooligans

(59:00) - Kylian Mbappe the main cause of the turmoil around Real Madrid?

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

Whitecaps to Vegas?! Bombino on USMNT vs Italy & Inter Miami Blow 3-0 Lead at New Stadium May 04, 2026

Show notes

The future of the Vancouver Whitecaps is in serious doubt, and we’ve got the inside scoop. The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio joins the show to unpack the latest on the potential relocation to Las Vegas, who else is in the mix, and what fans and local officials are doing to try and save the club. How real is the threat—and what are the actual chances Vancouver keeps its team?

San Diego FC defender Luca Bombino stops by to share his journey through the game, including the difficult decision between representing Italy or the USMNT. He also reflects on leaving LAFC, what he learned playing alongside Giorgio Chiellini, and why a move to Europe is firmly in his future plans.

Plus, Inter Miami’s struggles continue as they blow a shocking 3-goal lead and remain winless at their new stadium. The Cooligans dig into what’s really going wrong, whether it’s a roster issue, coaching problem, or something deeper—and who the club could bring in to turn things around before it spirals further.

Timestamps:
(10:00) - Vancouver Whitecaps re-location update with Paul Tenorio

(32:00) - Luca Bombino joins the Cooligans

(55:00) - What is wrong with Inter Miami and who can fix it?

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Is the Handball Rule Broken? Tyler Adams Talks World Cup Pressure & Is Mourinho Right for Real Madrid? Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

The handball rule is back under the spotlight, and this time the boys are not holding back. Why does the UEFA Champions League continue to produce wildly inconsistent handball decisions? From baffling calls to moments where the law seems impossible to interpret, they break down why the current rule is frustrating everyone involved—and what changes could actually fix it.

Then, Tyler Adams joins the show for an insightful and honest interview about his journey with Bournemouth and the USMNT. He opens up about the expectations surrounding a home World Cup, what it means to represent the U.S. on that stage, and how Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has helped elevate his game. Tyler also shares thoughts on how U.S. players challenge each other to improve and his partnership with Haleon.

To wrap up, the boys dive into the rumors surrounding Jose Mourinho and a potential return to Real Madrid. Would bringing back the Special One be a brilliant move for one of the world’s biggest clubs—or a sign that the club is looking backward instead of forward? They debate whether Mourinho still has what it takes to lead an elite side, or if football has moved on from his methods.

Timestamps:
(11:00) – Pep Guardiola speaks out against World Cup ticket pricing

(27:45) - Tyler Adams joins The Cooligans

(45:00) – Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid: genius or a mistake?

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

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