International Window Wrap Up: Balogun Shines, Back Three Breakthrough & World Cup Qualifying

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse share their final reflections on the USMNT’s September window, where Folarin Balogun and Matt Freese continued to impress and a back-three formation showed real promise for the road to 2026. The guys also break down the latest World Cup Qualifying results, with 18 nations officially punching their tickets to next summer’s tournament.Looking ahead to the weekend, attention shifts back to club play as Yunus Musah eyes a potential debut with Atalanta. In #AskAlexi, the crew tackles World Cup questions—from the USMNT’s chances of advancing from the group stage to confusion over ticket pricing. Finally, the show closes with a heartfelt farewell to the legendary Ray Hudson. Intro (0:00)Final USMNT Thoughts (5:49)USMNT Stars of the Window (10:23)Mexico vs Korea Republic Recap (17:25)World Cup Qualifying (21:10)USMNT Abroad: Yunus Musah Debut En Route (34:40)MLS Weekend Preview (43:15)#AskAlexi: World Cup questions (47:30)Farewell to Ray Hudson (55:31) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse deliver their instant reaction to the USMNT’s needed win over Japan in their second match of the September international window. The guys break down the starting XI, tactical adjustments, and the standout performances that led to goals from Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun. From individual player grades to big-picture takeaways, they discuss what this result means for the team’s depth, chemistry, and momentum heading into a critical stretch. To close out the show, the crew looks ahead to the USMNT’s upcoming schedule, and World Cup qualifying matches around the globe. Intro (0:00)USMNT Tops Japan (2:10)Back 3 Formation (4:43)Is Matt Freese #1? (9:45)Did Balogun Take the Lead Up Top? (13:20)Mauricio Pochettino Reacts to the Critics (18:20)Mexico vs South Korea (27:50)How different do you expect the next window to look for the USMNT? (28:01)Upcoming Matches (33:45)World Cup Qualifying (41:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse react to the USMNT’s loss to Son Heung-Min and Korea Republic in New Jersey. In their first of two friendlies this window, the U.S. struggled to finish their chances and paid the price against Korea’s sharp attack.The crew breaks down the key storylines: which individual performances stood out (for better or worse), what tactical adjustments Mauricio Pochettino tried, and what this result means for the USMNT moving forward. Is Mauricio Pochettino on the hot seat? Intro (0:00)USMNT Fall to Korea Republic (1:50)USMNT Starting XI (4:20)Backline: Richards, Ream, Blackmon (7:30)Balogun vs. Sargent (16:54)USMNT Upcoming Schedule (18:16)Is Mauricio Pochettino on the Hot Seat? (20:15)USMNT Depth (29:18)“What the Hell is Going On!?” (34:19)Disadvantage of Being a World Cup Host Nation (37:30)Pochettino Post-Match Quotes (40:15)Matt Turner vs. Matt Freese (48:43)Jealous of College Football Fan Base (59:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The USMNT faces its toughest test yet under Mauricio Pochettino, with 13 MLS players and new faces eager to seize their opportunity. Cristian Roldan joins the roster as the squad prepares for friendlies against Japan and Korea Republic. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse tackle three big questions: Is Matt Freese really the No. 1 keeper? Can Gold Cup returnees and stars like Christian Pulisic, Flo Balogun, and Sergiño Dest click right away? And most importantly—can this team best a top-ranked opponent?Alexi unveils his ideal Starting XI, the guys recap standout club performances, and they hand out transfer window grades for Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, and Matt Turner.In #AskAlexi listeners ask about MLS disciplinary drama, including Luis Suárez’s spitting fiasco, and World Cup ticket sales. To wrap the show, Alexi shares his time in Columbus with Pochettino as the countdown to 2026 continues. Intro (0:00)USMNT September Window Preview (4:09)Roster Update (4:30)Burning USMNT Questions (5:46)Is Matt Freese the Starting Keeper? (7:25)Alexi’s Starting XI Prediction (13:33)Grading USMNT Transfer Window (21:40)World Cup Qualifiers (32:06)Leagues Cup Final Drama (41:54)Alexi and Pochettino Meet in Columbus (53:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pochettino Defends MLS, Balogun Joins the Squad, Messi and Miami Are Set for Leagues Cup FinalThe September international window is here, and Mauricio Pochettino has made his final roster decisions before the USMNT’s friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to the late addition of Folarin Balogun, Pochettino’s communication (or lack thereof) with stars like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Joe Scally, and what this camp means for fresh faces fighting to earn a spot. Why no Weston McKennie or Matt Turner this time around? Plus, the guys dive into Pochettino’s strong defense of MLS and what it means for national team players in the league.Around the globe, we track Americans in action across Europe’s top leagues—Gio Reyna officially teams up with Joe Scally at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Christian Pulisic and AC Milan look to rebound from tough loss, and Josh Sargent aims to stay red-hot in the Championship. Back home, we set the stage for MLS’ top-of-the-table battles and preview the Leagues Cup Final.Stick around for One for the Road as we look ahead to Alexi’s weekend in Columbus discussing the Road to the World Cup. Intro (0:00)Roster Update: Balogun Joins the Squad (5:10)Pochettino Defends MLS (16:27)USMNT Abroad (23:51)UCL Fixtures (36:30)MLS Top of the Table Clashes (37:20)Seattle and Miami Set for Leagues Cup Final (38:50)#AskAlexi: MLS Salary Caps (42:20)Road to World Cup (47:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled the USMNT roster for the September friendlies, and the State of the Union crew is here to break it all down. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse deliver instant reactions to the 22 players named so far, with one more spot set to be added soon. This USMNT squad will take on Korea Republic and Japan in their upcoming matches.The guys discuss the big headlines, including the returns of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, and Sergiño Dest, as well as the notable absences of Weston McKennie, Matt Turner, Gio Reyna, and Johnny Cardoso. They speak on new call-ups earning big opportunities with the national team, how injuries have shaped Pochettino’s decisions, and what this roster means for the team’s form heading into a crucial stretch before the World Cup.Plus, Alexi and Mosse recap MLS action from the weekend, including Son Heung-min's first goal for LAFC and Thomas Müller’s controversial game winner. Intro (0:00)Pochettino Names USMNT September Roster (1:55)Matt Freese Takes Hold of Starting Sport, Turner OUT (2:37)Sergiño Dest is BACK (4:17)MLS Heavy Roster (7:00)Weston McKennie Snubbed (7:42)Pulisic & Sargent Make Their Return (12:45)“I am disappointed” (18:21)Son & Müller Come Up Big in MLS Action (19:29)Leagues Cup Semifinals are Set (22:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The September USMNT roster announcement is right around the corner, and there’s plenty to cover. Uruguay is reported to be lined up for the November window, while September brings clashes with Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down what we know and what we think about the squad heading into the first window after the Gold Cup.Plus, a loaded weekend abroad: Serie A kicks off for Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman prepares for his Bundesliga debut, Ricardo Pepi’s return is delayed, and Chris Richards gets set to host Nottingham Forest. Back home, Miles Robinson signs a long-term deal with Cincinnati, Paxton Aaronson makes a record-breaking move to Colorado, and the Leagues Cup quarterfinals deliver heavyweight matchups.The guys also dive into #AskAlexi, tackling what it was like facing criticism as a USMNT player before social media and how U.S. depth stacks up against Mexico. Finally, Alexi’s One for the Road dives into what the USMNT should look like at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Intro (0:00)Upcoming Schedule: USMNT vs Uruguay (3:58)Serie A Opening Weekend (11:26)Ricardo Pepi Watch Continues (19:46)Newcastle vs Liverpool Amid Isak Controversy (23:55)The Future is MLS for Miles Robinson and Paxton Aaronson (29:16)Leagues Cup Rolls On (38:13)#AskAlexi: Will Pochettino Bring Back the Gold Cup Absentees? (40:04)One for the Road: USMNT’s Look in 2026 (52:46) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a huge opening weekend for Americans abroad. Christian Pulisic marked his AC Milan return with a statement goal, Johnny Cardoso debuted for Atletico Madrid with Mauricio Pochettino watching on, and Josh Sargent stayed red-hot for Norwich City. We’ve also got updates on Ricardo Pepi, Sergiño Dest’s Man of the Match performance, Tyler Adams’ tough opener, and more across Europe.Back home, MLS brought the drama. Messi returned with a spectacular goal and assist, Minnesota ended Seattle’s scorching run, and questions are swirling around the LA Galaxy’s historic collapse. Fans also weigh in on promotion/relegation and whether MLS substitution rules need to change.Alexi and Mosse wrap the show with a question on Tim Weah's journey to Europe...did he get there because of his father? Intro (0:00)The Great Pulisic Debate (3:57)Johnny Cardoso’s Atletico Debut (5:29)High Hopes for Sergiño Dest (11:29)Sargent Scores 3 Goals in 3 Games (13:30)Adams & Richards' EPL Season Kicks Off (15:59)Turner Denies Son & Messi’s Spectacular Return (22:05)#AskAlexi: LA Galaxy's Historic Collapse  (32:20)One for the Road: Nepotism & Privilege in Sports (42:17) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The race for the USMNT No. 9 spot is heating up, and Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are here to sort it all out. From Josh Sargent’s red-hot start at Norwich, to Haji Wright’s assist at Coventry, to Ricardo Pepi’s fitness update and transfer buzz, we break down all the big striker performances abroad. Plus, Alexi unveils his USMNT striker depth chart.The guys also go around the globe with USMNT Abroad updates. Johnny Cardoso looks to make his Atletico Madrid debut, Diego Kochen has the potential to start for Barcelona, and the latest on Jedi Robinson’s injury. Back stateside, we preview the MLS weekend with Minnesota and Seattle facing off on FS1, and everyone is asking the big question…will we see Messi suit up against the Galaxy?Then we take some fan questions including which nation outside Europe or South America could win the World Cup first, and why Alexi left Padova during Serie A’s golden era. Finally, in One for the Road, the new Pulisic documentary sparks major reactions from Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and even Mark Pulisic about criticism from USMNT alumni. Alexi weighs in… and trust us, you’ll want to hear this one. Intro (0:00)USMNT Striker Battle (5:30)Alexi’s Depth Chart (15:45)USMNT Abroad: La Liga & EPL Kick Off (20:15)Jedi Robinson In Doubt for Season Opener (27:44)White Hot Seattle Sounders (31:23)Will Messi Return? (32:38)#AskAlexi: Non European or South American Country to Win the World Cup? (33:15)One for the Road: Calling Out the Critics (43:32) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down Tyler Adams’ interview with The Athletic, speaking on Christian Pulisic’s controversy, criticism from the USMNT alumni, and World Cup preparation. We break down his comments and what they reveal about the team’s mentality ahead of. Plus, a busy weekend for Americans abroad, with goals from Josh Sargent, Sergiño Dest, and a trophy lift for Chris Richards. The guys also check in on transfer window moves across Europe.We recap MLS debuts for Matt Turner and Son Heung-min, goals from Jack McGlynn and Brian White, and preview the four MLS squads advancing to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. In #AskAlkexi, Alexi and Mosse dive into Ballon d’Or nominations, reunions with Revolution fans, and major changes coming to LaLiga. Intro (0:00)Tyler Adams on Pulisic Controversy & USMNT Alumni Criticism (5:08)USMNT Abroad: Sargent, Downs, Dest on the Scoresheet (10:21)Transfer Window News (17:02)Matt Turner Makes Debut (20:28)Leagues Cup Quarterfinals Set (31:33)#AskAlexi: Ballon d’Or Nominations (32:25)La Liga Major Changes Coming (45:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices