Predicting the 2026 USMNT World Cup Roster & next coach after Mauricio Pochettino

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

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16d ago 1:03:28

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On this edition of State of the Union, we start in Paris, where Ousmane Dembélé took home the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, edging out Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal. Well deserved or a snub for the wunderkind?

Then, it’s all about the USMNT. Fox Sports insider Doug McIntyre drops his 2026 World Cup roster projection and starting XI. From Matt Turner in goal to Christian Pulisic & Folarin Balogun leading the attack, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse opine on the 26-man roster. We analyze the surprises, snubs, and stars like Diego Luna and Chris Richards.

Across Europe, we preview an exciting weekend for Americans abroad: Pulisic in red-hot form for AC Milan, McKennie vs. Musah in Serie A and Jedi Robinson making his Fulham return in the EPL. Plus, MLS rivalries heat up with NYRB vs. NYCFC and a Cascadia Cup showdown.

Finally, we take listener questions in #AskAlexi, featuring the future of the USMNT after Mauricio Pochettino before we wrap with FIFA’s latest floated plans for World Cup expansion.

Intro (0:00)
Ballon d’Or (5:07)
USMNT 2026 Roster Prediction (13:12)
USMNT Abroad: Weekend Preview (27:25)
#AskAlexi: Life after Pochettino (40:38)
One for the Road: More World Cup expansion? (52:31)

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