Pochettino Roster Predictions, Pulisic cold, Balogun & McKennie stay hot
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In this episode of Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast, the focus is on the U.S. men's national team’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup, with deep dives into player form, roster speculation, and the broader state of American soccer. The conversation kicks off with strong performances from Weston McKinney and Balogun in Europe, while Christian Pulisic’s struggles in Serie A raise questions about his World Cup prospects. The hosts debate the tension between club success and national team development, using Italy’s recent failure to qualify as a case study. They analyze emerging talents like Xavier Gozo and Malik Tillman, and discuss the potential for surprise in Mauricio Pochettino’s final 26-player squad. The episode also covers key club action across Europe and MLS, including Inter Miami’s debut in their new stadium and Vancouver’s dramatic win over Portland. A standout moment comes with a heartfelt reflection on the emotional weight of the World Cup journey, culminating in Alexi Lalas’ personal 'One for the Road' monologue about the privilege and responsibility of broadcasting the tournament from home soil. The episode closes with a mix of nostalgia, humor, and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Weston McKinney and Balogun are in elite form and are strong candidates for starting roles in the 2026 World Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic’s lack of impact in Serie A raises legitimate concerns about his World Cup readiness.
Mauricio Pochettino is likely still finalizing his roster decisions, with key battles at forward and midfield positions.
Young players like Xavier Gozo and Malik Tillman could be surprise inclusions in the final squad.
The U.S. is in a better position than ever before in terms of soccer infrastructure, media, and global visibility.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Pulisic's Struggles and the State of U.S. Form in Europe
“You're playing Napoli in a game for that position here, and you let them leapfrog you, and you don't get to start. And you come on and obviously don't make a difference. That's not necessarily on him. But do you see if this were to continue, a possible change come this summer when it comes to Christian Pulisic?”
The Italy Paradox: Club Success vs. National Team Failure
A deep dive into Italy’s recent World Cup qualification failure despite Serie A’s global resurgence. The hosts debate whether the influx of foreign players is truly harming national team development, using England’s success as a counterpoint.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Roster Puzzle and the Forward Battle
“I think he's only going to take three, and that would be Balogun, Pepe, and – yeah. I just think this is going to be one of those where it's going to go back and forth between Haji Wright and Ajiman...”
MLS Action and the Rise of Young Talent
Highlights from the latest MLS weekend, including Inter Miami’s debut in their new stadium, Toronto’s win over Colorado, and the breakout performance of 19-year-old Xavier Gozo. The hosts debate whether Gozo could realistically make the World Cup squad.
The Emotional Weight of the World Cup Journey
“This is on our watch, and we have been given this gift. So all of these things are going through your head. I've always said that when I stopped playing, I'm not the smartest tool in the shed, but... at least I understood that there was no way that I was ever going to replicate the feeling of playing. But what I am incredibly fortunate to have done is to find something that I enjoy as much, and in many cases sometimes more than playing.”
“This is on our watch, and we have been given this gift. So all of these things are going through your head. I've always said that when I stopped playing, I'm not the smartest tool in the shed, but... at least I understood that there was no way that I was ever going to replicate the feeling of playing. But what I am incredibly fortunate to have done is to find something that I enjoy as much, and in many cases sometimes more than playing.”
“You're playing Napoli in a game for that position here, and you let them leapfrog you, and you don't get to start. And you come on and obviously don't make a difference. That's not necessarily on him. But do you see if this were to continue, a possible change come this summer when it comes to Christian Pulisic?”
“I think he's only going to take three, and that would be Balogun, Pepe, and – yeah. I just think this is going to be one of those where it's going to go back and forth between Haji Wright and Ajiman...”
Host
Guest
Mauricio Pochettino
person
Christian Pulisic
person
Weston McKinney
person
World Cup 2026
other
Balogun
person
Doug McIntyre
person
Xavier Gozo
person
Inter Miami
other
Stu Holden
person
Sebastian Berhalter
person
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