World Cup Roster Prediction

Tom Bogert returns from paternity leave alongside Tab Ramos to break down the latest around the USMNT. They start with the shocking timing and fallout of Matt Crocker leaving his role as U.S. Soccer Sporting Director for a move to Saudi Arabia less than two months before the FIFA World Cup. Tab explains why he sees it as a troubling sign for the program, and why building a stronger culture is more important than ever. They discuss Christian Pulisic, should there be real concern about his recent form, or is the panic overblown? Tab also gives his predictions for the final World Cup roster under Mauricio Pochettino. Plus, Tom shares his first “new dad” story since returning to the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices