We look into the question that so many Americans are left asking at the end of every Men’s World Cup: what will it take for the U.S. men’s team to compete with elite teams in the future? Plus, we examine the problems with the way youth development is run in the country, and what many call a flawed “pay-to-play” soccer model.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would soccer be without fans? And what would a match feel like without them chanting at the top of their lungs? Chants are a way to express joy, patriotism, and frustration. They can also be funny, vulgar, and harmful. We get into the history of soccer chants, the best ones of the 2026 World Cup, and we look into where US fans stand compared to the rest of the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farewell to the World Cup! We sit down with a soccer expert and superfan to discuss this Men’s World Cup’s significance. We get into the “firsts” in a global competition that’s been around for almost 100 years; the controversial moments and most joyful storylines; and Spain’s journey to the coveted trophy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do to attend the World Cup? We follow one Panamanian woman’s journey through the joy and heartbreak of soccer fandom, and to the game’s biggest stage. "Whatever it takes, I'm gonna go,” Danetsy Len tells us. “What do I have savings for if not to do this once in a lifetime thing?" She’s one of hundreds of thousands of fans who’ve had to jump through countless – and unprecedented – hoops in order to make it to this year’s Men’s World Cup.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up, Cristo Fernandez dreamed of becoming a professional futbol player. But getting there wouldn’t be so linear. Turns out acting would be key in making his soccer dreams come true. We talk to Cristo about his iconic character Dany Rojas in the series “Ted Lasso,” taking professional risks, and staying joyful.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been described as the world’s best soccer rivalry: USA v. Mexico. We look into the hallmarks in an international rivalry that spans decades between two countries that share much more than a border. And we discuss why for the U.S. Men’s National team, every game against Mexico feels like an away game, even in the U.S.A.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s long been a shared belief that despite the mistakes and wrongdoings of players, organizers, or world leaders, the game of soccer remains pure – untouched by our sins. In this episode we ask: how can that still be the case today? And we look into one of the countries that exemplifies the political turmoil and contradictions that have come to define this World Cup: Iran.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrés Cantor has been a sports announcer for almost 40 years. He’s received eight Emmy Awards for his broadcasting and a place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. You know his voice. His “Gooooooooool” has been featured everywhere from Late Night to the Simpsons. We get into the nitty gritty of calling a game, why he’s not afraid to cry, and the beauty of the World Cup.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.