U.S. Soccer Podcast

Sebastian Berhalter joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a conversation about his move from MLS to England and the moments that have made him one to watch for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Sebastian shares what it’s like playing for Middlesbrough FC, how the intensity of English soccer compares with MLS, and what he’s learned from living abroad alongside fellow American players like Aidan Morris and Max Arfsten. He also reflects on the USMNT’s recent momentum with four straight wins in fall camp, stepping into a leadership role with younger players and the latest edition of the USA–Mexico rivalry. Plus, Sebastian reveals the story behind the viral TikTok with his teammates, talks books and morning routines, and opens up about the self-belief and hard work that helped him keep pushing toward his goals. He also shares how his relationship with his dad, Greg Berhalter, has evolved. Stay tuned for Ask the Pros, when Megan answers questions from U.S. Soccer fans. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Sebastian Berhalter 01:32 – Halloween candy & life in England 06:18 – Who would be his partner on the Amazing Race? 07:23 – Why did Seb make the move to England? 08:16 – MLS vs. English soccer 09:32 – Thomas Müller, teammates and life abroad 13:16 – The story behind his viral TikTok moment 14:29 – The USMNT’s new generation 17:12 – Breaking down USA–Mexico 20:23 – Books, mindset, morning routines 23:21 – What dad Gregg Berhalter taught him 27:39 – Ask the Pros with Meghan Klingenberg Subscribe for more conversations with the players and people shaping U.S. Soccer. #SebastianBerhalter #USMNT #USSoccer #soccer #middlesbroughfc #middlesbrough #usavsmexico More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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St. Louis CITY SC are 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup champions!

On the debut episode of Matchday Recap, we look back at the Open Cup Final as St. Louis CITY SC defeated the Columbus Crew 5-3 on penalties following a scoreless 120 minutes in Columbus, Ohio.

From the key saves to the decisive penalty kick, get caught up on the biggest moments from a historic night as St. Louis claimed the first trophy in club history.

• Read the full Game Story from Columbus, Ohio
• For more information on the U.S. Open Cup, visit usopencup.com

Matchday Recap is part of the U.S. Soccer Podcast Network. This episode was hosted and edited by Travis Cutler and produced by Sandy McAfee. Our guest was Ethan Triebsch, Open Cup Writer/Producer at U.S. Soccer. Additional thanks to Kristin Hurst, Sarah Rector, Nick Burton, Maria Howell, and our partners at Westwood One and CBS.

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Charlie Davies joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a conversation about resilience, his U.S. Men’s National Team career and the comeback that changed his life.

Charlie also looks back on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the experience of sharing a match with his family, explains why the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matters to the future of American soccer and offers advice to the next generation of U.S. players. Plus, hear how he went from the pitch to the broadcast booth, his full-circle return to the U.S. Soccer Podcast, and some fun stories about family life.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Charlie Davies
01:49 – Charlie's second chance
06:10 – Who would be his Amazing Race partner?
09:23 – Returning to the U.S. Soccer Podcast
12:36 – His advice for Kling
17:20 – Favorite memories from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
22:38 – Why the U.S. Open Cup matters
27:06 – Advice for young U.S. players
30:15 – Overcoming adversity: the accident & cancer
44:42 – His emotional return to the field
48:30 – Life as a dad to twins
55:00 – Ask the Pros

Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping U.S. Soccer.

More: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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USWNT fullback Gisele Thompson joins host Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast to talk about her journey with the U.S. Women's National Team, growing up alongside sister Alyssa Thompson and chasing her dream of playing in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The young Angel City FC defender reflects on playing with boys as a kid, modeling her game after USWNT legend Crystal Dunn and learning to adapt to play different positions. She also shares what it’s like to compete with Alyssa, make history as a young Nike NIL athlete and prepare for the demands of international soccer. Which USWNT legend would Gisele love to ask for advice? Listen to find out! Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Gisele Thompson 01:48 – Why did Gisele choose soccer? 06:34 – What it's like being Alyssa Thompson’s sister 12:04 – Which USWNT players inspired her? 16:31 – Preparing for World Cup Qualifying 20:28 – Chasing her World Cup dream 22:00 – Life beyond soccer 26:34 – The USWNT legend she'd like to get advice from 28:15 – Ask the Pros More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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Ahead of her career celebration at the USWNT match vs. Spain in Washington D.C. on Oct. 10, Crystal Dunn joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast to reflect on an incredible career with the U.S. Women’s National Team, from becoming one of the most versatile players of her generation to winning the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic gold.

Dunn opens up about the experiences that shaped her career, including being left off the 2015 World Cup roster, playing overseas with Chelsea, adapting to different positions and ultimately earning her place on the 2019 World Cup team. She also reflects on how her definition of success has changed, developing a healthier relationship with social media and the importance of representation in the USWNT.

Now retired from professional soccer, Dunn discusses her next chapter, staying connected to the game and what she's learned from stepping away. Plus, Crystal and Kling talk retirement, dancing, cheeseburgers and answer fan questions in Ask the Pros.

Chapters:

00:00 – Crystal Dunn on her career & life after soccer

06:52 – Becoming a versatile player

09:46 – How Crystal's definition of success changed

13:33 – Life after soccer & what's next

17:13 – The 2015 World Cup setback

21:55 – Chelsea, 2019 & winning the World Cup

28:00 – Representation & her legacy

37:00 – Is retirement a graduation or a funeral?

49:23 – What makes Crystal Dunn most proud?

52:08 – Ask the Pros

More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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Former teammates Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman join host Megan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast to talk about taking their partnership from the soccer field to The Amazing Race on CBS. The longtime friends reflect on what it was like to see themselves on TV, navigate unfamiliar challenges, and discover how their communication and teamwork changed when the stakes were completely different.

They discuss the decision to compete together, their championship mentality, the challenges of managing different personalities under pressure and why Ali says the race was even more difficult than playing in a World Cup. The pair also talks about what it means to represent queer athletes and communities through their journey. Plus, Meghan catches up on the latest USWNT storylines and discusses emerging talents Alyssa Thompson and Cavan Sullivan. Watch Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman on The Amazing Race which premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 on CBS and Paramount Plus. Chapters: 00:00 – Ali & Joanna take on The Amazing Race 10:00 – How they got cast 14:25 – From teammates to race partners 27:12 – How soccer prepared them for the Race 38:18 – Representing the LGBTQ+ community 44:18 – What they learned about themselves 49:29 – Was The Amazing Race more difficult than the World Cup? 54:57 – Who are some young USWNT & USMNT players to watch? More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Subscribe to U.S. Soccer on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=ussoccerdotcom Follow U.S. Soccer on Socials: ► Follow on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ussoccer ► Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ussoccer ► Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ussoccer ► Follow on X: https://x.com/ussoccer

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Hugo Pérez joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about his playing career, coaching philosophy and vision for the future of U.S. Soccer. A member of the U.S. Men's National Team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Pérez reflects on that historic generation and how the tournament helped accelerate the growth of soccer in the United States.

As a player turned coach, Pérez also shares what he believes young players need to reach their potential, from having the freedom to experiment and make mistakes to building confidence and trusting their creativity. He reflects on coaching Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and other future professionals at the youth national team level, and explains why coaches should prioritize development and enjoyment alongside results.

Plus, Pérez discusses the evolution of the USMNT, the potential of the current generation of American players, the influence of women's soccer on the growth of the game in the United States and what it will take for the U.S. to compete for a FIFA World Cup title.

Chapters:

00:51 - Welcome + Hispanic Heritage Month

02:11 - Hugo's impressive resume: Hall of Fame, 73 caps

05:03 - July 4, 1994: USA vs. Brazil at Stanford Stadium

11:30 - Growing up in El Salvador

13:03 - Watching the 1970 World Cup, making a promise

16:27 - Why kids need freedom to get it wrong

30:42 - The L.A. Aztecs and training with Johan Cruyff

31:37 - A Tampa Bay trial and the NASL

34:46 - The U-14 camp that featured Pulisic and Adams

41:23 - The women won it. Can the men?

49:32 - Kling previews the next USMNT cycle

More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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Paxten Aaronson signed his first pro contract at 16, won the Golden Boot AND the Golden Ball at the 2022 U-20 Concacaf Championship, played a German Cup final in front of 100,000 people in Berlin, and represented the USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics — all before turning 24 years old. Now he's the man in the middle for the Colorado Rapids. And he wants the pressure.

Host Meghan Klingenberg sits down with the Rapids midfielder for a wide-ranging conversation about the journey to this point. Paxten also opens up about growing up as Brenden Aaronson's "annoying little brother," what it felt like to watch his brother live out a home World Cup dream this past summer, and the one story he'll never let him forget — beating him at golf on his wedding day.

Paxten and the Colorado Rapids take on St. Louis CITY SC in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. MT on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.

01:25 - Meghan Klingenberg opens the show

02:35 - Growing up with Brenden: the annoying little brother

06:10 - Watching his brother play a home World Cup

07:03 - The wedding — and beating Brenden at golf

09:03 - Leaving home at 13 for the Philadelphia Union Academy

16:45 - Playing with Alejandro Bedoya and the club's brand of belief

20:50 - 2022 U-20 Concacaf Golden Boot & Golden Ball

25:24 - Paris 2024: France in Marseille with the U.S. crest on the chest

29:11 - Culture shock in Frankfurt: 100 degrees and no AC

31:25 - Why he came back to MLS

33:14 - Denver Summit, Mile High and a growing soccer city

34:52 - Downtime isn't free time: recovery, hikes and video games

37:41 - Open Cup semifinal vs. St. Louis — what has to change

44:42 - When do you trust a young player in a knockout game?

More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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From Edmond, Oklahoma to England and back to Orlando, Daryl Dike has lived the full roller coaster of a modern striker’s career. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast, host Megan Klingenberg interviews Dike to unpack his career journey: growing up as the youngest of five in a tight-knit Nigerian-American family, breaking out with Orlando City, and making a dream move to England where he faced top-tier clubs like Chelsea, Newcastle, and Brentford. Dike and Orlando City SC take on Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. Chapters: 00:45 – Growing up Dike: Oklahoma, big family, Nigerian roots 03:10 – Family of footballers & Courtney Dike World Cup story 08:00 – Drafted by Orlando City & the weirdness of the 2020 bubble 11:30 – Idols and influences: Big brother & Didier Drogba 14:30 – Loan to Barnsley & living the English Premier League dream 25:00 – Resilience from injury; learning how much he loves the game 31:00 – “The Mummy” nickname & iconic celebration 40:00 – Open Cup, being the team to beat & chasing trophies 43:00 – Playing with Griezmann; lessons from a World Cup winner 47:00 – TikTok humor and showing his unfiltered personality 50:00 – What does the USWNT's 2027 forward battle look like? More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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USMNT goalkeeper turned podcaster Brad Guzan joins the show this week to reflect on his incredible 21-year career which included stints in MLS and the Premier League. Guzan shares what he's been up to since retiring from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 season and talks about his new role as a sporting advisor and club ambassador for Atlanta United https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC8fg8L4X7qpQdHJgxpM4qxwwhere he supports various club initiatives and hosts The Guuuzan Show. His conversation with host Meghan Klingenberg also touches on the unique challenges and rewards of being a goalkeeper plus U.S.-Mexico, which renews its rivalry this fall in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 3.

Chapters:

01:58 - Kling interviews Brad Guzan

09:58 - Are field players crazy?

17:35 - Early days of MLS at Chivas USA

26:28 - Why is the USA so good at goalkeeping?

35:22 - When Guzan knew it was time to hang up the boots

51:15 - What part of his career makes Guz the most proud?

54:20 - Can the USWNT take away anything from the USMNT's World Cup run?

More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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On this week's episode of the U.S. Soccer presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg is joined by her counterpart from this summer's World Cup coverage, Heath Peace. The former USMNT defender discusses his transition from professional soccer to podcasting @orangeslicespod, highlighting the adrenaline rush of live shows and the joy of learning new skills. He reflects on his career and the importance of gratitude and personal growth. Pearce also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a left back, the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on U.S. Soccer and the unique joys of being a "girl dad." As always, Kling ends the show answering fan questions in our Ask the Pros segment presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts. 01:40 - Kling interviews Heath Pearce 04:45 - Behind the scenes of their FIFA World Cup 2026 live shows 08:35 - Pearce's favorite moment from the World Cup 18:36 - Are you U.S. Soccer's most spirited fan? 20:00 - Why the next international window matters for the USMNT 30:10 - The factors that shaped Pearce's soccer career 42:38 - Who are the Heathens? 49:08 - What to expect out of the USMNT's fall matches More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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On this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg is joined by the referee trio that officiated the Argentina-England Semifinal match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ismail Elfath, Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins made history this summer as the first all-U.S. Soccer referee crew in the men's tournament to referee a World Cup Semifinal. The three link up to recount their incredible experience this summer, including that intense Semifinal match between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Harry Kane's England at Atlanta Stadium. Then, they talk more about their journeys to refereeing, how the three gained trust to work together as a team, including bringing pastries, and how refereeing education makes a difference on the pitch. Chapters: 02:26 - All about that Argentina-England Semifinal 09:02 - How are referees selected for knockout stage matches? 21:24 - How do they know what defines a handball? 28:01 - Ismail gets spicy about VAR 32:02 - What drew the trio to refereeing 39:00 - Should 26-player rosters be expanded? 42:30 - What they would tell young referees 49:00 - What separates players who make a National Team roster? Read More: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/07/federation/all-american-referee-crew-argentina-england-fifa-world-cup-semifinal-atlanta More on Ismail Elfath: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/07/federation/all-american-referee-crew-argentina-england-fifa-world-cup-semifinal-atlanta More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Subscribe to U.S. Soccer on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=ussoccerdotcom

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In this episode, the tables are turned and host Meghan Klingenberg takes the guest seat on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel to talk her return to Portland to celebrate her retirement from professional soccer. Klingenberg reflects on her soccer career, the people and places that shaped her, and what it means to return to Portland, where she spent eight seasons and made so many memories as a player for the NWSL's Portland Thorns. She looks back on her journey, the highs and challenges of a career spent at the highest level, and the moments that made soccer so meaningful along the way. Plus, Kling answers YOUR questions in our Ask the Pros segment presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts. Chapters: 01:29 - David Gass interviews Meghan Klingenberg 10:10 - The Portland Thorns sign Kling still has today 18:54 - What's Kling's favorite moment from her career? 26:32 - What is Kling's personality on the pitch? 35:08 - Looking ahead to the USMNT's next window More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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In this week’s episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast, we sit down with head coach Mauricio Pochettino following the announcement of his new contract. Pochettino reflects on his journey with the U.S. Men's National Team, what made continuing with the program the right decision, and the vision he has for the years ahead as preparations continue for the next chapter, which includes competitions such as the 2027 Concacaf Nations League, 2029 Concacaf Gold Cup and qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Chapters: 01:20 - Meghan Klingenberg interviews Mauricio Pochettino 02:35 - Why was staying with the USMNT the right decision? 07:55 - Pochettino's message to American fans 10:55 - What does a full four-year cycle mean? 15:55 - The biggest lessons from the 2026 FIFA World Cup 23:45 - Young U.S. players to keep an eye on More info: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/08/usmnt/mauricio-pochettino-head-coach-new-contract-through-2030

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What comes next for U.S. Soccer after an incredible FIFA World Cup on home soil? U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson joins host Meghan Klingenberg on this week's episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel to reflect on a historic tournament, discuss what it meant for soccer in the United States, and share his vision for the future of the Federation. Batson looks back on the biggest moments of FIFA World Cup 2026, the continued growth of the game across the country and the opportunities ahead for U.S. Soccer. He also discusses what's next for the USMNT and USWNT in this five-year window, the importance of developing players, coaches and communities and how the Federation plans to build on the momentum generated by one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Kling wraps up with a few reflections and looks ahead to the next chapter for U.S. Soccer as preparations continue for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil and beyond.

Chapters: 00:12 - Meghan Klingenberg interviews JT Batson 04:30 - How many people watched FIFA World Cup 2026? 09:45 - How U.S. Soccer made history this summer 11:20 - What's ahead for U.S. Soccer in the next five years 22:35 - JT's message to soccer fans 27:00 - Ask the Pros presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts
More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast

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World Cup champion Sam Mewis joins former U.S. Women’s National Team teammate Meghan Klingenberg for a wide-ranging conversation about the highs and heartbreaks of her playing career and the journey to finding purpose beyond the field.

Mewis reflects on how serving as an alternate at the 2016 Olympics helped shape the player and teammate she became, the difficult reality of having her career cut short by injury, and how podcasting provided a bridge into an unexpected second act as a creator. She also shares why building community has become central to her work and offers her perspective on the USWNT as the countdown continues to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Plus, Kling reacts to the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and answers your questions in Ask the Pros.

Listen now on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel.

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Claire Hutton joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel to talk about her rapid rise with the U.S. Women’s National Team, becoming one of the youngest players in recent history to wear the captain’s armband and what she’s learned from Emma Hayes and the veteran leaders around her.

Hutton also shares what it’s been like experiencing the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a fan, how the tournament has inspired her own dreams of playing on the world’s biggest stage and why the USWNT’s recent trip to Brazil made the possibility of next summer’s World Cup feel even more real.

Plus, Claire and Kling talk routines, leadership, life as a young professional and what Claire hopes her impact on the game will be when her career is ultimately over — before tackling the important questions in Red Card or Play On, including the 48-team World Cup and Erling Haaland’s now-famous taxidermy raccoon.

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On this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Duda Pavão fills in for Megan Klingenberg and looks back on the USMNT’s 2026 FIFA World Cup run with David Gass, including the historic knockout win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Round of 16 match against Belgium and the players who stood out this summer.

Then, Duda goes behind the scenes with La Colombe Team Barista Becky Reeves to talk life inside USMNT camp, coffee culture, team routines and how soccer has changed the way she sees herself and her work.

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The knockout stage is here.

U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel host Meghan Klingenberg and David Gass break down the USMNT's Round of 32 matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina, what Mauricio Pochettino's side can expect tactically, and the path that could take the United States all the way to the quarterfinals and beyond.

Brenden Aaronson joins the show to discuss getting married just before the FIFA World Cup, the story behind wearing No. 11, and the advice helping him enjoy every moment of the tournament. Then Max Arfsten reflects on his rapid rise to the World Cup roster, the chemistry inside the squad, learning Spanish in camp, and what representing the United States means to him.

Plus, in Ask the Pros presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts, Meghan and David answer listener questions about the future of the women's game ahead of Brazil 2027 and explain how modern fullbacks like Sergiño Dest and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson impact the USMNT.

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The USMNT is through to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Meghan Klingenberg and Heath Pearce react to the group stage finale against Turkey, discuss Christian Pulisic’s return, Austin Trusty’s breakout moment and what the team can take from its first loss of the tournament. On the U.S. Soccer Podcast is presented by Henkel.

Then, they look ahead to the Round of 32 matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina and answer fan questions live from U.S. Soccer House presented by Bank of America in Venice Beach.

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