U.S. Soccer Podcast

Jaksot

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  Paxten Aaronson on Returning to MLS, Open Cup Semifinals & Brother Brenden 16.09.2026 49min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Daryl Dike’s Grit, Growth & Coming Home to Orlando City 09.09.2026 46min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Brad Guzan on USMNT-Mexico, MLS, Atlanta United & What's Next 02.09.2026 58min

  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  where 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Heath Pearce on the USMNT's Fall Slate & Being a Girl Dad | U.S. Soccer Podcast 26.08.2026 54min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  How Three Americans Officiated Argentina-England at FIFA World Cup 2026 19.08.2026 54min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Meghan Klingenberg on Returning to Portland 12.08.2026 42min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Inside Mauricio Pochettino's New Contract 03.08.2026 26min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  JT Batson Reflects on the World Cup & What's Next for U.S. Soccer 29.07.2026 32min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Sam Mewis on Finding Her Next Chapter, Building Community and the Road to Brazil 22.07.2026 1t 3min

  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Claire Hutton on Leadership, Her Rapid Rise and Looking Ahead to Brazil 15.07.2026 46min

  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Behind the Scenes with the USMNT's Team Barista + World Cup Reflections 08.07.2026 1t 11min

  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Brenden Aaronson, Max Arfsten & Bosnia Preview 01.07.2026 55min

  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  USMNT Knockout Round Preview: Bosnia, Pulisic & Lessons from Turkey 26.06.2026 33min

  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Auston Trusty on His World Cup Debut + USMNT vs. Türkiye Preview 24.06.2026 1t 7min

  The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is back as the USMNT prepares to close out the group stage against Türkiye. Meghan Klingenberg and David Gass break down the matchup, what makes Türkiye a dangerous opponent and how the U.S. can balance rest, momentum and squad rotation with the knockout rounds ahead. Then, USMNT defender Auston Trusty joins the show following his World Cup debut. He reflects on the atmosphere in Seattle, the belief inside the group, his title-winning season with Celtic, the intensity of the Old Firm rivalry and the moments that inspired his own soccer journey. Plus, Meghan visits the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Beach Soccer National Teams in Venice Beach, and Zoo Atlanta’s psychic animal predictions return for USA vs. Türkiye. The U.S. has already secured its place in the knockout rounds, but there is still plenty to play for against Türkiye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  USMNT defeat Australia 2-0 in Seattle, post-game reaction 22.06.2026 39min

  The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is live from U.S. Soccer House presented by Bank of America in Venice Beach following the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia. Meghan Klingenberg and Heath Pierce break down a gritty, complete performance that puts the USA atop the group with six points, including Alex Freeman’s player-of-the-match performance, the team’s collective fight, managing yellow cards and injuries, and what the result means heading into the final group-stage match against Turkey. Plus, Meghan and Heath take questions from fans on the USMNT’s belief, the World Cup’s potential impact on youth soccer, and their all-time U.S. five-a-side team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Tim Ream on the World Cup, Tierna Davidson on Pride 17.06.2026 1t 14min

  The USMNT is riding high after a statement-making World Cup opener against Paraguay, but there's no time to relax with Australia next on the schedule. Meghan Klingenberg and David Gass break down what made the U.S. performance so special, the challenges Australia presents, and why Tim Ream's leadership could be crucial as the tournament rolls on. Then Meghan sits down with Ream to discuss the emotions of playing a World Cup on home soil, the message he shared with the team before kickoff, how he keeps performing at 38 years old, and why building Legos might be the secret to longevity. Plus, USWNT defender Tierna Davidson joins the show from Brazil for a thoughtful conversation about Pride Month, representation, allyship, and the importance of visibility in soccer and beyond. All that, plus Psychic Animal Predictions, Ask the Pros, and more on the U.S. Soccer Podcast, presented by Henkel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  USMNT-Paraguay Postgame Show: Reaction to HUGE 4-1 win 13.06.2026 33min

  The U.S. Soccer Podcast, presented by Henkel went live from Soccer House, presented by Bank of America in Venice Beach, after the USMNT's resounding 4-1 win over Paraguay to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Host Meghan Klingenberg is joined by USMNT alum and analyst Heath Pearce to react and break down the game, while also answering fan questions. All live in front of the U.S. Soccer Insiders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  USA-Paraguay Preview Plus USMNT's Sebastian Berhalter & Alex Freeman 10.06.2026 1t 12min

  U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel host Meghan Klingenberg is on the ground in Los Angeles covering FIFA World Cup 2026! She's bringing you all the fun content -- player interviews, match previews, animal predictions and more -- as the tournament kicks off this week for the U.S. with the opening group stage match versus Paraguay on June 12.This week, Kling is talking to two players on Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup roster: Sebastian Berhalter and Alex Freeman. She interviews them both to discuss their paths to the USMNT, what it means to represent their country and their World Cup dreams.02:00 - USA-Paraguay Preview with David Gass27:50 - Interview with USMNT's Sebastian Berhalter at Stars & Stripes House presented by La Colombe49:05 - Interview with USMNT's Alex Freeman from base camp training site in Irvine, California Plus psychic animal predictions with Zoo Atlanta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  World Cup Kickoff: Guide to U.S. Soccer's Summer Of Activities 10.06.2026 9min

  U.S. Soccer host Meghan Klingenberg sits down with Duda Pavão, host of the Stars & Stripes House in the U.S. Men's National Team base camp, to talk through everything you can expect from the podcast and U.S. Soccer during the World Cup. This includes information about the Soccer House activation in Venice Beach, all the fan activities and programming including live podcasts, musical performances and even a Beach Men's and Women's Soccer Team double header. Duda also talks about the content fans can expect from the Men's National Team when they step foot on the Stars & Stripes House in the base camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Soccer Bestie: The Ultimate Guide to USMNT Lore 03.06.2026 50min

  Ever wondered how the USA got to host the 1994 World Cup? What's dos a cero? And what's up with those steamy pictures of Landon Donovan slurping from a water fountain? Don’t worry, the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is here to help! Just in time for the 2026 World Cup, Host Meghan Klingenberg  breaks down U.S. soccer lore, and gives you all the knowledge you'll need to support team USA, and sound like you know what the heck you're talking about at your local sports bar. This is Soccer Bestie.   1:07 – Part 1: True to this, not new to this  8:25 – Part 2: The shot heard around the world  18:19 – Part 3: Slurp!  28:41 – Part 4: What is dos a cero? 36:18 – Part 5: What to wear?  45:46 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    Coming soon to Los Angeles is U.S. Soccer House presented by Bank of America, a fan-first space where fans of all ages can gather, celebrate, and support the U.S. Men’s National Team. Located one block from the shores of Venice Beach, the U.S. Soccer House presented by Bank of America will bring the energy of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup to life from June 11-26. Access is free for all U.S. Soccer Insiders. Register to be an Insider today and learn more here.  Host: Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Ingrid Nilsen  Producer: Matthew Nelson & Patrick Nichols  Written by: Meghan Klingenberg & Matthew Nelson  Edited by: Matthew Nelson & Patrick Nichols  Soccer Bestie theme by: Jathan Caldwell  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices