The Cooligans

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Lionel Messi's historic hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory and discuss what it means for his final World Cup. With Messi now tied for the most World Cup goals ever, the guys debate who had the best opening performance of the tournament: Messi, Kylian Mbappé or Erling Haaland. They also discuss Christian Pulisic's calf injury and whether Mauricio Pochettino should protect his captain against Australia or trust him to lead the United States once again.

Next, The Cooligans welcome Ben Fawkes for another World Cup betting segment. The crew breaks d...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react live to France's commanding 3-1 victory over AFCON giants Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kylian Mbappé stole the headlines with a brilliant brace, but the guys break down the six biggest takeaways from an entertaining clash between two of the tournament's most talented teams. What did France prove? And what positives can Senegal take despite the defeat?

Next, Christian and Alexis reveal their Player of the Match selections—and for once, they don't agree. One host believes Mbappé's two-goal performance deserves the honor, while the other argues that Michael Olis...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup so far as Cape Verde earn a stunning draw against Spain. Are Spain already in trouble, or is this just an early bump in the road? The guys also discuss whether Cape Verde can ride the momentum all the way to the knockout rounds before turning their attention to Lionel Messi. With what is likely his final World Cup underway, can Messi put the GOAT debate to rest forever by winning a second World Cup, or do Pelé and Maradona still have a c...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down their biggest takeaways from an action-packed World Cup weekend, presented by Smirnoff Ice. Alexis explains why Mauricio Pochettino proved friendlies are meant for experimentation, why Scotland deserves to be taken seriously beyond their traveling support, and why Gio Reyna may have played his way into a major club transfer after the tournament. Christian highlights the atmosphere created by Zohran ticket winners at Brazil vs. Morocco, the technology that correctly overturned an offside call for Sweden, and why Tim Ream continues to prove he belongs in the USMNT lineup—and perhaps even deserves th...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show by reacting to Australia's shocking victory over Türkiye. With the Socceroos continuing to exceed expectations on the world's biggest stage, the guys debate whether Australia could be a serious threat to the USMNT and whether they're becoming one of the tournament's most dangerous dark horses.

Next, The Cooligans turn their attention to Brazil after a disappointing performance against Morocco. Christian and Alexis break down what went wrong, whether Brazil's issues are temporary or more serious, and if one of the pre-tournament favorites might be headed for an e...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react live to the USMNT's stunning 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The boys break down one of the most complete performances in modern U.S. Soccer history, discussing how Mauricio Pochettino's side overwhelmed a talented South American opponent with confidence, intensity and attacking quality. They also name Folarin Balogun their Player of the Match after his brilliant two-goal performance.

Then, Christian and Alexis dive deeper into the individual performances that powered the victory. From Gio Reyna's spectacular goal to Christian Pulisic's dominant first-half...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off The Cooligans by breaking down the 10 players every fan should be watching at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From global superstars ready to dominate the tournament to breakout talents who could become household names overnight, the guys identify the players most likely to define the biggest sporting event on the planet.

Then, USWNT star Trinity Rodman joins the show to discuss the United States' intense recent friendlies against Brazil, what it's like seeing the World Cup come to the United States and what advice she would give the US Men's National...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show by making their biggest predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From who will lift the trophy to who will win the Golden Boot and which nation could fall short of expectations, The Cooligans put their reputations on the line with their boldest World Cup takes. Then, Colombian actress and global superstar Sofía Vergara joins the show to talk about growing up in a soccer-obsessed Colombia, her favorite World Cup memories and why she's excited to see the tournament return to North America.

Next, Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room s...

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros unveil their official World Cup Power Rankings! Which nations make the top 15 heading into the tournament? Is the USMNT among the world's elite, or do they still have work to do? The guys debate the biggest contenders, surprise inclusions, notable omissions, and ultimately settle on their consensus favorite to lift the trophy.

Then, USWNT icon and World Cup champion Alex Morgan joins the show for an insightful conversation about retirement, motherhood, and her evolving life away from the pitch. Alex reflects on her legendary career and shares the advice she'd give Christian...

The Cooligans are LIVE with immediate reaction to the United States men's national soccer team’s thrilling 3–2 victory over the Senegal national football team in a high-stakes World Cup warm-up! Did the performance answer important questions, or raise even more concerns? We break down the biggest moments from the match, what stood out tactically, and whether the team showed enough to build momentum heading into the summer.

We also give Player of the Game honors to Christian Pulisic after a standout performance and ask the big question: is he officially back? Has he finally moved past his...

The Cooligans are LIVE with immediate reaction to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. securing back-to-back UEFA Champions League Final triumphs! We break down the biggest moments from the match, ask whether Arsenal F.C. set up too defensively for a game of this magnitude, and react to the loudest takes, memes, and hottest opinions flooding the internet after the final whistle.

We also hand out Player of the Game honors to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and debate how league strength may have influenced the outcome. Did playing in a weaker domestic environment help PSG stay fresher and more dangerous...

The Cooligans are LIVE from the roster reveal for the United States men's national soccer team ahead of the FIFA World Cup! We kick things off with instant reactions to the vibe, tension, excitement, and atmosphere surrounding one of the biggest moments in American soccer. What does this roster tell us about expectations for a World Cup on home soil, and what are fans already feeling about this squad? Then, USMNT left back Antonee Robinson joins the show to talk about hearing his name called, the emotion of being selected, and the unity building inside the team ahead of...

The leaked USMNT World Cup roster is here and The Cooligans are diving into every shocking inclusion and painful omission. Did Mauricio Pochettino get it right leaving Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann off the list? Should Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas have made the squad? Christian and Alexis debate the biggest roster controversies and what these decisions say about the future of the U.S. Men’s National Team heading into the World Cup.

Then, former Mexico striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández joins the show for one of the most thoughtful football conversations we’ve had in a long ti...

Arsenal are finally Premier League champions! After more than two decades of heartbreak, near-misses, memes, and endless “bottlers” jokes, Mikel Arteta’s side has officially brought the title back to North London. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether this championship changes Arsenal’s reputation forever and if this young squad could become the next true Premier League dynasty. Plus, NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani reacts to Arsenal’s title win and explains his new initiative aimed at helping New Yorkers get affordable tickets for the upcoming World Cup.

Then, former USMNT midfielder and Fox Sports analyst Stu Holden joi...

Xabi Alonso is heading to Chelsea and the football world is divided. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether Chelsea is truly the best destination for one of Europe’s most in-demand managers and why Liverpool may have passed on making a move for their former midfield legend. Can Alonso handle the pressure and dysfunction at Stamford Bridge, or is this the beginning of a new Chelsea era?

Then, USMNT and Fulham left back Antonee Robinson joins The Cooligans! “Jedi” talks about the growth and maturity of the U.S. men’s national team ahead of the biggest...

MLS salary numbers are officially out and the results are wild. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Lionel Messi making more money than 28 entire MLS teams and debate whether his arrival has truly been worth the investment for the league. The boys also discuss MLS potentially loosening salary cap restrictions and whether spending more freely would actually improve the quality and competitiveness of American soccer.

Then, USMNT captain and AC Milan superstar Christian Pulisic joins The Cooligans! Pulisic talks about preparing for the biggest World Cup of his career, partnering with Michelob Ultra for their...

Christian Pulisic missed the weekend with a reported glute injury, and with the World Cup right around the corner, USMNT fans officially have reason to sweat. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether this is just precautionary rest or a real concern for the American star’s form and fitness heading into the biggest tournament of his career. Is the pressure starting to mount for the USMNT captain?

Then, USMNT legend Landon Donovan joins the show for a candid conversation about the modern American soccer player. Landon shares advice for Christian Pulisic ahead of the World Cup, ex...

Arsenal are headed to the Champions League Final, but are they completely underestimating PSG? The Cooligans break down why Luis Enrique may have built the perfect tactical trap for Mikel Arteta’s side and whether Arsenal are truly ready for the biggest match in club football. The boys preview every angle of the final, debate who has the edge mentally and tactically, and give their official predictions.

Then USMNT captain Tim Ream joins the show! The Charlotte FC defender opens up about the pressure of hosting a World Cup on home soil, what’s changed inside the USMN...

The future of the Vancouver Whitecaps is in serious doubt, and we’ve got the inside scoop. The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio joins the show to unpack the latest on the potential relocation to Las Vegas, who else is in the mix, and what fans and local officials are doing to try and save the club. How real is the threat—and what are the actual chances Vancouver keeps its team?

San Diego FC defender Luca Bombino stops by to share his journey through the game, including the difficult decision between representing Italy or the USMNT. He also r...

The handball rule is back under the spotlight, and this time the boys are not holding back. Why does the UEFA Champions League continue to produce wildly inconsistent handball decisions? From baffling calls to moments where the law seems impossible to interpret, they break down why the current rule is frustrating everyone involved—and what changes could actually fix it.

Then, Tyler Adams joins the show for an insightful and honest interview about his journey with Bournemouth and the USMNT. He opens up about the expectations surrounding a home World Cup, what it means to represent the U...

Football may be the world’s game, but is it still for the fans? The Cooligans dive into Pep Guardiola’s pointed comments on World Cup ticket prices and his belief that supporters are the heartbeat of the sport. We examine what has gone wrong with the business-first mentality surrounding the tournament and whether football is losing touch with the very people who made it global.

Next, we’re joined by USMNT and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie for an honest and revealing conversation about the state of the national team. Weston explains why the squad remains confident despit...

The future of the Vancouver Whitecaps is suddenly in question, and fans are not taking it quietly. With stadium complications threatening the club’s long-term place in the city, the Cooligans break down what’s really happening behind the scenes and whether Vancouver can realistically keep its team. This isn’t just about one club—it’s about what MLS values most when push comes to shove: markets, money, or supporters.

Then, Clint Dempsey joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about the upcoming World Cup and the growing concern that real fans are being priced out of the big...

Are Arsenal F.C. doing it again? Another late-season stumble has fans questioning whether this team is truly ready to win the Premier League—or if expectations have gotten ahead of reality. We dive into the growing scrutiny on Mikel Arteta and ask the big question: if Arsenal end the season without silverware, is it time to seriously reconsider the project? Plus, we react to Liverpool F.C.’s massive Merseyside derby win over Everton F.C. and what it means for the European race.

Then we’re joined by NYCFC cult hero and Brooklyn FC midfielder Tommy...

Is Kylian Mbappé the problem at Real Madrid? It’s a question that would’ve sounded ridiculous a year ago—but now, with no major trophies since his arrival and his former club continuing to dominate in Europe, it’s a conversation fans can’t avoid. We also dive into whether Harry Kane has emerged as the unexpected Ballon d’Or favorite and break down our picks for who will actually win the Champions League as the semifinals approach.

Then we’re joined by Sophia Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation that goes beyond the pitch. She explains why sh...

Inter Miami were supposed to be unstoppable—but early in the season, they look anything but. Is this just a slow start, or is there something fundamentally wrong with how this team was built around Lionel Messi? We dig into whether David Beckham and the club’s leadership miscalculated, why the supporting cast isn’t clicking, and what Inter Miami can realistically do to fix things before expectations spiral out of control.

Then we take a step back and look across the league. MLS always delivers chaos early in the season, but this year feels especially unpredictable. We bre...

Michael Olise is on a ridiculous run, closing in on Lionel Messi’s single-season assist record and forcing a real conversation: is he the best winger in the world right now? We break down what’s actually driving his production, whether the Messi comparisons are fair or completely out of control, and what it says about how quickly fans crown “the next Messi.” Plus, PSG just ran through Liverpool, and now questions are getting louder around Arne Slot—is this a system problem, a personnel issue, or something deeper?

Then we get into one of the messiest stories in...

In this special episode, The Cooligans go one-on-one with NYCFC CEO Brad Sims for an in-depth conversation about what it really takes to run a club in Major League Soccer. We kick things off with the long and complicated journey to get a stadium built in New York City—why it took so long, what hurdles had to be cleared, and what it reveals about how sports, politics, and business collide in one of the toughest markets in the world.

From there, we zoom out to the league level and tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding ML...

Christian Pulisic is supposed to be the guy for the USMNT—but right now, it’s not looking great. We break down his dip in form for both club and country and ask the uncomfortable question: can the U.S. really trust him to deliver on the biggest stage? Is this just a rough patch, or are we seeing the limits of what he can be as the face of American soccer?

We also partnered with Meta to tap directly into the fan conversation, answering your biggest USMNT questions straight from Threads. From lineup debates to World Cup...

Another tough result for the USMNT, this time a 2-0 loss to Portugal—and the questions are only getting louder. We break down exactly what went wrong, from tactical issues to individual performances, and ask the big question: is it time to panic? Bruno Fernandes ran the show for Portugal and earns our Player of the Game, while Christian Pulisic’s struggles are becoming harder to ignore. What does his current form mean for the U.S. heading into a massive summer?

With the March international window now behind us, we take a step back and evaluate Maur...

That was rough. The USMNT got hit hard in a 5-2 loss to Belgium, and we went live immediately after the final whistle to make sense of it all. Is this the kind of loss that forces growth—or proof that this team just isn’t ready yet? We break down Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, decisions, and whether he got it completely wrong on the night. Then, USMNT legend Marcelo Balboa joins us to offer real insight into what failed on the pitch and what the team must fix before it’s too late.

Belgium came to play, an...

Arsenal fans, we’ve been here before… and it’s not pretty. The Gunners have let another trophy slip through their fingers, and we’re asking the big question: what’s actually missing? Is it mentality, depth, tactics—or something deeper? We break down where it all went wrong and what needs to change if Arsenal want to stop being “almost” and start being champions. Plus, things get weird off the pitch as Jorginho finds himself in an unexpected back-and-forth with pop star Chappell Roan. Trust us, this story is as chaotic as it sounds.

Then, we’re joined by one o...

The World Cup is around the corner, and the USMNT roster decisions are getting real. We dig into Mauricio Pochettino’s latest squad selection and debate whether he got it right—or if there are some glaring issues that could haunt the U.S. on the biggest stage. One of the biggest talking points: Gio Reyna. Is he still deserving of a place in this team, or is it time to move on? We also explore Ricardo Pepi’s reported move to Fulham and why this could be a make-or-break moment in his career as he fights to become the US...

On this episode of The Cooligans, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros dive into the early MLS season and ask a big question: are LAFC already pulling away from the rest of the league? With Vancouver and Inter Miami chasing close behind, the guys break down whether anyone can keep up with LAFC’s dominant start or if we’re witnessing the beginning of another runaway season.

Across the Atlantic, Liverpool’s frustrating habit of dropping points late in matches continues, raising questions about whether new manager Arne Slot deserves some blame. The hosts also take a look at Pep...

Real Madrid continued their quest for their 16th Champions League title on Wednesday in the Round of 16. After handily defeating Manchester City in the first leg 3–0, many are starting to wonder if there is a certain aura surrounding Real Madrid when they play in this tournament. Is it something that the Blues and other potential foes will be able to overcome the rest of the way?

The conversation then shifts to Tottenham Hotspur’s miserable season continuing as they were trounced in their first leg of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid. While their prospects for a bet...

The international break drama starts with a major blow for the United States as Sergiño Dest goes down with another injury. Alexis and Christian analyze how big the loss is for Mauricio Pochettino’s system and explore the realistic options the USMNT has at right-back moving forward. Is there a clear replacement, or does the position become a tactical problem heading into upcoming friendlies?

The conversation then shifts to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s visit to the White House—an appearance that sparked unexpected backlash, particularly among Argentine fans. The hosts unpack why the moment created...

Are results enough, or should great teams also play beautiful football? The guys debate whether Arsenal F.C.’s winning formula is coming at the expense of the “beautiful game.” If you’re a title contender, should the expectations be higher than just grinding out results? Meanwhile, Manchester United fan Matty FC joins the show to talk about the recent resurgence at Manchester United F.C. and whether the positive run under Michael Carrick is the beginning of something real—or just a short-term bounce.

Next, we look toward the future of Europe’s elite goal scorers. With Erling...

The MLS season is heating up and we’ve got takes. MLS analyst Matt Doyle stops by to help us separate early-season overreactions from real trends. Is Julian Hall’s breakout with the New York Red Bulls the beginning of a superstar arc or just a hot streak? Are Inter Miami CF papering over long-term roster concerns despite their win over Orlando City SC? And can the early momentum from the San Jose Earthquakes — and Timo Werner — actually last? We dig into what’s real, what’s noise, and what it means moving forward.

Then we head across the A...

Could Antoine Griezmann really be headed to Orlando City SC — and if so, would he be the one player capable of challenging Lionel Messi for MLS supremacy? We kick things off by diving into the rumor, the fit, and what Griezmann’s personality and playing style would mean for the league. Is this realistic, or just classic MLS chaos?

Then NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins the show. She reflects on Gotham’s improbable championship run, the weight of expectations heading into the new season, and what it’s like being a 10-year NWSL veteran who’s se...

LAFC sent a loud message in their 3-0 dismantling of Inter Miami, and it wasn’t just about the scoreline. Los Angeles FC looked sharp, organized, and ruthless, while Inter Miami CF looked frustrated and overwhelmed. We break down what went wrong for Miami, what this result means long-term, and whether Lionel Messi’s heated postgame interaction with referees is a sign of deeper cracks. Plus, we recap the rest of MLS opening weekend and highlight the teams that set the tone early.

Across the pond, the Premier League title race is heating up once again. Manchester City...

The Cooligans welcome former MLS head coach and analyst Giovanni Savarese for a deep dive into the 2026 MLS season. Gio shares his predictions, breakout teams to watch, and how the league continues to evolve ahead of a massive 2026 on home soil. The conversation also turns to the USMNT, as the guys assess expectations, pressure, and what success should realistically look like at the 2026 World Cup.

Christian and Alexis then tackle the troubling racist incident involving Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s clash with Benfica. They unpack how these situations are currently handled, question whether the resp...