Presented by Henkel. Step inside the heart of soccer in America with the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Every Wednesday, host David Gass sits down for honest, uplifting conversations with voices from across the soccer landscape. We'll be introducing you to the people working to grow the game at every level from the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams to the Youth and Extended National Teams and beyond. The conversations bring you closer to the players, coaches, and personalities shaping the game in communities across the country, exploring the moments, ideas, and the influencers driving the sport forward. This is where soccer stories live. New episodes drop every week. Join us.
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
JT Batson Reflects on the World Cup & What's Next for U.S. Soccer
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
Sam Mewis on Finding Her Next Chapter, Building Community and the Road to Brazil
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
Claire Hutton on Leadership, Her Rapid Rise and Looking Ahead to Brazil
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
Behind the Scenes with the USMNT's Team Barista + World Cup Reflections
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
Brenden Aaronson, Max Arfsten & Bosnia Preview
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
USMNT Knockout Round Preview: Bosnia, Pulisic & Lessons from Turkey
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
Auston Trusty on His World Cup Debut + USMNT vs. Türkiye Preview
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
USMNT defeat Australia 2-0 in Seattle, post-game reaction
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
Tim Ream on the World Cup, Tierna Davidson on Pride
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
USMNT-Paraguay Postgame Show: Reaction to HUGE 4-1 win
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
USA-Paraguay Preview Plus USMNT's Sebastian Berhalter & Alex Freeman
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
World Cup Kickoff: Guide to U.S. Soccer's Summer Of Activities
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
Soccer Bestie: The Ultimate Guide to USMNT Lore
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
Sleepless Nights, Group Chats and Big Decisions: Inside Poch’s Roster Selection
It’s finally here! This week, the US Men’s National Team World Cup roster was officially announced. These 26 players will carry the hopes and dreams of a nation. On this episode U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg sits down with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino to talk about how it felt to tell the players they made the team, what goes into building and roster, and what characteristics knit this group together. And that’s not all! Kling also introduces a new segment all about USMNT fandom, history, and supporter lore. It’s called ‘Soccer Bestie’. 1:57 – Mauricio join the show 4:02 – How Mauricio shared the news with players 5:43 – Sleepless nights 8:41 – One word to describe the team 12:00 – The Soccer Bestie segment 20:42 – Winning Starts at Home with Ali Hall 23:14 – 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 Guests: Mauricio Pochettino, Ingrid Nilsen Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Behind the Scenes of U.S. Against the World
This week on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg speaks to the creative team behind U.S. Against the World: Four Years with the Men’s National Soccer Team. Director Rand Getlin and Executive Producer Janina Pelayo discuss the series, what it was like to embed with the team, and how the players have changed over the years. 1:47 – Rand and Janina join the show 3:13 – What inspired the project? 8:24 – How did other documentaries influence the team? 24:03 – Rand and Janina discuss how they gather footage 24:52 – Morgan Weaver’s recovery from injury 27:46 – How the players evolved as people 37:50 – Favorite moment the crew captured 44:12 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts Experience the reveal. Be part of the moment. Join us for Roster Reveal 2026 as we unveil the 26 U.S. Men’s National Team players who will be representing the Stars and Stripes this summer. Free for everyone, you can join us at the Rooftop at Pier 17 on May 26 for a fan festival and to witness the live reveal. This generational moment in U.S. Soccer history will also be broadcast live on FOX. Register for the free live event and learn more at https://events.ussoccer.com/rosterreveal2026. The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Host: Meghan Klingenberg Guest: Rand Getlin, Janina Pelayo Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Live in Portland!
This week on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, we’re live in Portland! Host Meghan Klingenberg caught up with former teammates Becky Sauerbrunn, Bella Bixby and Morgan Weaver. In front of a packed crowd, the group discussed the future of the women’s game, overcoming injuries, their favorite pieces of Thorns lore, what the game means to them, and, perhaps most importantly of all: if it’s ever OK to carry an umbrella in Portland. 1:50 – Kling kicks off the show 6:48 – Kling drops Becky’s baby 11:42 – Celebrating women’s sports 21:25 – Thorns lore 24:52 – Morgan Weaver’s recovery from injury 30:12 – Supporter culture in Portland 38:06 – Red card or play on 49:50 – What does soccer mean to you? 53:48 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts This episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, was recorded at the International Women in Sports Film Festival. Learn more at https://www.iwsff.org/ Experience the reveal. Be part of the moment. Join us for Roster Reveal 2026 as we unveil the 26 U.S. Men’s National Team players who will be representing the Stars and Stripes this summer. Free for everyone, you can join us at the Rooftop at Pier 17 on May 26 for a fan festival and to witness the live reveal. This generational moment in U.S. Soccer history will also be broadcast live on FOX. Register for the free live event and learn more at https://events.ussoccer.com/rosterreveal2026. The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Host: Meghan Klingenberg Guest: Becky Sauerbrunn, Bella Bixby, Morgan Weaver Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Heather O’Reilly on Hall of Fame Induction, Italian Adventures and USWNT glory
This week on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, we’re talking to new Hall of Fame inductee Heather O’Reilly. HAO, as she’s known to friends and fans alike, sat down with host Meghan Klingenberg to talk about becoming a Hall of Famer, her latest adventures in Italian soccer with Como 1907 and her favorite USWNT memories. 0:00 – HAO joins the show 1:59 – Hall of Fame induction 6:17 – College lore 13:28 – HAO talks about leadership 20:44 – Competitive spirit 28:55 – HAO on her recent work with Como 1907 43:37 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts In partnership with Purina, our first-ever Pet Kit is now available for U.S. Soccer fans and their four-legged companions. From walks in the park to watch parties with friends, it’s a fun way to show your U.S. Soccer pride and help grow the game in communities across the country. Get yours today here. The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Host: Meghan Klingenberg Guest: Heather O’Reilly Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sip Happens: World Cup Hydration Breaks Explained
Last year, FIFA announced that every World Cup game will pause for three minutes in each half for a hydration break. The policy was tested in the last international window, and many observers said that the breaks have fundamentally changed soccer. How? That’s the question we answer on this week’s episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel when U.S. Under-19 Men’s National Team head coach Gonzalo Segares joins host Meghan Klingenberg to discuss. 0:00 – Cold open 2:44 – Gonzalo Segares joins the show 4:08 – Gonzalo explains how the breaks will be used for tactics 6:57 – How Gonzalo has seen other coaches use the breaks to their advantage 13:23 – Will the breaks create a game of four quarters? 19:47 – Discussion of how the breaks might impact the flow of games 25:52 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Host: Meghan Klingenberg Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kling Goes to Referee Camp
World Cup winner Meghan Klingenberg played soccer at the highest level, but can she cut it as a referee? Find out on this special episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, when Kling embeds at National Match Official Camp to find out what it takes to be an elite referee. Along the way, Kling will analyze refereeing decisions, referee games and take on the dreaded fitness. And she’ll also put her preconceived notions to the test and find out who referees really are, and why they sacrifice so much to be a part of the game. 0:00 – Cold open 3:36 – Kling goes to camp 7:47 – Kling meets the referees 17:50 – Kling runs the fitness test 24:55 – Kling refs small-sided games 27:34 – Camp closing ceremony 30:40 – Kling’s closing thoughts 36:33 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Written by Meghan Klingenberg and Matthew Nelson Produced by Matthew Nelson Edited by Matthew Nelson and Patrick Nichols Videography by Edwin Hernandez and Graham Rowlands Still images by Kelly Gavin Special thanks to Kari Seitz, Matt Cheeseman and Jared Mundie To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
