Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos react to another disappointing USMNT performance against Portugal, questioning the tactical approach from Mauricio Pochettino, including the decision to deploy Christian Pulisic as a lone forward in a false 9 role. Tab voices concerns over the lack of a clear identity, while Matt breaks down exactly what went wrong tactically.

They also react to Pochettino’s eye-opening claim that the U.S. doesn’t have a single player among the world’s top 100, and what that says about his coaching style.

Looking ahead, Tab reveals his projected Starting XI for the FIFA World Cup and dives into the toughest roster decisions facing the USMNT. Plus, an early scouting report on Turkiye, as they claim their spot as the U.S.’s third opponent in Group D.

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Tab Ramos and Matt Doyle react to the USMNT’s disastrous second-half collapse in a 5–2 loss to Belgium. Tab breaks down what went wrong, what Mauricio Pochettino could have done differently to slow down Jérémy Doku, and shares his growing concerns about Christian Pulisic, and why the U.S. needs more from “Captain America.”

Looking ahead to the clash with Portugal, Tab reveals his projected Starting XI, evaluates which players are still fighting for roster spots, and outlines what must change immediately... from tactics to mentality… and even the jersey situation.

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Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos break down Christian Pulisic and the importance of him returning to top form, including why building the USMNT attack around his skill set could unlock the team’s full potential. They explore how a core attacking group featuring Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, and Pulisic can transform the final third, and dive into the ongoing question surrounding Tim Weah, where is he most effective for the U.S.: as an attacker or in a deeper defensive role?

The conversation then shifts to the global stage, as Tab and Tom rank their Top 5 dark horse contenders for the FIFA World Cup. Including why they both put the U.S. on the their lists. Plus, Tab offers a detailed look at how the U.S. approached scouting during the 2014 World Cup, revealing the level of preparation required to compete at the highest level.

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As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup heats up, the USMNT March friendlies roster might be our clearest signal yet of what’s to come.

On this episode of Inside American Soccer, Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos react to the latest squad under Mauricio Pochettino. They break down what this roster tells us about the U.S. squad for the World Cup, including notable omissions like Yunus Musah, Diego Luna, Alex Zendejas, and Haji Wright—and the surprises that made the cut, including Gio Reyna, Sebastian Berhalter, and Johnny Cardoso.

Plus, who needs a massive performance this window to stay in the World Cup picture—and which players are already locked in no matter what?

They also build their projected Starting XI for the upcoming match against Belgium, just days away, and Tab shares a personal story about the pressure of fighting for a spot on the 1998 FIFA World Cup roster.

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This week on Inside American Soccer, Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos welcome back USMNT legend Tony Meola. Tony reflects on his unlikely journey, from playing center forward at Kearny High School in New Jersey, to attending the University of Virginia on a dual baseball and soccer scholarship, to the disappointment of being cut from the 1988 Olympic team.

He opens up about the greatest performance of his national team career, the life-changing impact of the 1994 World Cup, and the emotional pump-up video the team watched inside the Pontiac Silverdome the night before their opening match against Switzerland.

Plus, Tab and Tony reveal their All-Time USMNT Starting XIs, and Tony shares the story of becoming the unlikely star of a “Broadway” play.

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Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos dive into the dual-national panic surrounding Noahkai Banks, break down Johnny Cardoso starring in the UEFA Champions League for Atlético Madrid, and examine how Weston McKennie’s new four-year contract with Juventus could shape his role with the USMNT moving forward.

They then rank their Top 5 Most Underrated USMNT players of the last 40 years, featuring names like Jermaine Jones and Benny Feilhaber, along with a few very familiar picks for Inside American Soccer listeners.

Plus, Tab offers a timely and personal look back at the United States vs. Iran match at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, sharing his inside perspective on one of the most politically and emotionally charged games in U.S. Soccer history.

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Tab Ramos and Matt Doyle examine the impact of Josh Sargent’s move to Major League Soccer and where he fits in the USMNT No. 9 depth chart behind Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi. They also raise concerns about Tyler Adams’ return to the Premier League and discuss potential World Cup replacements if needed.

The duo ranks their Top 5 MLS players who must impress Mauricio Pochettino to earn a look in the March friendlies, and Tab shares the story of when U.S. Soccer made the leap from likable underdog to true professionals. Plus, they break down the next step the United States must take to become a genuine global soccer power.

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Tab Ramos and Matt Doyle break down the USMNT depth chart at the No. 9 position. With Haji Wright coming off a hat-trick and Patrick Agyemang reaching double-digit goals in the Championship, they analyze how each striker fits into Mauricio Pochettino’s system along with Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi — both for the upcoming March friendlies and the 2026 World Cup.

Doyle unveils his projected Starting XI for the friendlies, while Tab explains the potential role Noahkai Banks could play for the national team moving forward. The episode also features an in-depth tactical discussion focused on the partnerships and positional balance that could define the U.S. team’s World Cup success.

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Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos are joined by USMNT legend and World Cup goal-scorer Clint Mathis for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the most iconic eras in American soccer. Clint breaks down what made the 2002 U.S. team so special, shares the story behind his Sports Illustrated cover, and explains how his famous mohawk landed him in trouble. Tab reveals why Clint is his favorite American player of all time, and the group offers predictions for how the USMNT will finish at this year’s World Cup.

They also dive into the latest headlines, including rumors surrounding Christian Pulisic’s potential move to Tottenham, Weston McKennie’s contract situation at Juventus, and Clint’s ideal Starting XI for the 2026 World Cup.

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With Tom on paternity leave for a few weeks, Tab Ramos teams up with MLS Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle, and they are joined by USMNT legend Marcelo Balboa for an epic show! They discuss the pressure on the current National Team to at least reach the Quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, and why it was easier being the underdog back in the day. Tom and Marcelo talk about how Pochettino should have handled the ticket prices comments from Tim Weah, the Alex Freeman move to Villarreal, plus Ricardo Pepi's failed move to Fulham and it's impact on his place on the USMNT roster. We also get Marcelo's Starting XI for the U.S., his advice for the 2026 squad, and the behind the scenes details of his legendary near miss bicycle kick goal vs Colombia in the 1994 World Cup. 

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