Lobbing Scorchers, Ari Liljenwall and Noah Riffe break down the first week of the 2026 World Cup with the group stage opening round officially in the books. Egyptian supporters took over Seattle for Belgium and Egypt, downtown fan zones were buzzing without the USMNT even playing in town yet, and Seattle looks every bit the part FIFA hoped it would be. Has the Emerald City already made the case for an even bigger role in future FIFA events?

Lobbing Scorchers digs into the USMNT stock after a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay, with Folarin Balogun emerging as a Golden Boot candidate and Gio Reyna finding his form. But how much should expectations actually change after just one game, and could Australia, with Mohamed Touré and Nestory Irankunda, be a tougher test than anyone is giving them credit for?

The boys share their favorite World Cup moments so far: Cape Verde keeper Vozinha goes from 50,000 Instagram followers to 10.9 million after the Spain draw, Messi drops a hat trick on Algeria, Haaland and Mbappe both bag braces, and FC Dallas striker Petar Musa scores for Croatia in a 4-2 loss to a sharp looking England side.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site.

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

United States House Representative Adam Smith (WA-9) spoke with Lobbing Scorchers' Noah Riffe about the World Cup in Seattle, Smith's personal experience with youth soccer in America, and the Iran War deal signed by Trump.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site.

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Lobbing Scorchers’, Noah Riffe speaks with U.S. Representative Rick Larsen from Washington's 2nd district about the World Cup and its political impacts. Rep. Larsen was involved in getting the tournament to play matches in Seattle.

Rep. Rick Larsen shared his views on how President Donald Trump and his administration have played into visa issues for the Iranian National Team and a Somali official.

The Congressman also shares his love for soccer, the Seattle Sounders, and how he thinks the United States Men's National Team will do at the World Cup.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site.

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re back and kicking off our coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it arrives in Seattle! The biggest tournament in the sport is finally here in the city, and we’re getting into everything that comes with it. We start with the USMNT, breaking down their group-stage hopes, expectations, and where they stand heading into a massive tournament where the pressure is officially on. Then we preview every group-stage World Cup match coming to Seattle, including Belgium vs Egypt, USA vs Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar, and Egypt vs Iran – a slate that will see some of the biggest global superstars face off in Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne and Egyptian superstar Mo Salah.

☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee, a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee

SPONSORS

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Ari Liljenwall
• Niko Moreno

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused live morning show. Join Ari Liljenwall and Niko Moreno live on YouTube every Monday, at 8am Pacific to kickoff your week with the inside scoop on the Seattle Sounders and Major League Soccer. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Pulso Sports' Niko Moreno. Grab a coffee as we talk about the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Noah Riffe of Lobbing Scorchers interviews Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle, Washington. The Interview comes on the heels of Wilson and the administration announcing 1400 free World Cup tickets for youth across the city of Seattle. The pair talk about the ways Seattle has changed for the  massive soccer tournament including pedestrianizing streets, heightened security, increased transit and more. Wilson also addresses right wing controversy with a comment made about the Washington State Millionaires Tax. Wilson and Riffe close the show by discussing the recently passed Sound Transit ST3 update and the Seattle Social Housing Developer.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site.

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

As MLS pauses for the World Cup, we'll give our takes on the weekend's loss to LAFC, then revisit the letter grades we handed out for the Seattle Sounders’ strikers, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers, and coaching staff a few weeks ago and update them. Who’s improved, who’s slipped, and have any of our assessments changed based on the challenging last few weeks? We'll also react to The Guardian leak confirming Cristian Roldan on the USMNT roster (cue the meltdown from the USMNT bots and haters) and run through Pochettino’s full squad and debate whether this group actually has a shot to perform at the World Cup.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site.

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

We react and take calls following Seattle's matchup with LAFC at Lumen Field in Matchday 16.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site.

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Seattle Sounders Technical Director Henry Brauner speaks with Lobbing Scorchers about Generation Adidas Cup, Sounders U15s, Young Honduran star Christopher Batiz, Snyder Brunell breakout, Paul Rothrock and Peter Kingston stories, plus youth soccer access and affordability.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site.

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

On this episode, we break down the emotional rollercoaster that is the Seattle Sounders, from the season’s best win straight into the worst loss, the end of the home undefeated streak, and a worrying stretch of form that was only partially salvaged by the Earthquakes win. We talk Moose’s tooth, then dive into some obligatory striker discourse, including a discussion on whether Seattle’s investment in Jordan Morris was justified, and what Craig Waibel’s response might be if asked about urgency at the striker position. Then, we widen out to the Western Conference, debate which team is clearly superior to Seattle, and preview LAFC as the next opponent: what’s the vibe going into that matchup at BMO Stadium and how should Seattle approach it?

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

We react and take calls following Seattle's matchup with LA Galaxy at Lumen Field in Matchday 14.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Facebook
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe
• Niko Moreno

SPONSORS

☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]