On this episode of the Cooligans, Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco break down Wednesday's UCL results and pose the question... Why don't attacking players want to sign for Arsenal?

From there we dive into the Ballon D'or nominations which include Harry Kane and lack a plethora of NWSL players

To round out the show, we hit all the Rápido Reactions from Antoine Griezmann dying in the heat, to MLS breaking the bank on players.

All that and more on this episode of The Cooligans.

00:00 It's our 1000th episode

03:50 Wednesday's UCL reaction

22:30 Ballon D'or nominations

44:25 Rápido Reactions

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Alexis & Christian are joined by journalist and author Joey D’Urso (“More Than a Shirt”) to reveal how global politics and big money collide on the front of your favorite football shirts. From the wild story behind Arsenal’s JVC era to clubs with sponsors tied to oil states, crypto, local businesses and everything in between, the conversation uncovers just how much history (and drama) is stitched into every kit.

(2:35) Joey's book "More Than a Shirt"

(8:08) Lessons learned from writing the book

(11:02) Reconciling club fandom with club business

(18:58) Women's soccer shirt sponsors

(26:11) Evolution of shirt sponsors

(34:58) Standout stories from "More Than a Shirt"

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Christian & Alexis dig into the chaos of the European transfer window and try to make sense of why Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton collapsed at the last minute. They also explore Premier League spending and how other European teams can attempt to compete financially.

Up next, the pair react to the news that MLS teams are back in the U.S. Open Cup and what that might indicate for the future of soccer in the United States. Could promotion/relegation finally come to the beautiful game in America?

Finally, Christian & Alexis break down the UEFA Champions League draw, share the teams they are most excited to watch and predict this year's UCL winner. 

(11:35) Folarin Balogun transfer to Everton collapses

(29:22) MLS teams to return to US Open Cup

(52:45) UCL draw reactions 

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On this episode of The Cooligans Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down Leo Messi announcing he is retiring from international duty. Is it for real this time?

To round out the show we discect the latest in the ongoing battle between UEFA and Gianni Infantino. 

All that and more on this episode of The Cooligans.

00:00 We're Back!

06:30 Messi announces international retirement

27:45 US Soccer steps in

49:05 UEFA vs Infantino 

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Live from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros broadcast immediately following the MLS All-Star Game. The hosts react to Major League Soccer securing back-to-back victories over the Liga MX All-Stars and discuss the electric fan atmosphere inside the venue. Between unexpected live broadcast interruptions from stadium staff and behind-the-scenes window adjustments, the guys break down the game's highlights, performance stats, and overall fanfare.

David Gass from SoccerWise joins the suite to deliver postgame analysis and debate how to revamp the All-Star showcase. Together, they pitch wild concept changes—including 5v5 ladder tournaments, manager goalkeepers, referee bribery mechanics, and an off-season All-Star event built around Lionel Messi in Miami. The crew also reflects on the "high school reunion" feel of All-Star week and why reconnecting with friends across the sport remains the real highlight.

Later in the stream, Pelé Soccer marketing director Mickey Voll stops by to discuss the business of soccer. Mickey reacts to Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell FIFA World Cup commercial rights to private investors led by Josh Kushner, and drops a mind-blowing retail stat about Atlanta United outselling Real Madrid and Manchester United in North American jersey sales. To close out the show, the hosts weigh in on MLS's upcoming calendar transition and recount Alexis's viral rain-delay shower cap moment while presenting Thomas Müller with his skills trophy.

(00:00) — Live from Charlotte: Stadium Window Chaos & MLS Beats Liga MX Again

(05:52) — David Gass Joins: Fixing the All-Star Format & 5v5 Tournament Ideas

(15:27) — Will Lionel Messi Ever Play in an MLS All-Star Game?

(19:26) — Mickey Voll Joins: Pelé Soccer & Gianni Infantino's FIFA Private Equity Plan

(27:00) — Mind-Blowing Retail Stats: When Atlanta United Beat Real Madrid in Jersey Sales

(32:00) — MLS Schedule Overhaul, Promotion/Relegation & Alexis's Viral Rain Cap

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Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros return to process the full-force return of Major League Soccer following the World Cup break. Christian kicks off the show with a hilarious and relatable personal story about taking his 3.5-year-old son to his first competitive soccer class 1v1s. The hosts then dive into the latest blockbusters across MLS, analyzing Casemiro’s 1-0 debut for Inter Miami as a physical midfield anchor, Antoine Griezmann’s immediate scoring spark for Orlando City, and Christian’s in-person breakdown of Robert Lewandowski’s debut for the Chicago Fire against NYCFC.

Next, Angel City FC forward Riley Tiernan joins the podcast for a fun, wide-ranging interview. The NWSL sophomore shares her journey from an unsigned trialist to team top scorer, explaining how getting passed over initially fueled her "dog" mentality on the pitch. Riley also details her commitment to Rutgers in 8th grade, breaks down her viral Flying Dutchman order at In-N-Out, discusses her U.S. U-23 national team call-up, and reacts to a viral post-match meme.

To close out the episode, Christian and Alexis inject a heavy dose of "hopamine" as they turn their focus toward rebuilding the USMNT for 2030. The hosts highlight six rising American youth prospects who could transform the national team's core—including Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan and 6'6" center back Neil Pierre, dual-national defender Noahkai Banks, Orlando's Justin Ellis, RSL playmaker Zavier Gozo, and Chelsea goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.

(00:00) — Toddler Soccer Battles: Christian's Son Faces 1v1 Drama

(09:16) — Casemiro's Inter Miami Debut: Replacing Sergio Busquets

(18:46) — Antoine Griezmann Hits the Ground Running in Orlando

(22:24) — Watching Robert Lewandowski Live: Chicago Fire vs. NYCFC

(27:00) — Riley Tiernan Interview: NWSL Rise, In-N-Out Secret Menu & Jersey Pride

(52:27) — USMNT Hopamine: 6 Young Prospects for the 2030 World Cup

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Fresh off their 11-city Breakaway Tour, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros return to the studio to process the post-World Cup soccer landscape. Christian kicks off the episode with an unbelievable travel horror story about a chaotic flight delay from Miami to Dallas involving an intoxicated passenger, an unruly accusation, and an emergency flight attendant swap. The hosts then dive into a blueprint for the future, detailing radical ways to overhaul US Soccer and turn the USMNT into legitimate contenders for the 2030 World Cup—from ending pay-to-play under Arsène Wenger and merging CONCACAF with CONMEBOL to creating a 50-state "States Cup" tournament.

Next, the guys welcome USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview. Tyler breaks his silence on the team's World Cup exit against Belgium, setting the record straight on what really went down in camp when Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was rescinded 20 hours before kickoff. He reflects on Mauricio Pochettino's front-foot tactical philosophy, reveals why Pochettino declaring he "wished he was American" after singing Country Roads was his favorite team memory, and details his ongoing community mini-pitch initiative with Allstate.

Finally, the hosts analyze the summer transfer window frenzy and critique the latest kit drops across world football. They break down major moves including Morgan Rogers’ £117M transfer to Chelsea, Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski signing with the Chicago Fire, and Casemiro’s move to Inter Miami amid LA Galaxy discovery-rights drama. They close out the show with a look at Manchester City and Real Madrid's roster overhauls, Sebastian Berhalter’s transfer to Middlesbrough, and a fashion breakdown of the best and worst jerseys of the season.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Post-Tour Return & Christian's Wild Flight Delay Story

(12:29) — 10 Ways to Fix the USMNT & Win the 2030 World Cup

(41:46) — Tyler Adams Exclusive: Balogun Red Card Drama, Poch's Impact & Belgium Defeat

(51:49) — Blockbuster Transfers: Morgan Rogers to Chelsea & Anthony Gordon to Barça

(01:01:41) — MLS Transfer Chaos: Casemiro, Lewandowski & Sebastian Berhalter

(01:13:20) — European Giants Overhaul: Man City's Rebuild & Real Madrid's Free Transfers

(01:20:26) — Kit Reviews: Best & Worst Jersey Drops of the Season

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Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros cap off their 11-city Breakaway Tour with an electric live reaction show immediately following Spain’s 1-0 World Cup Final victory over Argentina. The hosts dissect a defensive masterclass from La Roja, who neutralized Lionel Messi and held Argentina to zero shots on target across 120 minutes of play. The guys break down the game's turning point—Enzo Fernández's second yellow card for dissent—and Ferran Torres' dramatic extra-time winner just 30 seconds into the second half of extra time. They also marvel at Spain’s historic achievement of conceding just one single goal across eight World Cup matches.

The conversation turns to post-match awards as the hosts analyze Rodri earning the Golden Ball, comparing his quiet, game-controlling influence to sports legends like Shane Battier and Sergio Busquets. They touch on Unai Simon taking home the Golden Glove after only needing to make 10 saves all tournament, as well as the debate over Kylian Mbappé’s Golden Boot title following a wild 10-goal third-place exhibition match. From Shakira’s halftime performance to Kermit the Frog's surprising appearance, the guys review all the viral moments from the historic final.

Finally, Christian and Alexis hand out their official 2026 World Cup grades, debating the merits of the expanded 48-team format and reflecting on how the tournament brought fans together across host cities. The hosts close out the show with heartfelt gratitude for their crew, wives, and community as The Cooligans celebrate nearly 11 years on the air.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Live from Webster Hall: Spain Wins the World Cup 1-0 Over Argentina

(02:44) — Defensive Mastery: How Spain Shut Down Messi

(12:30) — The Red Card Breakdown: Enzo Fernández's Ejection & Ferran Torres' Winner

(21:10) — Stock Up & Stock Down: Scaloni's Struggles vs. Rodri & Ruiz Midfield Control

(35:09) — World Cup Awards Debate: Mbappé's Golden Boot & Rodri's Golden Ball

(46:16) — Final Tournament Grades: Evaluating the 48-Team Format & Fan Culture Across America

(55:20) — Wrapping Up the 11-City Breakaway Tour & Celebrating 11 Years of The Cooligans

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In the final daily live episode ahead of the historic World Cup final, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the highly anticipated match between Spain and Argentina. The guys discuss the latest news regarding White House officials meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to address potential health dangers from Canadian wildfire smoke in the New York-New Jersey area. They analyze tactical keys to the final, debating whether Spain's possession-heavy dominance can stifle the emotional, chaotic intensity of Lionel Messi and an unstable but miraculous Argentinian squad.

The hosts welcome New York World Cup Czar Maya Handa to the show to discuss her unique journey from NYC Footy to managing Mayor Mamdani’s campaign and overseeing massive local tournament initiatives. Handa provides an insider look at organizing affordable ticket lotteries, turning on 24/7 pitch lights across the five boroughs, hosting emotional watch parties for incarcerated individuals at Rikers Island, and celebrating Gotham FC’s monumental upcoming stadium move to Queens. Senior betting correspondent Ben Fawkes also calls in to break down the final odds, dissecting the three-way moneyline, Spain’s status as a -160 favorite, and player props for Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Oyarzabal.

To wrap up the tournament's daily coverage, Christian and Alexis hand out their official World Cup superlatives, highlighting their favorite stunning goals from Cape Verde and Haiti, alongside major breakout performances from Folarin Balogun and Ismail Saibari. They don't hold back during their "Fading Star" selections, calling out disappointing tournament cycles for Cristiano Ronaldo and Christian Pulisic. Finally, the guys review the tournament's biggest villains and controversies, hashing out everything from FIFA's aggressive ticket pricing to the overhead skycam cable strikes and political image-laundering surrounding Donald Trump.

(00:00) — Wildfire Smoke Drama & Sunday's World Cup Final Preview

(04:43) — Tactical Masterclass: Spain's Possession vs. Argentina's Chaos

(15:24) — Interview with NYC World Cup Czar Maya Handa: Rikers Watch Parties & 24/7 Soccer Fields

(34:19) — World Cup Final Betting Breakdown with Ben Fawkes: Odds & Player Props

(43:12) — Tournament Superlatives: Favorite Goals, Epic Upsets & Breakout Stars

(49:05) — Fading Stars & Biggest What-Ifs: The Fallout of Pulisic, Ronaldo & Tuchel

(52:06) — Villains of the Tournament: FIFA Ticket Prices, Donald Trump & Final Outro

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Live from Atlanta, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver an immediate, high-energy live reaction show following Argentina's thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England in the World Cup semifinal. The hosts launch directly into a scathing critique of England manager Thomas Tuchel, placing 100% of the blame squarely at his feet for executing an incredibly cowardly low-block game plan after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions up 1-0. They highlight an embarrassing statistic showing that England averaged a meager 12% possession between Gordon's opening goal and Lautaro Martinez's dramatic match-winner.

The guys break down the pivotal tactical adjustments and execution blunders that allowed the reigning champions to completely manipulate the second half of play. They analyze Enzo Fernández's spectacular equalizing strike against Jordan Pickford, set up by a composed pass from a slow-walking but deeply calculated Lionel Messi. The tactical breakdown extends to England's fatal defensive lapse in the 92nd minute, where a fresh Ezri Konsa and John Stones were caught completely asleep on the far post, allowing the shorter Lautaro Martinez to secure the victory with an open header.

Beyond the action on the pitch, Christian and Alexis read through viral social media reactions from figures like Wayne Rooney, Iker Casillas, and Zito condemning England's hyper-pragmatic approach. They break down Enzo Fernández's standout performance as their "Stock Up" player while labeling Thomas Tuchel's decision-making as total coaching malpractice for "Stock Down". Finally, they react to a breaking medical report regarding Arsenal center-back William Saliba undergoing back surgery before looking ahead to the massive Argentina vs. Spain final matchup and sharing their closing tour details for New York City's Webster Hall.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Initial Reactions to Argentina's 2-1 Semifinal Comeback Over England.

(01:30) — Blaming Thomas Tuchel: The Cowardly 1-0 Low Block & 12% Possession Nightmare.

(06:12) — Dissecting the Goals: Enzo Fernández's Stunner & Lautaro Martinez’s 92nd-Minute Winner.

(10:36) — Internet Reactions: Tweets from Iker Casillas, Wayne Rooney & The Falklands Banner Controversy.

(25:04) — Stock Market: Enzo Fernández Rising as Tuchel's Defensive Tactics Solidify "Stock Down".

(34:05) — World Cup Final Preview: Argentina vs. Spain Predictions

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