The Cooligans

By Alexis Guerreros & Christian PolancoComedy Sports Soccer

The Cooligans episodes

June 26 USMNT Fall to Türkiye, Time to Panic? Gianluca Busio Joins & Bosnia Knockout Preview
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the USMNT's 3-2 defeat to Türkiye in their final World Cup group-stage match. With knockout-round qualification already secured, the guys debate whether fans should be concerned by the loss or simply chalk it up to squad rotation and experimentation. They break down the biggest moments from the match and explain why Sebastian Berhalter earned their Player of the Match honors despite the disappointing result.

Then, The Cooligans are joined by USMNT midfielder Gianluca Busio to get a player's perspective on the team's mindset heading into the knockout rounds. Nate Bukaty also joins the show to share his reaction to the performance, while Aly Trost Martin helps hand out USMNT stock up and stock down grades following the conclusion of the group stage.

To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis turn their attention to the Round of 32, where the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. The guys discuss what Mauricio Pochettino's team needs to improve before the knockout stage begins, the key matchups to watch, and whether this loss could ultimately serve as the wake-up call the USMNT needs before the games truly matter.

Timestamps:
(0:00) — USMNT vs Turkiye Reaction
(12:00) - Player of the Game: Sebastian Berhalter
(14:00) - Gianluca Busion joins The Cooligans
(25:00) - Nate Bukaty joins The Cooligans
(33:30) - Aly Trost Martin joins The Cooligans
(39:45) - Lookahead to Round of 32 vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
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51 min
June 25 Vini Jr Ignites Brazil, USMNT's Knockout Path Clears & Canada Lands Favorable Draw
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Brazil's impressive 3-0 victory over Scotland and another standout performance from Vinícius Jr., who became the first Brazilian since 2002 to score in every group-stage match of a World Cup. The guys discuss whether Carlo Ancelotti has Brazil heating up at exactly the right time and what Neymar's return could mean for the Seleção heading into the knockout rounds. With a potential path through Japan and the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway, is Brazil quietly becoming the team nobody wants to face?

The Cooligans then turn their attention to the USMNT's final group-stage match against Türkiye and discuss what they're most interested in seeing from Mauricio Pochettino's side. Does the tournament bracket seem to be opening up for the Americans? Can Gio Reyna make one final push for a starting role? The guys also dive into betting angles for USA-Türkiye, including whether Pepi, Haji Wright or Zendejas can find the back of the net and whether Türkiye can finally score their first goal of the World Cup.

To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis react to Canada's disappointing loss to Switzerland, a result that drops them to second place in the group but could potentially hand them a favorable Round of 32 matchup against South Africa. The guys debate whether Canada got lucky with the draw before previewing another exciting day of World Cup action, including Japan vs. Sweden, Ecuador vs. Germany and Paraguay vs. Australia.

Timestamps:
(3:00) — Vini Jr. and Brazil peaking at the right time?
(13:00) - USMNT vs Turkiye: What to watch for
(25:00) - USMNT + World Cup weekend betting with Ben Fawkes
(38:30) - Canada finish 2nd in group stage: success or disappointment?
(42:30) - Matchday preview
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55 min
June 24 6 Spicy World Cup Predictions, Ronaldo's Record Brace & USMNT's Turkiye Test Ahead of Knockouts
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show with six spicy World Cup predictions that could either make them look like geniuses or get them roasted by fans. Alexis predicts that Canada will fail to beat Switzerland, Kylian Mbappé will break the World Cup scoring record and England will advance despite failing to hit top gear. Christian counters with bold calls of his own, including Cape Verde reaching the knockout rounds, Uruguay crashing out of the tournament and Lionel Messi starring in Argentina's final group-stage match.
Next, The Cooligans preview the USMNT's final group-stage game against Türkiye and debate how Mauricio Pochettino should approach what feels like a glorified friendly. Should Matt Freese keep his place? Does Christian Pulisic need minutes to stay sharp? And can Gio Reyna play his way into the starting lineup for the knockout rounds? The guys also discuss Folarin Balogun's likely summer transfer and make their cases for AC Milan and Barcelona as potential destinations.
To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis react to Cristiano Ronaldo's historic two-goal performance that made him the oldest player ever to score a World Cup brace and the first player to score in six different World Cups. They also break down England's frustrating draw against Ghana and explain what changes the Three Lions need to make moving forward, before previewing the latest action in Group C as the tournament heads toward the knockout stages.

Timestamps:
(2:00) — 6 Matchday 3 predictions ahead of the Knockout Rounds
(20:30) - USMNT vs Turkiye preview: who should be the starting XI?
(33:30) - Folarin Balogun on the move: what club should he go to?
(42:00) - Ronaldo breaks his duck: can he kick on from here?
(47:00) - England’s shock draw vs. Ghana: what has to change?
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55 min
June 23 Messi's Historic Record, Mbappé's Hunt, Bruce Arena talks USMNT & Haaland's Rise
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to another historic milestone for Lionel Messi as he becomes the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. The guys debate whether Messi still needs another World Cup title to put the GOAT debate to bed once and for all, and whether Kylian Mbappé—already with 16 World Cup goals at age 27—has a realistic chance of chasing down Messi's record before this tournament is over.
Next, The Cooligans are joined by legendary former USMNT head coach Bruce Arena. Bruce discusses whether this current American side is the strongest in program history, explains how Mauricio Pochettino has changed the culture around soccer in the United States, and answers the biggest question facing the country right now: can the USMNT actually win the World Cup? One of the most successful coaches in American soccer history shares his perspective on the team's evolution and the expectations surrounding this generation.
To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis celebrate Erling Haaland's arrival on the World Cup stage and discuss whether the Norwegian superstar can carry his country on a deep run while challenging for the Golden Boot. The guys also preview another exciting slate of matches, including Colombia vs. Congo, England vs. Ghana, Panama vs. Croatia and Canada vs. Switzerland, as the drama of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to build.

Timestamps:
(2:00) — Messi stands alone as World Cup top goalscorer
(10:00) - Can Mbappe catch him at this tournament?
(20:00) - Bruce Arena talks USMNT and Coaching Career
(37:00) - Haaland makes his mark: can he win Golden Boot?
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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
55 min
June 22 Pochettino Changed American Soccer Forever, Portugal Under Pressure & England's Attack
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show with six spicy World Cup takes, headlined by the belief that Mauricio Pochettino has permanently changed soccer in America. The guys discuss how the USMNT's success and Pochettino's mentality have altered expectations around the national team and share several other bold predictions and overreactions from an unforgettable tournament so far.

Next, The Cooligans turn their attention to Portugal, who desperately need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their World Cup dreams on track. Christian and Alexis debate which player will be most important for Roberto Martínez's side, with Alexis backing Gonçalo Ramos while Christian believes Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's biggest difference-maker. The guys also examine England's attack following their victory over Croatia and ask whether the Three Lions possess the most dangerous frontline in the tournament.

To wrap up the show, the guys preview another massive day of World Cup action. Can Lionel Messi and Argentina continue their march against Austria? Will France keep rolling against Iraq? And can Erling Haaland and Norway overcome AFCON champions Senegal in one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament? Christian and Alexis break down all the biggest storylines heading into Matchday action.

Timestamps:
(2:00) — 6 Spicy World Cup Takes
(25:00) - Can Portugal get win against Uzbekistan
(33:30) - Do England have the best attack in World Cup?
(45:30) - Matchday Preview
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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
54 min
June 22 Why Not US? Can Pochettino's USMNT Win It All, Curaçao's Miracle & Dutch Dominance
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Mauricio Pochettino's challenge to American fans: "Why not us?" With the USMNT already through to the knockout rounds, the guys debate whether the United States can actually win the World Cup and break down what would need to happen for Pochettino's side to make a truly historic run. Has the mentality around American soccer changed forever, or are expectations getting out of control?

Next, The Cooligans celebrate one of the stories of the tournament as Curaçao battle to a stunning draw thanks to Eloy Room's unbelievable 15-save performance—the most ever recorded in a 90-minute World Cup match. With Ivory Coast still left to play, Christian and Alexis ask whether the Caribbean nation can complete one of the greatest Cinderella stories in World Cup history and reach the knockout rounds against all odds.

To wrap up the show, the guys react to the Netherlands' emphatic 5-1 dismantling of Sweden and debate whether the Dutch have overtaken the rest of the field as World Cup favorites. They also discuss Spain's comfortable win over Saudi Arabia, Germany's dramatic late winner against Ivory Coast, Miguel Almirón's controversial red card and Uruguay's battle with Cape Verde as the group stage drama continues to intensify.

Timestamps:
(1:30) — Why not us? Can USA win the World Cup?
(20:00) - Curacao grab stunning draw: can they make knockout rounds?
(29:30) - Netherlands new World Cup favorites?
(36:00) - Reacting to other big weekend matches
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49 min
June 19 USMNT Clinch Knockout Spot, Taylor Twellman Says Quarterfinals or Bust & Turkiye Awaits
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react live to the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Australia that officially sends the Americans to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. CBS Sports analyst Taylor Twellman joins the show to break down the performance and explain why expectations have now changed for Mauricio Pochettino's side. Taylor shares why he believes it's "quarterfinals or bust" for the USMNT, rates Pochettino's tournament so far and discusses whether the defense remains the team's biggest concern despite dominating Group D.
Next, the guys reveal their Player of the Match selections and explain why Alex Freeman earned the honors after another outstanding display. Christian and Alexis also react to your tweets and comments before diving into Matt Freese's performance and discussing whether the goalkeeper is beginning to establish himself as one of the breakout stories of the tournament.
To wrap up the show, The Cooligans examine the Group D standings and look ahead to the final group stage match against Türkiye. With the knockout rounds already secured, the guys debate what Mauricio Pochettino should prioritize and whether this USMNT squad is capable of turning a successful group stage into a truly historic World Cup run.

Timestamps:
(0:00) — Reaction to USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia
(9:30) - Taylor Twellman joins The Cooligans
(27:30) - Player of the Game: Alex Freeman
(33:30) - Group D Standings breakdown
(42:00) - Lookahead to final group stage game vs. Türkiye
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48 min
June 19 USMNT vs Australia with Jimmy Conrad, Canada's Big Win & World Cup Weekend Preview
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros are joined by former USMNT defender Jimmy Conrad to preview the United States' crucial World Cup clash with Australia. The crew breaks down the keys to the match, debates whether Christian Pulisic should risk playing with his calf injury and discusses who could step in if the captain is unavailable. They also analyze what tactical approach Australia is likely to take against Mauricio Pochettino's side and what the Americans must do to secure another three points.
Next, The Cooligans recap a dramatic day for CONCACAF nations. Canada routed Qatar 6-0 to put themselves in position for a deep tournament run, but celebrations were muted after the horrific injury suffered by Ismaël Koné. Meanwhile, Mexico grinded out a 1-0 victory over South Korea, but Christian and Alexis explain why El Tri still have plenty of work to do despite sitting in a favorable position.
To wrap up the show, the guys preview a massive weekend of World Cup action. Can Sweden continue their impressive run against the Netherlands? Will Germany avoid an upset against Ivory Coast? Can Spain bounce back against Saudi Arabia? And after stunning the world with a draw against Spain, can Cape Verde pull off another miracle against Uruguay? The Cooligans break down all the biggest storylines heading into another exciting weekend at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Timestamps:
(0:00) — USMNT vs Australia breakdown with Jimmy Conrad
(22:45) - Canada thump Qatar
(29:30) - Mexico prevail against South Korea
(40:15) - World Cup weekend preview
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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
54 min
June 18 USMNT vs Australia Preview, Mark Howard Reacts to England & Canada Faces Must-Win vs Qatar
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros preview the United States' crucial World Cup showdown with Australia and reveal their ideal starting XI for Mauricio Pochettino's side. The guys discuss which USMNT players need to raise their level, highlight the Australian stars capable of causing problems, and give their predictions for one of the biggest matches of the group stage as the Americans look to continue their strong start.
Then, former Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard joins The Cooligans to react to England's entertaining 4-2 win, the controversy surrounding Dominik Livaković's penalty save, and Vozinha's heroic performance against Spain. Mark also shares which goalkeepers have stood out to him at the World Cup and explains what separates the elite shot-stoppers from the rest during a tournament of this magnitude.
To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis preview Canada's must-win match against Qatar and explain why the pressure is mounting for the Canadians. They also look ahead to the rest of Group C, including a struggling Brazil side searching for answers against Haiti, and discuss whether the five-time champions are in danger of becoming the tournament's biggest disappointment.

Timestamps:
(0:00) — Full USMNT vs Australia preview and predictions
(23:10) - Mark Howard joins the Cooligans Daily Live
(36:00) - Canada vs. Qatar full preview
(40:30) - Group C preview: Brazil vs. Haiti & Scotland vs. Morocco
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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
55 min
June 17 Messi's Hat Trick, Pulisic Injury Drama, World Cup Bets & Mexico-South Korea Preview
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 down the over/under for USA-Australia, debates whether Folarin Balogun is the safest goal scorer bet, and examines England's attacking options against Croatia. They also look at Mexico vs South Korea and ask whether tempers could boil over after the chaos of Mexico's opening match, while discussing Ismail Saibari's chances of scoring again for Morocco against Scotland.
To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis preview another packed day at the World Cup. Can Mexico take control of Group A against South Korea? Will Colombia avoid an upset against Uzbekistan? Can Ghana get a result against Panama? And with England set to face Croatia in one of the marquee games of the group stage, the guys discuss what the Three Lions need to do to prove that football really might be coming home.
Timestamps:
(0:00) — Messi makes history with World Cup hat trick
(9:00) - Who had the best night: Mbappe, Haaland or Messi?
(11:30) - Should Pochettino start or rest Pulisic against Australia?
(24:30) - World Cup betting preview with Ben Fawkes
(39:45) - Mexico vs South Korea preview
(45:45) - Matchday preview
Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:
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🎧 Spotify
🖥️ YouTube
📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
53 min

About The Cooligans

From the publisher's feed

The Cooligans is a comedy & soccer podcast delivering hilarious takes on the greatest sport in the world! Hosts Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco are two NYC stand-up comics who don't…