Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to a chaotic AFCON final and ask the uncomfortable question: was the spectacle a nightmare for the sport? The guys break down what went wrong, what it says about tournament organization, and why moments like this matter for global soccer’s credibility. Christian and Alexis dive into viral territory as iShowSpeed encounters his first ultra fans in Algeria — and quickly learns that not every football culture rolls out the red carpet.

Next, Copa90 creative director Shawn Francis joins the show to talk World Cup 2026 coming to America, why he’s completely flipped his stance on MLS’s new schedule, and what the league needs to do to actually become “cool.”

The episode wraps with a look at Manchester City’s recent slump and whether Pep Guardiola has the answers to pull City out of their funk.

Timestamps:
(8:00) – Was the AFCON final an embarrassing moment for the sport?

(26:30) – IShowSpeed encounters Algerian ultras

(34:15) – Shawn Francis joins The Cooligans

(1:11:15) – Can Pep save Man City again or has he lost control?

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the latest soccer headlines, starting with reports that USMNT striker Josh Sargent could be headed back to MLS with Toronto FC. Is it a smart career move or a major step backward for the American forward? The guys also react to rumors linking Timo Werner to the San Jose Earthquakes and debate whether the club made a massive mistake by failing to keep star winger Cristian Espinoza. Plus, with Chucky Lozano’s exit from San Diego seemingly inevitable, they discuss who the club should target as his replacement.

Former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand then joins the show to preview the West Ham vs. Tottenham derby and relive his legendary stoppage-time equalizer against Spurs in 2005. They also chat West Ham’s tough season so far and how the club can push forward to avoid relegation.

Finally, the guys debate whether Real Madrid made a massive mistake by firing Xabi Alonso and what it means for the club’s future. Christian and Alexis wrap things up with their AFCON Final predictions as Senegal and Morocco prepare to battle for continental glory.

Timestamps:
(6:45) – Josh Sargent heading back to MLS? Smart move or disaster?

(17:30) – Timo Werner is headed to San Jose: redemption tour or flop?

(30:15) – Chucky Lozano is leaving San Diego - who will replace him?

(37:15) – Anton Ferdinand joins The Cooligans

(57:00) - Xabi Alonso now Real Madrid’s biggest enemy?

(1:10:00) - AFCON Final Predictions

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Xabi Alonso’s stunning exit from Real Madrid has sent shockwaves through the soccer world. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down why the club pulled the trigger and whether former Spain boss Luis Enrique would be the perfect revenge hire. Is this another chapter in Madrid’s ruthless managerial history, or a necessary reset for a struggling giant?

NBA star and die-hard Arsenal supporter Josh Richardson joins the Cooligans to talk all things soccer fandom. From becoming a Gunners fan through FIFA to soaking in the football culture of Miami, Josh explains how the city shaped his love for the game. Plus, the ultimate South Florida debate: Who’s the bigger celebrity in Miami — LeBron James or Lionel Messi?

The boys also discuss two major storylines shaping American soccer. With soccer officially overtaking baseball as the third most popular sport in the U.S., how can MLS and U.S. Soccer capitalize on this momentum? And with Ricardo Pepi suffering a broken arm, could this injury impact his chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad?

Timestamps:
(6:30) – Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid! Who should replace him?

(21:40) – NBA veteran Josh Richardson joins The Cooligans

(50:30) – Soccer overtakes Baseball in America: now what?

(1:01:00) – Does Ricardo Pepi’s newest injury endanger his World Cup chances?

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick things off with reports that Weston McKennie could leave Juventus this summer. Where should the USMNT midfielder go next, and what kind of club best suits his skill set ahead of 2026? The guys also reveal their USMNT “secret weapon” players who could surprise their way onto the World Cup roster, with Alexis highlighting James Sands and Sebastian Berhalter, while Christian makes the case for Max Arfsten and Brenden Aaronson.

Next, Christian and Alexis are joined by Lawrence Cann, founder of Street Soccer USA, for a powerful and emotional interview about how the game can change lives. Lawrence shares the personal story of losing his home as a child — and how soccer, community, and the support of a coach helped put him on a new path. The conversation dives into grassroots soccer, access, and why building opportunity at the community level matters now more than ever.

Finally, the boys close out with Rapido Reactions from across the soccer world: their thoughts on a leaked USMNT jersey, a bizarre viral moment featuring an Algerian fan standing frozen like a statue, Gabon canceling their entire national team, a wild goal celebration that nearly ended in disaster, and their AFCON quarterfinal predictions.

Timestamps:
(8:00) – Where should Weston Mckennie go this summer?

(18:30) – USMNT’s secret weapons for the 2026 World Cup

(28:30) – Founder of Street Soccer USA joins The Cooligans

(52:00) – Rapido Reactions: USMNT jersey leak, AFCON headlines & more

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to breaking news as Manchester United part ways with Ruben Amorim just 14 months after his appointment. Why has the job at Old Trafford become so unstable? Is being head coach at Manchester United now an impossible task? And does the club need to return to hiring traditional managers instead of head coaches?

Then, Christian and Alexis are joined by NWSL and USWNT legend Ali Krieger to talk all things women’s soccer. They break down the growing issues within the NWSL and why the league’s salary cap must evolve for it to remain competitive on a global level. Ali also discusses her work with the Dragonfly Collective, a charity she partners with to support mothers who give up their children for adoption.

Later, the boys react to another shocking managerial departure, as Wilfried Nancy’s reign at Celtic ends after just 33 days. What went wrong so quickly? And should Nancy consider a return to MLS?

Timestamps:
(9:30) – Man United sack Ruben Amorim: Is coaching United impossible?

(28:00) – Ali Krieger joins The Cooligans

(42:00) – Ali on her work with the Dragonfly Collective

(1:00:45) – Wilfried Nancy leaves Celtic: Should he return to MLS?

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Pellegrino Matarazzo becoming the first American coach in La Liga. Can Matarazzo succeed at Real Sociedad, and what would a successful stint mean for his future and U.S. Soccer’s future?

Then, Christian and Alexis bring on American film producer and soccer fanatic Franklin Leonard to discuss English media bias in soccer and whether England is ready to accept a Black superstar on the national team.

Later, they also chat about Leonard’s soccer fandom, the direction of the film industry, and his recent foray into politics.

Timestamps:
(10:30) – Can Pellegrino Matarazzo succeed in La Liga?

(30:00) – Franklin Leonard joins The Cooligans

(42:00) – Is there media bias against Black soccer players?

(52:00) – Diving into the ever-changing film industry

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros sit down with Premier League and MLS legend Jermain Defoe for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most memorable careers in modern soccer.

Defoe reflects on his iconic five-goal performance for Tottenham Hotspur, what it meant to hear Spurs fans chanting his name before his emotional return to the club, and the toughest defenders he battled in the Premier League. He also shares the surreal story of receiving a phone call from Drake ahead of his move to Toronto FC, and gives his take on which MLS players he believes could have succeeded in Europe.

From Premier League glory to MLS insight, this is a must-listen interview with one of England’s most prolific strikers.

Timestamps:
(1:00) – Jermain Defoe joins The Cooligans

(6:00) – Memorable moments from his time with Toronto FC

(11:30) – Breaking down Jermain’s legendary Premier League career

(37:15) – Breaking down his decision to join Toronto

(41:00) – Not being at Tottenham for the 2008 Carling Cup win

(46:30) – MLS players that could’ve played in Europe

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros share their 2026 Major League Soccer early overreactions. Who will be the biggest disappointment? Will Inter Miami repeat as MLS Cup champions? And can anyone compete with Messi for MVP?

Next, Christian chats with Danny Navarro, aka Travel Futbol Fan, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Danny shares his best tips and tricks on how to make the World Cup a little more affordable.

Later, Danny also tells us what to expect in the USA next summer as the World Cup comes stateside.

Timestamps:
(9:30) – Who Will Be MLS’ Biggest Disappointment in 2026?

(15:00) – Biggest Offseason Signing

(19:00) – 2026 MLS MVP Predictions

(21:00) – 2026 MLS Surprise of the Season

(24:15) – Predicting the 2026 MLS Cup Winner

(28:30) – Danny Navarro Joins The Cooligans

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv