U.S. Soccer Podcast

Adam Ballou first started kicking a soccer ball when he was just 3-years old. And after that, he never looked back: Adam was first called into the U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team when he was 14. Since then the midfielder has amassed almost 100 caps and represented his country in two Paralympic Games. Adam was also a part of the CP team that won the 2025 Copa America for the first time. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Adam down with host Meghan Klingenberg to discuss his joining the CP National Team, his proudest achievements representing team USA, and what soccer means to him. 2:25– Meghan Klingenberg interviews Adam Ballou 6:03 – Adam discusses playing soccer in Spain 10:16 – Adam explains how he qualifies for the CP team 16:55 – Joining the team at just 15 25:19 – Adam’s proudest moment 31:18 – Adam discusses what soccer means to him 32:39 – Kling breaks out her story meeting Taylor Swift in 2015 36:33 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Adam Ballou Producer: Matthew Nelson Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit. To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his storied USMNT career, forward Jozy Altidore earned over 100 caps and appeared at two World Cups. Jozy scored his first professional goal at just 16 and this knack for finding the net sent him around Europe’s top leagues before ending his career in Major League Soccer. Since retiring, Jozy has stayed just as busy – He's an avid investor and is a board member of the soccer training company, Sogility. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Jozy sits down with host Meghan Klingenberg to discuss his mom’s cooking, his storied career, and life after soccer. 1:00– Meghan Klingenberg interviews Jozy Altidore 2:21 – Jozy discusses his soccer origin story 9:51– Moving to Europe and adjusting to soccer in Spain 19:35 – Jozy takes us inside the mind of a strike 28:05 – What it meant to wear the USMNT jersey 37:40 – Jozy discusses his investments, including Sogility 48:34 – Jozy’s thoughts on the USMNT’s chances at the 2026 World Cup 55:28 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts To learn more about Sogility, visit https://www.sogility.net/ The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Jozy Altidore Producer: Matthew Nelson Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit. To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They called you Tobin Heath the ‘Queen of the Nutmeg’ because throughout the forward’s storied soccer career she left defenders trailing in her wake. Tobin was also a true winner: She won two Women’s World Cups, three Olympic medals (two gold and a bronze) and three NCAA Division I championships at the University of North Carolina. In 181 international appearances she created countless indelible moments. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Tobin sits down with he longtime friend and former teammate, Meghan Klingenberg, to discuss the eras that her career: Tobin the prodigy, the artist, and the architect. 1:23 – Meghan Klingenberg interviews Tobin Heath 3:27 – Part one: The prodigy 24:31 – Part two: The artist 30:28 – Tobin discusses the 2011 World Cup 34:24 – The 2015 World Cup 40:26 – Part three: The architect 55:28 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Tobin Heath Producer: Matthew Nelson Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit. To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They’re finally here! Earlier this week U.S. Soccer and Nike unveiled the new 2026 U.S. Soccer National Team kits, which will be worn across all 27 U.S. Soccer National Teams. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Nike’s global product director Ronnie J. Stewart and apparel graphic designer Yaz Rosete break down the development process and how they incorporated athlete feedback to authentically represent the team’s identity. Watch here! https://youtu.be/MGLQBaHDNAo 3:11 – The U.S. Soccer podcast interviews Ronnie J. Stewart and Yaz Rosete 5:20 – A closer look at the kit design elements 7:02 – Ronnie explains the jersey’s unique fabric 9:23 – The team discusses their favorite design elements 11:36 – Product testing 15:56 – Meghan and David discuss the new kits 25:29 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts Read More: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/03/stars-stripes-nike-process-details-national-team-world-cup-jersey-kit The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Ronnie J. Stewart, Yaz Rosete Producer: Matthew Nelson Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit. To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kristine Lilly played in five FIFA Women’s World Cups, three Olympics, scored 130 international goals and amassed a world record 354 caps for the U.S. Women’s National Team. It’s no wonder Lilly earned the nickname “Queen of Caps”. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg talks to Lilly about her incredible longevity, how the iconic 99ers team won a World Cup on home soil, and her thoughts on the upcoming Netflix movie that tells the story of that triumph. 1:08 – Meghan Klingenberg interviews Kristine Lilly 3:03 – Early career and the landscape of women’s soccer 9:24 – How setbacks can lead to growth 16:15 – How to win a World Cup in America 19:16 – Favorite memory from the 1999 World Cup 24:00 – Upcoming movie on the 99ers 31:21 – How the culture of women’s soccer changed 41:40 – Can anyone surpass Lilly's caps record? 55:35 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Kristine Lilly Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s now less than 100 days to go until the World Cup! In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg catches up with US men’s national team head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, to hear how things are going. In a conversation that takes you behind the scenes of the USMNT’s preparations, Pochettino discusses roster building, how there’s no such thing as a friendly, and what inspires him outside of soccer. 0:55 – Meghan Klingenberg interviews Mauricio Pochettino 1:23 – Mauricio talks about how his own excitement is building ahead of the World Cup 4:32 – To coach, there’s no such thing as a friendly 12:40 – Mauricio talks about roster selection 15:50 – Inspiration from other sports 25:52 – Mauricio explains why he believes his team can win the World Cup 33:13 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts As the U.S. Men’s National Team chases greatness on the road to the world’s biggest tournament, you can show your support through artwork. In partnership with AT&T, U.S. Soccer is connecting fans to players through their Fan Art platform, where a handful of the most compelling artworks will be showcased to U.S. Men’s National Team players and at their match vs Belgium in Atlanta on March 28. Submit your artwork here: https://events.ussoccer.com/2026fanartpresentedbyatt Submissions open through March 10. The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Mauricio Pochettino Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eddie Pope was part of iconic 2002 World Cup team that made a run to the quarterfinals – the best men’s team showing of the modern era. But he was also a part of the 1998 team that was dumped out of the group stages without gaining a single point. So, when it comes to World Cups, Eddie Pope knows a thing or two about what has to go right for a team to find success, and the many things that can go wrong and lead to disappointment. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg talks to Eddie about his three World Cups: 1998, 2002, and 2006. In each chapter, Eddie discusses what went right, what didn’t quite go to plan, and his favorite memories. 2:38 – Chapter 1: France 1998 4:08 – Eddie explains that team chemistry was an issue in ‘98 9:41 – Chapter 2: Japan and South Korea 2002 13:01 – Eddie talks about how the class of ‘26 can replicate the success of this team 23:18 – Chapter 3: Germany 2006 26:01 – Eddie explains how the ‘06 team remains a “what if?” 33:18 – Eddie’s words of wisdom for the 20026 team 37:43 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts As the U.S. Men’s National Team chases greatness on the road to the world’s biggest tournament, you can show your support through artwork. In partnership with AT&T, U.S. Soccer is connecting fans to players through their Fan Art platform, where a handful of the most compelling artworks will be showcased to U.S. Men’s National Team players and at their match vs Belgium in Atlanta on March 28. Submit your artwork here: https://events.ussoccer.com/2026fanartpresentedbyatt Submissions open through March 10. The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Eddie Pope Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a player, Bev Yanez was a force. The forward represented teams in Finland, Japan and was a two-time NWSL Shield winner with the Seattle Reign. After Bev’s playing career ended, she started coaching – first as an assistant before stepping up to become Racing Louisville’s head coach in 2023, and it was here that she really made her mark. Last year, Bev led the team to their first ever playoff appearance – an accomplishment that saw her named NWSL Coach of the Year. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg discusses Bev’s transition from playing to coaching, her philosophy, how she handles difficult conversations with players, and her ambitions for the future. But that’s not all! Kling also checks in with co-host and Philadelphia Union captain Ale Bedoya to talk about the upcoming MLS season. 2:35 – Kling interviews Bev Yanez 6:05 – Bev talks about her experience playing in Japan 13:47 – Philosophy and team dynamics 25:36 – How Bev handles tricky conversations with players 34:48 – Bev describes the turning point for the team last season 39:27 – Bev talks about her ultimate coaching ambitions 42:20 – Kling catches up with Ale Bedoya and previews the 2026 MLS season 51:32 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, Ale Bedoya Guest: Bev Yanez Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This time on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, we’re getting to know rising USWNT stars Maddie Dahlien and Riley Jackson. The pair both gained their first caps in the January camp and host Meghan Klingenberg checked in to ask them about their friendship, working with coach Emma Hayes, and what it was like to play in the 2024 U-20 World Cup comeback win against Germany -- a game dubbed “the miracle of Cali”. 0:55 – Kling interviews Maddie Dahlien and Riley Jackson 3:15 – Maddie and Riley talk about how they felt when they were called up to the USWNT 06:52 – Kling shares a story about her first USWNT camp 11:05 – Maddie and Riley discuss working with Emma Hayes and the atmosphere in camp 13:26 – The pair discuss their friendship 20:45 – Maddie and Riley discuss “the miracle of Cali” 26:22 – The pair share their ambitions with the USWNT 31:25 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Maddie Dahlien and Riley Jackson Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, USWNT dynamo Ally Sentnor shares her views on everything from the pressures of being in the spotlight from a young age, coming through the University of North Carolina “competitive cauldron”, and her interest in space travel. As always, host Meghan Klingenberg is asking the questions that matter and getting the (zero gravity) tea. 0:40 – Kling interviews Ally Sentnor 2:57 – Ally describes what it’s like to be a star player from an early age 06:50 – Why are so many top players from Hanson, Massachusetts? 11:10 – The “competitive cauldron” at UNC 18:04 – Ally talks about leadership and resilience 22:00 – Kling finds out if Ally would like to go to space 29:09 – Ally’s ultimate ambitions for the USWNT 33:50 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Ally Sentnor Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christen Press and Meghan Klingenberg go way back. Before World Cup glory in 2015, the pair were Olympic alternates and young pros trying to carve out a career in the Swedish women’s league. In this wide-ranging interview, the two USWNT icons divide their shared history into three eras that span Christen and Kling’s early disappointments, the high of winning a World Cup, and their present-day reality: a never-ending offseason. It’s an interview that’s revealing, surprising and hilarious. 01:10 – The Alternates Era: Kling and Christen reflect on their experience as Olympic alternates in 2012, playing table tennis with Brazil soccer stars Neymar and Marcello, and eating copious amounts of hummus during their spell in Sweden. 20:30 – On Top of the World Era: Kling and Christen revisit how winning the 2015 World Cup changed their lives. For Christen, it meant being able to party like a rock star with Neymar, but also the reality that she was now in the public eye. 32:10 – The Permanent Offseason Era: Kling and Christen are both retired now, and the pair discuss how they are now able to enjoy weekends, pursue new interests, and start new careers. Christen also talks about overcoming adversity after her agonizing penalty miss at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and what she’s most proud of in her career. 45:33 – Kling and co-host David Gass discuss the interview and share more lore. 55:41 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Christen Press Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alessandro Canale contains multitudes. The beach soccer star has played in 4 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cups, scored 12 World Cup goals, and made over 100 appearances for team USA. But he balances beach soccer with an acting career (Canale once appeared in an episode of Malcolm in the Middle) and his passion for art, design, and skateboarding. In this episode of The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg touches on all of this and more. 01:11 – David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg explain why Alessandro Canale is such a star in the beach soccer game 02:49 – Kling interviews Alessandro Canale 04:05 – Transition to beach soccer 14:50 – Creativity and art in soccer 21:24 – Biggest accomplishments in the game 26:34 – What makes beach soccer so specual 29:55 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Alessandro Canale Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cat Macario is on a hot streak for the USWNT: The forward has scored 3 goals in her last two national team appearances. In this feature interview for the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Macario discusses her recent form, how Hannah Montana helped her master English, her historic Nike deal, her USWNT ambitions, and the importance of mental resilience and seeking self-worth beyond the soccer field. 00:50 – David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg explain what makes Cat Macario such a special player 02:49 – Kling interviews Cat Macario 02:59 – Cultural adjustments and team dynamics 11:08 – Representing the USWNT 25:23 – Overcoming injuries and self-worth outside of soccer 32:57 – Ultimate USWNT ambitions 35:55 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Cat Macario Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the offseason for the National Women’s Soccer League, and before the 2026 NWSL season kickoff in February, we catch up with league veteran Kelly Hubly. The Bay FC defender chats with former teammate Meghan Klingenberg to reveal what the offseason looks like for professional soccer players. Later, Kling and co-host David Gass preview the 2026 SheBelieves Cup. The USWNT will face Argentina in Nashville, Tennessee on March 1, Canada in Columbus, Ohio on March 4 and Colombia in Harrison, New Jersey on March 7. 00:50 – David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg usher in the new year 04:18 – Kling interviews Kelli Hubly 05:40 – Pilates and staying fit during the offseason 08:30 – Kelli’s favorite books 15:50 – ‘Do players stay sober?’ 20:07 – The Offseason, the NWSL’s reality TV show 27:20 – Soccer weddings 28:30 – Looking ahead to 2026 31:21 – SheBelieves Cup Preview! 34:30 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass Guest: Kelli Hubly Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our three hosts embrace a festive spirit as they recap 2025 in this joyful holiday edition of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel. Listen as David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya debate whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, review their wish lists, and rank the best soccer moments and performances of the year. 0:30 – Festive nicknames & sweaters ❄️ 4:45 – End-of-Year awards 🏅 19:35 – Mailbag! 📬 34:50 – Red Card or Play On? ⚽ 37:55 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts 🚗 Happy Holidays from the U.S. Soccer Podcast! The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg, Alejandro Bedoya Producer: Matthew Nelson To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices