Tab Ramos and the Rebirth of U.S. Soccer

Cristo Fernandez: Art Imitates Life

Growing up, Cristo Fernandez dreamed of becoming a professional futbol player. But getting there wouldn’t be so linear. Turns out acting would be key in making his soccer dreams come true. We talk to Cristo about his iconic character Dany Rojas in the series “Ted Lasso,” taking professional risks, and staying joyful. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Eternal Soccer Rivals: USA v. Mexico

It’s been described as the world’s best soccer rivalry: USA v. Mexico. We look into the hallmarks in an international rivalry that spans decades between two countries that share much more than a border. And we discuss why for the U.S. Men’s National team, every game against Mexico feels like an away game, even in the U.S.A. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Ball is Tainted: Iran, FIFA, and the World Cup

There’s long been a shared belief that despite the mistakes and wrongdoings of players, organizers, or world leaders, the game of soccer remains pure – untouched by our sins. In this episode we ask: how can that still be the case today? And we look into one of the countries that exemplifies the political turmoil and contradictions that have come to define this World Cup: Iran. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Andrés Cantor: The Man Behind "Goooool!"

Andrés Cantor has been a sports announcer for almost 40 years. He’s received eight Emmy Awards for his broadcasting and a place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. You know his voice. His “Gooooooooool” has been featured everywhere from Late Night to the Simpsons. We get into the nitty gritty of calling a game, why he’s not afraid to cry, and the beauty of the World Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

BONUS: Let the World Cup Begin

It’s here! This World Cup will be unlike many others – with more teams playing than ever before, challenging logistics, and volatile geopolitics – so we brought together two soccer experts to help give us the lay of the land for this tournament. We talk about impressions from the fans, FIFA’s prohibitively expensive ticket prices, the players to watch like Lamine Yamal, and so much more. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.