World Soccer Talk

Hear our interview with Jon Champion, the legendary soccer commentator who now works for NBC Sports as well as ESPN, ITV, and other broadcasters. For fans of Premier League clubs around the world, Jon Champion is one of the most well-known voices. In the interview, Jon Champion discusses: – What he misses most about the United States – His history with Peter Drury – Working alongside Taylor Twellman – Whether VAR should have been implemented or not – Where he gets his wit from – Other sports he has called – His memories of supporting his favorite soccer club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we discuss why NBC Sports needs to step up the quality of its Premier League coverage, our thoughts on the new Messi documentary series from Apple, the trials and tribulations of Fantasy Premier League, and NWSL’s new TV deal. Plus we discuss:- Technical issues streaming games across Peacock, Paramount+ and ESPN+- Which soccer broadcaster is the most unformulaic- Could CBS Sports do a better job at broadcasting the Premier League to viewers in the USA? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much like the men's side, the Wrexham Women's team has undergone considerable change since American investors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over at the club. Not only has Wrexham Women earned promotion to its top flight, but it is growing in popularity.The brains behind that growth is Gemma Owen, who oversees the entire women's department at Wrexham AFC. Among her many hats, she is also an assistant manager of the U-19 Women's side with Wrexham. However, her responsibilities vary greatly. Owen joins World Soccer Talk ahead of 'Welcome to Wrexham' season two episode six, titled 'Ballers.' In this interview, Owen talks about her various responsibilities with the club as well as some of the players and fans of the side. Additionally, Owen goes into detail about the growing popularity of the women's team from abroad. Thousands of people had made the pilgrimage to Wrexham to watch the men's team. Now, some people are staying an extra day to watch the women. Could fans in the United States have the opportun

On this week’s episode, we discuss the return of Welcome to Wrexham, audio problems for Premier League and Bundesliga games, whether Apple’s plans for soccer are a good move or not, and where NWSL rights could go next season after this year's deal ends.In the Listener Mailbag segment, we answer your questions and feedback including why we feel business owners should stay clear of disrespecting the sport of soccer, why Peacock doesn't show every single Premier League game, Saudi Arabia versus MLS, the pros and cons of leagues having games streamed via Apple TV, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our exclusive interview with Wrexham AFC Club Executive Director Humphrey Ker shines a light on several fascinating topics involving the global phenomenon that is Wrexham Association Football Club. Ker, who is responsible for turning Rob McElhenney into a soccer fan and ultimately into becoming co-owner of Wrexham alongside Ryan Reynolds, answers questions about who is responsible for creating the magic of Welcome to Wrexham (season 2 launched September 12, 2023 on FX).Take a journey with us through Welcome to Wrexham season 2 as Ker discusses whether the success of the series in the US surprised him, the decision behind not including spoilers in season two, his experiences running into people from around the world outside the Racecourse Ground, and what Wrexham's global plans are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of Messi’s magical run in Major League Soccer, as well as catching listeners up on where we’ve been. That's just the start of the conversation as we also chat about the wonders of British motorway service stations, whether the Messi effect has been able to impact mainstream media, what the Messi effect is like in the United Kingdom, what the biggest benefit is of all after Messi's arrival in the United States of America.Other tidbits discussed are NBC's new Premier League set, what their coverage is lacking, whether Super Clubs in MLS are a good thing or not, your thoughts on ESPN's coverage of soccer, criticism for ESPN's inability to take advantage of a golden opportunity, and what we've enjoyed about this Premier League season so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Harry Kane's arrival in the Bundesliga move the needle with the popularity of the German league across the United States? We discuss, but we also dive into several related topics.For instance, is ESPN ready to promote the Bundesliga with as much attention that they've given to LaLiga? Does ESPN have the talent they need based in the United States who can share their expertise on German soccer? And we also share which league the Bundesliga is focused on overtaking internationally, and why it's important that social media is part of that strategy.As always, we also discuss a variety of other topics and answer your questions in the Listener Mailbag section. One of the topics is, if you’re not watching full games, can you call yourself a soccer fan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot on the heels of Messi, would Neymar Jr moving to MLS be a smart move for the league or not? What does he offer that would make fans want to watch him, and what are any risks, if any? We also discuss how it could impact MLS Season Pass.Other topics discussed: • What we're most looking forward to seeing in the Premier League this season• Added time, and how it's going to be an issue for TV broadcasters and viewers• How US Soccer Federation is benefitting from Messi coming to America• Why the US went crashing out of the Women's World Cup• How many soccer fans are watching highlights but not watching soccer games• What this Women's World Cup has been like Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Messi games with Inter Miami have become a must-watch on the calendar. So much so that they’re eating into Women’s World Cup viewership, and they may end up having an impact on Premier League viewership when that season starts in a week from now.With so many games happening this summer and so few hours, we dive into what viewing choices we're making and why, as well as sharing our opinions about some of the biggest stories in soccer this summer.Also discussed is whether Apple not sharing MLS Season Pass viewing numbers is helping or hurting the league. And why it's important to not believe all of the numbers you're hearing.It's also time to share our preview of the English Championship 2023/24 season, as well as mentioning some good news out of the Bundesliga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We dive into several meaty topics such as the impact that Messi has made on MLS and Leagues Cup, how this Summer of Soccer has been more gruelling than any before it, why the Women's World Cup is causing viewers to make a tough choice, how Messi is having an impact on the Soccer Champions Tour and European friendlies in the United States, how Leagues Cup attendances are doing compared to MLS attendances, what the 1 million number means for MLS Season Pass subscribers, and what's going on with the meek penalty kicks that seems like a trend of late. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the radical changes that the Premier League are proposing for the FA Cup, including selling the rights to the competition outside the United Kingdom — and what that means for the world's oldest football competition, and the impact on lower division sides.Also discussed are the similiarties between changes to FA Cup and US Open Cup, what the Premier League’s motives may be in acquiring the rights, why the success of Wrexham may be a factor in the deal, and who has more power - the English FA or Premier League, and USSF or MLS.Last but not least, we share the details about Wrexham's streaming options for the 2023/24 season, and why fans of MLS seem to appear jealous anytime Wrexham AFC is mentioned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it say about MLS that Leagues Cup was unable to get a TV deal in Mexico? We discuss the breaking news from Mexico where the TV networks have thumbed their noses at the US-based Leagues Cup competition involving MLS teams. We also analyze how MLS is now so dependent on Lionel Messi being a success for ticket sales, TV ratings, MLS Season Pass subscriptions and merchandise, but is the league over-dependent on one player?Also discussed is the news of Jon Champion heading to NBC Sports, and who his co-commentators may be, as well as whether USL is going to miss out on a major opportunity to ride the wave with Messi, World Cup 2026 and other major soccer events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel Messi is the biggest thing to come to Major League Soccer. Not only is his arrival prompting innovative ways to compensate a player, but fans are dishing out the cash to see him in action. In this episode of the World Soccer Talk podcast, we talk to Pieter Brown from Futbol Miami TV. Not only is Brown a season ticket holder for the club, but he played an integral role in bringing a MLS team to South Florida.Brown talks about what the last several weeks have been like in this world of change at Inter Miami. Plus, he discusses how the club is actually able to make these headline signings. Messi will be dealing with change when he begins play in Major League Soccer. Brown talks about the major challenges and adjustments the World Cup winner will have to make down south. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last 12 months, Saudi Arabia has been working on trying to change sports as we know it. Whether it’s golf or tennis, and now soccer, the wealthy Arab nation has set its sights on conquering world sport. We take a closer look at the reason why they're investing in soccer, whether we should be worried, and what it may mean for Chelsea Football Club and other sides.We also answer your questions and read your comments about US Open Cup, Premier League conflicts with college football, and Serie A in Spanish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss what the underlying reason is why MLS and MLSPA are trying to undermine the US Open Cup, the oldest soccer competition in the United States. Why are MLS, US Soccer and MLSPA at loggerheads regarding the competition, and why are they being so vocal to the disillusionment in how the competition is being run.With Kartik Krishnaiyer back on the podcast, we also get his thoughts on the Berhalter re-hiring, the ridiculousness of Matt Crocker's "The Process", and how player power within USMNT and USWNT is getting out of control.Plus we answer your questions in the Listener Mailbag section ahead of a big week in the Concacaf Gold Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Arnold, a freelance journalist and the author of the popular newsletter "Getting CONCACAFed," joins the World Soccer Talk podcast to give a preview of the upcoming Gold Cup. Fresh off winning the CONCACAF Nations League, the USMNT is among the favorites to win the tournament. However, there are only five players that featured in that squad. With BJ Callaghan managing his last games before Gregg Berhalter's return, can he lead the side to more success?Now that teams are competing with more frequency in the Nations League, the standard of competition in CONCACAF continues to rise. The United States may be the defending champion of this competition and the Nations League, but it will face a stiff challenge in the Gold Cup.That title defense from the 2021 tournament starts against Jamaica, which made headlines for naming Demarai Gray in a talented squad. Arnold lays out the chances Jamaica may have to break through against top opposition like the United States. It is also an important tournament for Mexico, w

This episode of the World Soccer Talk podcast, which is an interview with AFP's Simon Evans on US Soccer and foreign coaches, is presented by Sling.Gregg Berhalter is back, and US Soccer stated that it went through a rigorous evaluation process to come to that conclusion. The Federation did not state any names as to who it contacted. Yet, media report several candidates were not American. However, none were up to the task by US Soccer's measurement. It settled on Berhalter half a year after his contract expired.The players are clearly fond of the coach. But, is this the best US Soccer could do? It stated that finances were no issue, nor were the contract statuses of particular coaches. Berhalter does hold the best win percentage in USMNT history. How valid of an argument is that given somewhat weak opposition.Simon Evans of the AFP joins the podcast again to discuss the argument for and against foreign coaches with the USMNT.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the surreal world of US Soccer, the Federation has decided to re-hire Gregg Berhalter as the "new" US Men's National Team head coach, according to reports. We break down the news, as well as discussing why this shows a lack of ambition for US Soccer especially with World Cup 2026 around the corner.We also dive into what Berhalter's record was in games outside of Concacaf, why his signing shows a complacency within US Soccer Federation to not rock the boat and to not be more aggressive, as well as discussing our throughts on the Concacaf Nations League semi-final between USA and Mexico. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Mexico and the United States in the Concacaf Nations League, World Soccer Talk's Kyle Fansler chats with three headline members of CBS's Concacaf coverage. Former USMNT players Clint Dempsey, Charlie Davies and Maurice Edu are all part of the analysis on CBS's platforms during the Nations League Finals. The coverage of the game is also available on CBS's networks, with the 'Continental Clasico' available on Paramount+.In this interview, Davies, Dempsey and Edu talk about the ever-changing USMNT. Davies and Edu worked with interim head coach in BJ Callaghan during their time in MLS. So, they can provide an inside look on what was a surprising hire. Also, Dempsey talks about Folarin Balogun. Dempsey is arguably the USMNT's greatest forward of all time, and he is joint-top of the all-time goalscoring record. Dempsey gives his take on the importance for Balogun to get off to a strong start in the stars and stripes.Finally, all three provide insight on what it is like

CBS Sports are coming off their best weekend ever with the UEFA Champions League Final coverage creating quite a stir across world media. At the same time, the news of Kate Abdo renewing her contract for 4 more years has been well received by soccer fans throughout the US.We share details on when CBS Sports' deal is ending with Serie A, as well as how does Serie A capitalize on the success they had this season, and how can CBS Sports build off that to help Serie A increase the popularity of the Italian league on TV moving forward?Is there an opportunity for Serie A to push on from here? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.