Projecting USMNT’s 2026 Squad + Turner, Weah, McKennie Transfer Woes

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

With the World Cup less than a year away, USMNT Insider Doug McIntyre joins David Mosse to dive into his projected USMNT squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Malik Tillman slots into the 10, Pepi leads up top, and Gio Reyna gets left off. The guys break down the full roster, who just missed, and how the squad could shape up by kickoff.
Transfer drama takes center stage as Tim Weah’s move to Marseille stalls over a price gap. Weston McKennie’s renewal talks have also hit a wall, and Italian media are once again questioning his fitness. Meanwhile, Matt Turner’s summer transfer is in a bit of limbo, as his deal with Lyon collapses. Globally, the summer transfers are buzzing as well with links for Alexander Isak, Luis Díaz, and Marcus Rashford. Back stateside, the Leagues Cup kicks off with a new format and three CONCACAF Champions Cup spots on the line.
We close the show with fan questions, including whether clubs are trying to capitalize on USMNT transfers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, and what exactly is the deal with MLS discovery rights.

Intro (0:00)
Doug’s Projected 2026 USMNT Starting XI (3:17)
Tim Weah’s Move to Marseille on Hold (10:55)
Weston McKennie’s Fitness in Question…Again (13:10)
Turner's Transfer in Limbo (14:53)
Latest on Gio to Parma (16:50)
Josh Sargent Turns Down Wolfsburg (18:31)
Global Transfer Roundup: Isak, Diaz, Rashford (20:00)
League Cup Kicks Off (22:06)
#AskAlexi: USMNT Transfers & MLS Discovery Rights (28:13)
Copa América Femenina Final is Set (36:15)

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