USMNT Players With the MOST to Prove in Europe, Should Luna Stay in MLS?

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

With the European season kicking off soon, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down the top five USMNT players with the most to prove across Europe. Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun are back from injury and looking to make statements, while Tim Weah kicks off a new chapter at Marseille. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away on home soil, the pressure is on for these American stars to deliver. The guys also react to Diego Luna landing on the front page of the New York Times, and Don Garber’s response.
Then, it’s all about the chaos in the Leagues Cup: Max Arfsten steps up to keep Columbus alive, LAFC survives thanks to a David Martínez brace, and Messi looks to sit out against Pumas. To close out the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Chicago’s omission from the 2026 World Cup host cities and share some football stories out of Ecuador.

Intro (0:00)
Which USMNT Player Has the Most to Prove in Europe? (4:23)
EFL Championship kicks off (16:47)
Over the Luna: Diego should stay in MLS? (18:59)
Leagues Cup madness (22:37)
Max Arfsten clutch for Columbus, LAFC survives (24:25)
Why is Chicago not hosting in 2026? (27:17)
One for the Road: Wild Stories Out of Ecuador (37:56)

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