The Mutant Gene Podcast with Alexi Lalas

Here. Comes. Lionel Messi! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse Break down the defending champions, Argentina, alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. What can we expect from Marcel Sabitzer and Austria? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro 1:04 - Argentina Preview 4:55 - Algeria Preview 5:40 - Austria Preview 6:41 - Jordan Preview 7:12 - Match of the Group 8:01 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The GROUP OF DEATH! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into Group I featuring the co-favorites, France. This is a star studded affair as well with Norway’s Erling Haaland, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Senegal’s Sadio Mane taking the stage. Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro 1:12 - France Preview 5:35 - Senegal Preview 7:09 - Iraq Preview 8:01 - Norway Preview 10:20 - Match of the Group 10:48 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a LIVE episode of State of the Union! We react to the USA’s hard fought 2-1 loss to Germany which was the States’ last warm up match before the World Cup kicks off. Alexi and Mosse discuss the USA’s strong performance despite the loss, break down the starting XI and whether or not it was the same starters we will see in the opening match vs Paraguay, react to news regarding Chris Richards’ availability for the USA’s opener, and debate if we saw one of the great USA goals of all-time from Jedi Robinson. After breaking down the USA-Germany match, Alexi and Mosse provide updates on friendlies from the other countries in Group D, Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye. To end the show, Alexi gives some words of encouragement for the USA players as we get closer and closer to the start of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Presented by Zillow #Zillow USA-Germany match recap: 3:36 Was this the USA's starting XI for the World Cup opener?: 6:53 Jedi Robinson's GOLAZO: 12:33 Final thoughts on loss to Germany: 19:11 Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye friendly recap: 24:00 Alexi's words of encouragement for the USA players: 31:16 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your defending Euro Champions, Spain, and Group H are up next as we roll through our World Cup previews. Alexi Lalas get you set for the tournament looking at Federico Valverde and Uruguay, Salem Al-Dawsari and Saudi Arabia alongside debutants Cape Verde. Will Lamine Yamal lead Spain to a title? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro 1:08 - Spain Preview 4:42 - Cape Verde Preview 6:22 - Saudi Arabia Preview 8:24 - Uruguay Preview 11:22 - Match of the Group 12:02 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Group G is up next as Alexi Lalas and David Mosse preview every group at the World Cup. Will Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium bring the magic and go on a run? What do the guys expect from Mohamed Salah and Egypt? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro 1:05 - Belgium Preview 3:39 - Egypt Preview 4:53 - Iran Preview 7:15 - New Zealand Preview 8:21 - Match of the Group 8:54 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the world’s eyes on North America, icons Alexi Lalas (USA), Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (Mexico) and Dwayne De Rosario (Canada) come together to break down the host nations' identity and expectations in 2026 - debating the role each country’s professional leagues have with their national teams, the "Quinto Partido" curse and which CONCACAF giant will be the first to truly conquer the world’s game. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:46 -  Chicharito on Mexico’s “soap opera” soccer identity 2:50 - Dwayne De Rosario on Canada's “relentless” soccer identity 3:42 - USA’s “diverse” soccer identity 4:36 - Alexi Lalas ‘Mexico plays like assholes’ 5:27 - Chicharito on USA’s style of play 7:08 - Dwayne De Rosario on playing the "privileged" USMNT 7:57 - Chicharito’s favorite moments playing the U.S. 10:13 - Dwayne De Rosario’s favorite moments playing the U.S. 11:09 - The Impact of Hosting a FIFA World Cup 13:00 - Turning Canada into a soccer country 15:30 - The Legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup 17:05 - The Impact of MLS on the host nations 20:00 - MLS and the Mexican Player 22:09 - MLS vs the Canadian Premier League 24:10 - How can MLS & Liga MX compete against EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A? 28:42 - The Lionel Messi effect 30:34 - “We still need to fight each other” 31:31 - Will Mexico, Canada or the U.S. win a World Cup first? 33:45 - Are the expectations on Mexico fair? 37:47 - Will Canada rise to higher expectations? 40:47 - Criticism of Mexico's style of play 42:40 - The most ANGRY Alexi ever got in a Mexico match 43:40 - The beauty of the El Tri fan base 45:00 - Prediction: Jesse Marsch & Canada to the KNOCKOUT ROUND?! 47:57 - Prediction: Mexico and the Quinto Partido 52:20 - Prediction: USA = Quarterfinals or BUST? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse keep on rolling with their group preview series, this time breaking down Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia and Group F! Are the guys worried about Japan’s injuries? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro 1:18 - Netherlands Preview 4:08 - Japan Preview 6:39 - Sweden Preview 8:22 - Tunisia Preview 9:36 - Match of the Group 10:22 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into Group E featuring four-time champions, Germany! The duo dives into everything you need to know including Alexi’s surprising group picks. Is Moisés Caicedo and Ecuador set for a deep run? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:02  - Germany Preview 3:51 - Curaçao Preview 5:37 - Ivory Coast Preview 6:47 - Ecuador Preview 8:24 - Match of the Group 8:41 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse have reached the United States of America’s group, Group D, in their series previewing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The duo focuses on the USA’s opponents starting with Paraguay. What makes Miguel Almirón and company dangerous? Same for Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız & Türkiye?  Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 00:29 - USA Preview 2:02 - Paraguay Preview 3:40 - Australia Preview 4:43 - Türkiye Preview 6:29 - Match of the Group 7:59 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The finale is here! Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and Maurice Edu reveal the best of the best in the FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Rank. From Mbappé and Haaland to Vinícius Jr. and Kane, who is the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? 0:00 - Intro 1:22 - Player 10-7: Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world 3:13 - Pedi is too high! 4:16 - Ashraf Hakimi is the best defender in the world 5:13 - Vinicius Jr: Most pressure at the World Cup? 7:24 - Haaland should be HIGHER 9:32 - Michael Olise set for massive summer 11:38 - Harry Kane vs Erling Haaland 15:17  - Dembélé, France are LOADED 17:55 - Lamine Yamal vs Kylian Mbappé Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into the LOADED Group C up next! Heavyweight Brazil will battle Morocco for the top of the group. But don’t count out Scott McTominay and the Scots either. What is the latest on Neymar’s health? Can Vini Jr carry Brazil to a World Cup title? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:20 - Brazil Preview 5:48 - Morocco Preview 7:27 - Scotland Preview 8:47 - Haiti Preview 9:40 - Match of the Group 11:30 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new LIVE episode of State of the Union! Today, the pair react to the USA’s exciting 3-2 win over Senegal. Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest got on the scoresheet early before Folarin Balogun provided the winner in the 2nd half. Alexi and Mosse discuss their biggest takeaways from the match, who performed the best, some surprises in the starting XI and more. After, we look ahead to the USA’s final friendly before the World Cup vs Germany and discuss the state of the team as we approach this summer’s tournament. We wrap up the show breaking down Mexico’s friendly win over Australia and reacting to PSG taking home their 2nd straight UCL title over Arsenal and Toluca topping Tigres to take home the CONCACAF Champions Cup title. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Reaction to USA's 3-2 win over Senegal: (1:55) Tim Ream named USA captain for World Cup: (20:02) Looking ahead to the USA's friendly vs Germany: (23:00) Mexico tops Australia in pre-World Cup friendly: (28:32) PSG claim 2nd straight UCL title over Arsenal: (33:06) Toluca wins CONCACAF Champions Cup: (42:08) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse continue their World Cup Previews, this time diving into co-host Canada’s group, Group B. Will the Swiss, lead by Granit Xhaka, make another run? Are we worried about Alphonso Davies' health? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:04 - Canada Preview 2:49 - Bosnia & Herzegovina Preview 4:00 - Qatar Preview 5:21  - Switzerland Preview 6:10 - Match of the Group 6:50 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse have your covered with everything you need to know about Group A. What is the outlook for co-hosts, Mexico? Will Son and South Korea top the group? Tune in daily for a new group as we speed toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11th on FOX! Presented by @Zillow #Zillow Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:15 - Mexico Preview 3:20 - South Africa Preview 4:00 - South Korea Preview 5:33 - Czechia Preview 6:26 - Match of the Group 7:10 - Alexi’s Picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! We open today’s show discussing the recent news that USA manager Mauricio Pochettino has been in contact with AC Milan to potentially join the Italian side after the coming World Cup. Was the hire a mistake from the beginning or should USA fans have known this was bound to be a short-term relationship? After, Alexi and Mosse break down Chris Richards and Crystal Palace winning the UEFA Conference League, the Champions League final this weekend between Arsenal and PSG, and the all Liga MX CONCACAF Champions Cup final as well. Then, the pair jump into superlatives for the World Cup this summer: who is going to win the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, their hottest takes entering the tournament, who is this year’s dark horse and much more. In #AskAlexi, we discuss how Alexi would approach managing the USA team and then break down Jesse Marsch’s contract extension with the Canadian national team. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi and Mosse react to Tom Brady and Zlatan Ibrahimović’s one-on-one sit down. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Mauricio Pochettino linked to AC Milan (2:04) Arsenal and PSG meet in UCL final (10:20) World Cup Superlatives: Golden Boot (13:53) World Cup Superlatives: Golden Ball (16:55) World Cup Superlatives: Most fun Group Stage match (18:16) World Cup Superlatives: Dark horse of the tournament (20:06) World Cup Superlatives: USA player that will surprise fans (21:52) World Cup Superlatives: Hottest take (24:10) World Cup Superlatives: Final predictions (27:27) #AskAlexi: How would Alexi coach the USA team (30:00) One for the Road: Tom Brady and Zlatan (38:33) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USA Coach Mauricio Pochettino has released the 26 man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.  Join us LIVE for our U.S Roster Reaction Show with Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden & David Mosse Presented by @Zillow #Zillow 0:00 - Intro 3:38  - Did Pochettino make the right call not personally reaching out to every player that missed the cut? 6:25 - Goalkeepers: Historic day for MLS 8:45 - Defenders: Back Three vs Back Four 15:58 - Midfielders: Did Pochettino bring enough depth? 23:07 - Bigger Snub: Tanner Tessmann or Diego Luna? 28:27 - Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright are on FIRE 29:23 - STILL not worried about Christian Pulisic? 34:38 - Alexi's Projected USMNT Starting XI 36:45 - Stu's Projected USMNT Starting XI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this exclusive conversation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, Tom Brady and Zlatan Ibrahimović reflect on their legendary career paths, the relentless mental toughness required to sustain excellence, and how they channeled an insatiable drive to stay at the top for decades. They also dive deep into leadership styles and the anatomy of iconic moments, like Zlatan's infamous bicycle kick. Plus, Tom Brady shares his firsthand advice with Zlatan on transitioning from the pitch to the FOX Sports analyst desk. Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:00 Becoming Zlatan 9:38 Tom Brady’s Path 16:14 Mental Toughness 21:42 The Infamous Bicycle Kick 25:42 Leadership & Anger 30:45 Never Satisfied 36:54 World Cup Prep 43:16 The GOAT Mindset 50:51 Zero Distractions 57:59 Analyzing Fandom 1:06:17 Brady’s Advice For Zlatan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FOX Sports FIFA World Cup Rank hits the home stretch! Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and Mo Edu break down the elite, from Messi and Bellingham to Rodri and Valverde. Who will edge closer to the top? Find out the top 10 on June 1st! Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:06 - Players 25-21: Luis Díaz DISRESPECTED 3:50 - Can Antoine Semenyo find his club form with Ghana? 5:01 - Players 20-16 - Declan Rice & Jude Bellingham due for big summers for England? 9:40 -  Lionel Messi WAY TOO LOW?! 12:03 - Should Messi be closer to Cristiano Ronaldo? 17:20 - Players 15-11: Will Raphinha lead Brazil on a deep run? 18:05 -  Rodri vs Federico Valverde 25-21: Luis Díaz DISRESPECTED 3:50 - Can Antoine Semenyo find his club form with Ghana? 5:01 - Players 20-16 - Declan Rice & Jude Bellingham due for big summers for England? 9:40 -  Lionel Messi WAY TOO LOW?! 12:03 - Should Messi be closer to Cristiano Ronaldo? 17:20 - Players 15-11: Will Raphinha lead Brazil on a deep run? 18:05 -  Rodri vs Federico Valverde Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before the stars of 2026 take the pitch, the icons of '94 take the stage. Alexi Lalas, Cobi Jones, John Harkes, and Marcelo Balboa go frame-by-frame through the most pivotal summer in American soccer history—settling old locker room scores, reliving the '94 Brazil heartbreak, and debating if the U.S. is finally ready to finish what they started thirty-two years ago. Make sure to watch the full Summer of ‘94 Documentary, out now only on FOX!  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:06 - Players 25-21: Luis Díaz DISRESPECTED 3:50 - Can Antoine Semenyo find his club form with Ghana? 5:01 - Players 20-16 - Declan Rice & Jude Bellingham due for big summers for England? 9:40 -  Lionel Messi WAY TOO LOW?! 12:03 - Should Messi be closer to Cristiano Ronaldo? 17:20 - Players 15-11: Will Raphinha lead Brazil on a deep run? 18:05 -  Rodri vs Federico ValverdeSean Sullivan  [5:18 PM] Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:55 - The USMNT at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy 6:20 - The “wasteland” era of soccer in America 8:30 - U.S. Soccer Federation: “We CAN NOT fail in 1994” 9:57 - “We hated you guys” 11:51 - Inside Mission Video: Camp Stories 16:10 - The Mad Scientist: Bora Milutinović 19:10 - World Cup Practice: One Player, One Ball 22:34 - Injury Problems: Marcelo Balboa on his emotional fight to make the roster 30:47 - Cobi Jones on World Cup Roster Cuts 32:50 - The Group Stage is HERE 38:04 - The OJ Simpson Bronco Chase 40:14 - USA vs Switzerland: Deep Dive 44:14 - Eric Wynalda: Best goal in U.S. World Cup history? 48:48 - USA vs Colombia: Deep Dive 50:11 - USA vs Colombia pregame hype 53:59 - John Harkes on US opening goal 55:19 - An ode to Andrés Escobar 55:39 - Alexi Lalas was NOT OFFSIDES 59:58 - Breakdown of Earnie Stewart goal vs Colombia 61:56 - The Greatest Miss in World Cup History 64:26 - Miracle on Grass: The US tops Colombia 67:09 - USA vs Romania: Deep Dive 69:39 - Dan Petrescu beats Tony Meola for the opener 71:58 - John Harkes SHOCK SUSPENSION 73:45 - USA vs Brazil: Knockout Rounds Deep Dive 78:54 - The Turning Point: Tab Ramos & the Brazil Red Card 82:00 - Bebeto breaks American hearts 85:31 - The Lasting Legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup 88:55 - What will be the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? 90:17 - Outlook on 2026 USMNT: Time to make history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The injury bug for the USA continued this past weekend as both Chris Richards and Brenden Aaronson came down with knocks but thankfully neither look particularly serious. In better news for the Yanks, Christian Pulisic contributed an assist in Milan’s win, Antonee "Jedi" Robinson scored his first ever Premier League goal from the spot for Fulham, and Ricardo Pepi kept his record season going with another goal for PSV. Around the world of soccer, Neymar made the Brazil World Cup squad, Arsenal are one step closer to the Premier League title, Pep Guardiola will officially leave Manchester City after the season, José Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso is heading to Stamford Bridge with Chelsea. In #AskAlexi, after much fanfare and commentary from our followers, Alexi and Mosse take another look at Alexi’s all-time USA World Cup starting XI and in One for the Road, there may be some trouble in paradise for Messi and Miami. Presented by Zillow #Zillow 0:00 -  Intro 2:33 - Is Richard the valuable player for the USA? 7:33 - Brenden Aaronson goes down with injury 8:50 - Arsenal vs Manchester City title race down to final week 10:56 Pep Guardiola leaves City, Xabi to Chelsea, José Mourinho to Madrid 16:40 - Christian Pulisic bags assist, Weston McKennie's UCL bid takes hit 25:37 - Zavier Gozo stays hot 29:29 - Neymar makes Brazil roster 36:15 - USMNT All-Time Best XI: Which historical player are you adding '26? 43:56 - Messi vs the Inter Miami Fans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices