1529: Why playoffs don't work in American soccer
Some argue that "American soccer should do American soccer in its own unique American way." What is the American way, anyway, when it comes to soccer? A long regular season of meaningless games followed by playoffs to crown a champion. We take a closer look at the pros and cons of the playoffs, how they came about, and why they don't work in American soccer. We also offer ideas for what a bette...
47m May 22, 2024
47m
1528: Why aren't fans signing up for MLS Season Pass?
We jump into reading the feedback from soccer fans throughout the United States and our analysis and experience about why soccer fans are not signing up for MLS Season Pass, fifteen months after the service launched on Apple TV. Has MLS moving to Apple left the door wide-open for USL, NWSL, and EPL to increase their viewership on US TV? How can MLS compete against other streaming services that ...
1hr 9m May 01, 2024
1hr 9m
1527: MLS Season Pass pros and cons after year one
It's been more than one year since MLS Season Pass has launched, so it's perfect timing to identify the pros and cons of the streaming product as well as the market conditions that are impacting it. What has improved, what needs to improve and what issues are impacting the growth of Major League Soccer's revolutionary streaming product such as CBS Sports Golazo Network and other free services? ...
1hr 24m Apr 10, 2024
1hr 24m
1526: When Soccer Worlds Collide
This week's episode discusses Gio Reyna in the USA vs Jamaica game, what European title races are the most exciting, the reaction to the first round of the US Open Cup, ESPN's poor coverage of the FA Cup, The Athletic's cozy relationship with MLS, and a tribute to Joe Barone. There's more soccer on streaming now than ever before that it's sometimes hard to find common ground with fellow soccer...
1hr 38m Mar 22, 2024
1hr 38m
1525: US Soccer Federation bows down to MLS
Shown by its mismanagement of the US Open Cup, the US Soccer Federation has lost all authority as the governing body for the sport in this country. USSF has allowed MLS to become the most powerful soccer entity in this country. At the same time, the US soccer system is a mess as leagues compete against leagues. The chaos of the way that the US Open Cup debacle has been run shows how weak the le...
48m Feb 29, 2024
48m
1523: MLS and Messi's Balancing Act
MLS tries to balance Messi's playing time and selling Apple TV subscriptions. We also discuss why FIFA chose New Jersey for the World Cup Final, how Arlington or Atlanta would have been a better choice, where the Women’s World Cup final could be if US/Mexico wins the bid, how Messi Mania is turning into a PR disaster for MLS and Inter Miami, Apple isn’t managing the expectations of fans by maki...
1hr 13m Feb 05, 2024
1hr 13m
1522: Jonathan Wilson interview about Bielsa, Klopp, Clough and USA
Jonathan Wilson joins World Soccer Talk to discuss his new soccer newsletter that’s written specifically for the U.S. audience, the evolution of soccer managers, his thoughts about Marcelo Bielsa and what he can accomplish at Uruguay, how writing for a U.S. audience is different, whether he feels American soccer fans are informed or not about the world’s game, news about an updated edition of h...
37m Jan 29, 2024
37m
1521: Shaun Harvey interview: EFL's new deal would be rocket fuel for Wrexham
In a fascinating interview with Wrexham Director of Football Shaun Harvey, the executive discusses the crossroads the EFL finds itself in ahead of a new international rights deal. iFollow is ending, so what does the future of streaming EFL games look like for international viewers? Harvey shares his insight regarding the available options and the lessons learned from launching iFollow. We also...
32m Jan 22, 2024
32m
How can leagues catch the Premier League in the USA?
We can reveal that the Premier League has become the most popular soccer league in the United States for the first time, but how can the competing leagues fight back so they're still contenders? At the same time, we discuss why MLS fans will have to fork out more in 2024 to see the new Drive to Survive-like docuseries, how the new series may or may not be more successful than the docuseries tha...
1hr 9m Jan 11, 2024
1hr 9m
1519: MLS rips American soccer apart by quitting US Open Cup
Major League Soccer’s cold and calculated decision to quit the US Open Cup has had a dramatic impact on the credibility of the USA’s top-flight league. Many hardcore fans of Major League Soccer have criticized the league for its lack of respect for American soccer. As usual, we take a deep dive into the topic. We discuss whether US Open Cup can survive without MLS if NFL-owned MLS teams purpose...
1hr 11m Dec 18, 2023
1hr 11m
1518: MLS' plan to rule all of US pro soccer
Do you want MLS to rule all of professional club soccer in the United States? It’s heading that way. We dissect what MLS Commissioner Don Garber says on the topic, as well as what it means for soccer fans (and clubs) across the United States. We also share our analysis of the viewership numbers for the 2023 MLS Cup Final between Columbus Crew and LAFC, as well as discuss the risk that MLS admit...
1hr 4m Dec 13, 2023
1hr 4m
1517: Is soccer growing or shrinking in the USA?
A deep dive into whether the popularity of soccer is growing or shrinking in the United States at the same time that the English Premier League has cemented its place as THE soccer league in this country. What can LaLiga, MLS, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga do to catch up with the Premier League? We also discuss how the Premier League is close to surpassing the popularity of the most popu...
1hr 28m Dec 04, 2023
1hr 28m
1516: If soccer isn’t on TV, does it make a sound?
When it comes to watching soccer, if a league isn't on television, does it make a sound? We discuss this topic in light of the new media deals announced for NWSL and USL, which begs the question about other leagues who are struggling with the same question, namely Major League Soccer (with MLS Season Pass) and the Bundesliga (with ESPN+). On this week’s episode, we also discuss whether NWSL an...
1hr 4m Nov 13, 2023
1hr 4m
1515: VAR is ruining the Premier League
In a game that is so simple, VAR has made the sport more complicated. It has removed a lot of enjoyment from the game and has made it more tedious to watch when VAR gets involved. As such, hosts Kartik Krishnaiyer and Christopher Harris discuss how VAR is ruining the Premier League, and what the solution is, as well as comparing it to how other leagues handle VAR. In an attempt to add a spectac...
1hr 10m Nov 06, 2023
1hr 10m
1514: Could CBS improve USA Premier League coverage?
In this episode, we discuss whether CBS Sports could do a better job of covering the Premier League than NBC Sports does, Kartik discusses what he discovered about world soccer from traveling to Turkey, and what other soccer coverage we've been seeking out to fill the void. We also discuss what's missing from CBS Sports' Morning Footy show that would improve it. Plus, is there enough demand or ...
1hr 19m Oct 30, 2023
1hr 19m
1513: Jon Champion Interview: Legendary Premier League commentator
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 ...
32m Oct 23, 2023
32m
1512: Video Killed The Podcast Star
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 - C...
1hr 27m Oct 13, 2023
1hr 27m
1511: WREXHAM WOMEN: Interview with Gemma Owen
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 al...
18m Oct 02, 2023
18m
1510: Does Apple want to change soccer for the worse?
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 disrespectin...
54m Sep 25, 2023
54m
Welcome to Wrexham, season 2: Humphrey Ker interview
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 ...
18m Sep 14, 2023
18m
1508: Messi League Soccer: Pros and cons of his success in USA
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...
1hr 4m Sep 10, 2023
1hr 4m
1507: Kane to Bundesliga: Can ESPN move the needle?
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 (https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/) with as much attention that they've given to LaLiga? Does ESPN have the talent they need based in the U...
1hr 12m Aug 15, 2023
1hr 12m
1506: Neymar to MLS?
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 ...
1hr 4m Aug 10, 2023
1hr 4m
1505: Messi vs Women's World Cup: Choose one
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 ab...
54m Aug 03, 2023
54m
1504: Messi is the best move MLS ever made
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 at...
1hr 21m Jul 26, 2023
1hr 21m
1503: FA Cup changes could be devastating to lower league clubs
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 acquir...
45m Jul 07, 2023
45m
1502: MLS Success Overly Dependent on Messi
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 ...
1hr 3m Jun 30, 2023
1hr 3m
1501: Messi mania takes effect: Futbol Miami TV interview
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 t...
19m Jun 28, 2023
19m
1500: The Saudi Arabia Effect and How It's Changing Soccer
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 que...
42m Jun 26, 2023
42m
1499: US Open Cup being undermined by MLS
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 ...
1hr Jun 23, 2023
1hr
1498: Gold Cup Preview with Jon Arnold
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 G...
23m Jun 22, 2023
23m
1497: US Soccer's aversion to hiring foreign coaches
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 (https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/330866/1575798/14334?sharedid=epl_2023) . 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 co...
29m Jun 19, 2023
29m
1496: US Soccer rehiring Berhalter shows lack of ambition
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 s...
54m Jun 16, 2023
54m
1495: Dempsey, Davies and Edu on USMNT ahead of Mexico clash
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 ...
18m Jun 14, 2023
18m
1494: Can CBS grow Serie A’s popularity in the US?
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 th...
59m Jun 13, 2023
59m
1493: Messi to Miami: Winners and Losers
In the biggest soccer story of the year, we break down the pros and cons of the Messi to MLS saga, and what it means for MLS Season Pass. Lionel Messi moving to Inter Miami changes everything with MLS. It papers over the cracks, but it also presents Major League Soccer with a unique opportunity. With great power comes great responsibility, so we discuss what it means for Major League Soccer mo...
1hr 11m Jun 09, 2023
1hr 11m
1492: Guillem Balague interview about Champions League documentary
Guillem Balague is one of soccer's most famous journalists, regardless of country. Renowned for his ability to capture the emotion and personality of the game, he is a major part of CBS's developing and entertaining soccer coverage. And, with a new documentary series on Paramount Plus, there is no better time to learn more about Balague. In this interview, Balague talks about Destination: Euro...
26m Jun 07, 2023
26m
1491: CBS Sports' Champions League Final coverage plans
We preview CBS Sports' UEFA Champions League Final coverage plans and what viewers can expect. Plus we dive into Financial Fair Play (FFP), and whether Manchester City - if they win - will have their treble triumph tarnished as a result of the investigation that's going into the accusations of violating FFP. In doing so, we share the thoughts of Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry...
48m Jun 06, 2023
48m
1490: Where does MLS Season Pass go from here?
This week, Apple finally broke its silence about MLS Season Pass. In its attempts to get soccer fans (and journalists) off Apple's backs who are asking probing questions about how the service is doing, the tech giant refused to answer any questions. In doing so, it's sending a wrong message because people are now wondering why Apple (and MLS) are being so secretive. What do they have to hide? ...
31m Jun 02, 2023
31m
1489: Can JJ Watt's Burnley replicate Wrexham's USA success?
JJ Watt's Burnley may not be the best descriptor. After all, the former NFL defensive lineman is but a minority owner of Burnley FC. Yet, the club won promotion back to the Premier League at its first time of trying. However, he has already, and will continue to have, a major impact on the club's popularity. That is particularly true in the United States (https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/jj-wat...
22m May 31, 2023
22m
1488: Bundesliga gets no luck in breaking Bayern dominance
The last time a Bundesliga club other than Bayern Munich won the title was when GolTV had the rights to broadcast games in the United States. During the time that FOX Sports and ESPN+ have had the rights to the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich has won every single season. And with Borussia Dortmund coming so close to winning it, but failing, the Bundesliga continues to have no good luck in breaking up...
54m May 30, 2023
54m
1487: Preview: Final games in EPL, Bundesliga, Championship and Liga MX
It doesn't get any better than this. We preview this weekend's end of the season in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Liga MX and English Championship as a host of games with enormous implications happen across Europe. This episode features hosts Christopher Harris and Kyle Fansler discussing everything from the promotion and relegation battles in England to where you can watch all of the major ...
1hr May 26, 2023
1hr
1486: Poppy Miller Interview: CBS's versatile host
Poppy Miller is one of the best studio hosts in American soccer coverage. After all, she did win the 2022 World Soccer Talk award as best presenter among stiff competition from the likes of Rebecca Lowe, Kate Abdo or Sebastian Salazar. Miller joins the World Soccer Talk podcast to talk about her background and her rise to working with CBS. There, she is the host of Serie A coverage and Box 2 Bo...
18m May 24, 2023
18m
1485: MLS: When Hype Doesn’t Match Reality
We cover a range of topics including the Bundesliga title race, Premier League relegation battle, manager merry-go-rounds across Europe and other subjects. But you, the listeners, keep on pulling us back in to talk about MLS Season Pass and Major League Soccer, as a whole. We've received an avalanche of feedback about MLS Season Pass, which we share on the show. That has brought up topics such ...
57m May 23, 2023
57m
1484: Can MLS Season Pass for free sell soccer fans on MLS?
This episode of the World Soccer Talk Podcast, entitled Can MLS Season Pass for free sell soccer fans on MLS, is presented by Sling. MLS is betting the farm on MLS Season Pass (https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=wst_mls&itscg=30200&at=1010l35s4) by offering the streaming service for free. At the same time, MLS is making its MLS 360 whip-around show available in more places for fre...
51m May 19, 2023
51m
1483: Interview with ESPN's Archie Rhind-Tutt
Bundesliga fans in the United States will be familiar with Archie Rhind-Tutt. He is the pitchside reporter and analyst for ESPN's coverage of the Bundesliga. What makes him stand out among other analysts is his relationship with the players and coaches in the Bundesliga. In particular, he holds a special back-and-forth with Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic. He also had a good relationship ...
23m May 18, 2023
23m
1482: NWSL vs USL Super League: The Next Soccerwarz
This week's news that USL Super League aims to launch a D1 women's league (https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usl-super-league-aim-to-launch-as-d1-womens-league-in-2024-20230516-WST-433038.html) in 2024 is big news. It's a shot across the bow to NWSL who is already established as a D1 league. Could the United States be facing a situation where it has two D1 women's leagues next year? To discuss ...
1hr 7m May 16, 2023
1hr 7m
1481: European soccer giants invading America this summer
Topic du jour is the just announced soccer competition that's coming to the United States this summer featuring Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan and Juventus. We share the details of where the games are being played, how this summer competition may be different than others in the past, as well as which broadcast networks may be interested in showing the games in the Uni...
43m May 12, 2023
43m
1480: Semra Hunter interview: An American voice in LaLiga
This episode of the World Soccer Talk podcast is presented by Sling. Do not let the accent fool you, Semra Hunter is American. At least, that is what her passport says. Her time in Spain has made her one of the leaders in coverage of LaLiga, and her experience covering the Spanish top flight makes her one of the best hosts and pundits in soccer coverage. As of now, Semra Hunter works with iTV,...
24m May 11, 2023
24m
1479: MLS Season Pass hits an impasse: Feedback from fans
You speak, we listen. Your feedback about MLS Season Pass and what you like or don't like about the streaming service has blown up our comments section and in-boxes. On this episode of the World Soccer Talk Podcast, we share your experiences of MLS Season Pass thus far. And it appears that the service has hit an impasse for many of you. We wish we could have included more of your feedback in t...
57m May 09, 2023
57m