The Cooligans

The Cooligans is a comedy & soccer podcast delivering hilarious takes on the greatest sport in the world! Hosts Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco are two NYC stand-up comics who don't focus on stats or formations, they focus on the funny. Join us two times a week for some humorous reactions to football's wildest moments of the weekend. The beautiful game just got a little bit uglier.

  1. 1D AGO

    Is Messi Worth MLS’ Massive Salary? Christian Pulisic Joins & 5 USMNT Stars Must Step Up at the 2026 World Cup

    MLS salary numbers are officially out and the results are wild. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Lionel Messi making more money than 28 entire MLS teams and debate whether his arrival has truly been worth the investment for the league. The boys also discuss MLS potentially loosening salary cap restrictions and whether spending more freely would actually improve the quality and competitiveness of American soccer. Then, USMNT captain and AC Milan superstar Christian Pulisic joins The Cooligans! Pulisic talks about preparing for the biggest World Cup of his career, partnering with Michelob Ultra for their latest FIFA World Cup campaign, and how he handles the nonstop pressure and criticism that comes with being the face of American soccer. He also shares a memorable story about Gregg Berhalter and the advice that helped elevate his game to another level. Finally, the guys look ahead to the World Cup and identify the five USMNT players who will need to deliver if the United States hopes to make history on home soil. Which stars are ready for the spotlight? Who could become the breakout hero of the tournament? And does this current squad have what it takes to change the way the world views American soccer forever?   Timestamps: (7:30) - Is Messi’s salary worth it for MLS? (30:00) - Christian Pulisic joins the Cooligans (43:15) - 5 USMNT players who must step up at the World Cup Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

    1h 5m
  2. 4D AGO

    Is Christian Pulisic Ready for the World Cup? + Landon Donovan & Barcelona Humiliate Real Madrid

    Christian Pulisic missed the weekend with a reported glute injury, and with the World Cup right around the corner, USMNT fans officially have reason to sweat. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether this is just precautionary rest or a real concern for the American star’s form and fitness heading into the biggest tournament of his career. Is the pressure starting to mount for the USMNT captain? Then, USMNT legend Landon Donovan joins the show for a candid conversation about the modern American soccer player. Landon shares advice for Christian Pulisic ahead of the World Cup, explains why social media makes today’s pressure even more intense, and opens up about being critical of USMNT players on his podcast. He also discusses his memoir, media life after retirement, and what fans misunderstand about honest soccer analysis. Finally, Barcelona officially clinch the La Liga title by defeating Real Madrid in El Clasico — the first time the rivalry has ever directly decided the championship. The guys break down Real Madrid’s shocking decline, debate who deserves the blame for the collapse, and discuss whether rumored managerial target Jose Mourinho could realistically restore Madrid back to glory.   Timestamps: (12:15) - Christian Pulisic is injured: time to worry? (25:30) - Landon Donovan joins the Cooligans (37:00) - Who’s to blame for Real Madrid’s fall from grace? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

    1h 3m
  3. MAY 7

    Can Arsenal Survive PSG? Tim Ream on USMNT Pressure & Is Mbappe Tearing Real Madrid Apart?

    Arsenal are headed to the Champions League Final, but are they completely underestimating PSG? The Cooligans break down why Luis Enrique may have built the perfect tactical trap for Mikel Arteta’s side and whether Arsenal are truly ready for the biggest match in club football. The boys preview every angle of the final, debate who has the edge mentally and tactically, and give their official predictions. Then USMNT captain Tim Ream joins the show! The Charlotte FC defender opens up about the pressure of hosting a World Cup on home soil, what’s changed inside the USMNT locker room under Mauricio Pochettino, and why the team isn’t overreacting to recent poor performances. He also talks about returning to MLS after years in the Premier League, what it’s like playing alongside Wilfried Zaha, and somehow managing life with six dogs at home. Finally, Real Madrid are spiraling. Fans are frustrated, the locker room reportedly feels divided, and Kylian Mbappe’s first season in Madrid has ended without a major trophy. The boys debate whether Mbappe is unfairly taking the blame or if Real Madrid made a massive mistake bringing him in. Is this just a rough first season… or the beginning of something much worse for Los Blancos?   Timestamps: (10:30) - Will PSG have too much firepower for Arsenal in the UCL Final? (35:30) - Tim Ream joins the Cooligans (59:00) - Kylian Mbappe the main cause of the turmoil around Real Madrid? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

    1h 21m
  4. APR 30

    Is the Handball Rule Broken? Tyler Adams Talks World Cup Pressure & Is Mourinho Right for Real Madrid?

    The handball rule is back under the spotlight, and this time the boys are not holding back. Why does the UEFA Champions League continue to produce wildly inconsistent handball decisions? From baffling calls to moments where the law seems impossible to interpret, they break down why the current rule is frustrating everyone involved—and what changes could actually fix it. Then, Tyler Adams joins the show for an insightful and honest interview about his journey with Bournemouth and the USMNT. He opens up about the expectations surrounding a home World Cup, what it means to represent the U.S. on that stage, and how Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has helped elevate his game. Tyler also shares thoughts on how U.S. players challenge each other to improve and his partnership with Haleon. To wrap up, the boys dive into the rumors surrounding Jose Mourinho and a potential return to Real Madrid. Would bringing back the Special One be a brilliant move for one of the world’s biggest clubs—or a sign that the club is looking backward instead of forward? They debate whether Mourinho still has what it takes to lead an elite side, or if football has moved on from his methods.   Timestamps: (11:00) –  Pep Guardiola speaks out against World Cup ticket pricing (27:45) - Tyler Adams joins The Cooligans (45:00) – Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid: genius or a mistake? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

    1 hr
  5. APR 27

    Pep Slams World Cup Prices, Weston McKennie Speaks on USMNT Pressure & Champions League Picks

    Football may be the world’s game, but is it still for the fans? The Cooligans dive into Pep Guardiola’s pointed comments on World Cup ticket prices and his belief that supporters are the heartbeat of the sport. We examine what has gone wrong with the business-first mentality surrounding the tournament and whether football is losing touch with the very people who made it global. Next, we’re joined by USMNT and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie for an honest and revealing conversation about the state of the national team. Weston explains why the squad remains confident despite recent concerns, what they need to improve heading into the summer, and how their World Cup experience has better prepared them for the pressure ahead. He also opens up about his goals with Juventus as the season reaches its critical stages. To close the show, we shift our focus to Europe as we preview both Champions League semi-finals in depth. We break down each matchup, analyze the biggest storylines, and make our predictions for who advances—and ultimately who wins it all. Plus, we debate which club’s supporters would cherish a Champions League triumph the most.   Timestamps: (9:15) –  Pep Guardiola speaks out against World Cup ticket pricing (26:15) - Weston Mckennie joins The Cooligans (42:30) – Champions League Semi-Final preview Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

    1 hr
  6. APR 23

    Can Vancouver Save the Whitecaps? Clint Dempsey on World Cup Pricing & Chelsea’s Ownership Chaos

    The future of the Vancouver Whitecaps is suddenly in question, and fans are not taking it quietly. With stadium complications threatening the club’s long-term place in the city, the Cooligans break down what’s really happening behind the scenes and whether Vancouver can realistically keep its team. This isn’t just about one club—it’s about what MLS values most when push comes to shove: markets, money, or supporters. Then, Clint Dempsey joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about the upcoming World Cup and the growing concern that real fans are being priced out of the biggest tournament in the world. He opens up about his Gatorade campaign, the mentality that made him one of the toughest players in U.S. soccer history, and the personal moment when he realized it was time to walk away from the game. Finally, the guys react to Chelsea FC parting ways with Liam Rosenior and why the constant churn of managers says more about ownership than anything happening on the pitch. Plus, they hit the biggest stories around the global game—from Manchester City leading the Premier League race to Lamine Yamal’s injury and Pellegrino Matarazzo’s surprising Copa del Rey success.   Timestamps: (7:30) – Can fans keep the Whitecaps in Vancouver? (21:30) -  Clint Dempsey joins The Cooligans (36:30) – Why BlueCo is to blame for Liam Rosenior’s failure at Chelsea (47:30) - Rapido Reactions: Matarrazo makes history, Man City top PL & more Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

    59 min
  7. APR 20

    Are Arsenal Bottling It Again? Arteta Under Fire + Tommy McNamara on NYCFC, Pirlo & Lampard Stories

    Are Arsenal F.C. doing it again? Another late-season stumble has fans questioning whether this team is truly ready to win the Premier League—or if expectations have gotten ahead of reality. We dive into the growing scrutiny on Mikel Arteta and ask the big question: if Arsenal end the season without silverware, is it time to seriously reconsider the project? Plus, we react to Liverpool F.C.’s massive Merseyside derby win over Everton F.C. and what it means for the European race. Then we’re joined by NYCFC cult hero and Brooklyn FC midfielder Tommy McNamara for an unforgettable conversation. He shares stories from the early days of New York City FC, including what it was like learning from Frank Lampard, carpooling to training with Andrea Pirlo, and being part of one of the most unique locker rooms in MLS history. We also dive into his experiences playing under Bruce Arena and why he believes Arena is the greatest coach in MLS history. From veteran leadership to life after soccer, Tommy opens up about what he’s learned throughout his career and what the future might hold once his playing days are over.   Timestamps: (13:15) – Is Arteta to blame for Arsenal’s continued collapses? (29:00) -  Liverpool strengthen UCL chances with Merseyside Derby win (33:30) – Tommy McNamara joins The Cooligans (42:30) - Tommy’s stories of playing with Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard (1:01:30) - Becoming a veteran leader on Brooklyn FC Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

    1h 24m
4.9
out of 5
169 Ratings

About

The Cooligans is a comedy & soccer podcast delivering hilarious takes on the greatest sport in the world! Hosts Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco are two NYC stand-up comics who don't focus on stats or formations, they focus on the funny. Join us two times a week for some humorous reactions to football's wildest moments of the weekend. The beautiful game just got a little bit uglier.

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