Will the USMNT ever produce a global superstar?

About this episode

The episode discusses the USMNT's potential to produce a global superstar amidst the backdrop of the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup is underway! Join Adam Leventhal, Art de Roché and Cerys Jones as they reflect on an eventful opening day before asking why the USA have never produced a truly global superstar. Jack Lang was at Estadio Azteca and recounts Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa that saw him showered in beer, while Henry Bushnell looks ahead to the USMNT’s opener against Paraguay. Plus, we hear from Joshua Kloke on Canada’s first game, in what he describes as ‘the biggest in Canadian soccer history'. Access to all of The Athletic's World Cup coverage is free via our app during the duration of the World Cup! Host: Adam Leventhal With: Art de Roché and Cerys Jones Featuring: Jack Lang, Henry Bushnell, Joshua Kloke Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Adam Leventhal

Guests: Art de Roché, Cerys Jones

Topics covered

• USMNT
• global superstar
• World Cup
• soccer
• Canada soccer
• Mexico vs South Africa

Keywords

• USMNT
• global superstar
• 2026 World Cup
• soccer
• Mexico
• Canada
• Paraguay

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Athletic

Places: Estadio Azteca, USA, Mexico, South Africa, Canada

More episodes of The Athletic FC Podcast

• An Idiot's Guide to the 2026 World Cup · June 11, 2026 · 44 min
• Will the World Cup rip-off pay off? · June 10, 2026 · 45 min
• Who will actually win the World Cup? · June 9, 2026 · 45 min
• David Ornstein's World Cup transfer watchlist · June 8, 2026 · 38 min
• Emma Paton joins The Athletic FC Podcast for The World Cup · June 7, 2026 · 1 min
• The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams · June 6, 2026 · 36 min