About this episode

The episode covers Spain's victory over Portugal in the World Cup and previews the USMNT's match against Belgium.

In this live post-match reaction episode of The Cooligans, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros dissect Spain's tight 1-0 knockout victory over Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. They dive deep into Roberto Martinez's disastrous roster management, highlighting his refusal to bench a stagnant Cristiano Ronaldo and his baffling decision to leave a highly effective Rafael Leão out of the starting lineup. After handing out their "Stock Up, Stock Down" grades to Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and the completely neutered Portuguese midfield , the guys transition into a massive preview of the USMNT's upcoming clash against Belgium. They debate whether Mauricio Pochettino should utilize the newly available Folarin Balogun or ride with the in-form Ricardo Pepi , while also reacting to breaking news regarding Balogun’s fresh $40,000 FIFA fine.

People in this episode

Hosts: Christian Polanco, Alexis Guerreros

Topics covered

• World Cup
• soccer analysis
• post-match reaction
• USMNT preview
• Cristiano Ronaldo
• roster management
• FIFA fines

Keywords

• World Cup
• Spain
• Portugal
• USMNT
• Cristiano Ronaldo
• Folarin Balogun
• Ricardo Pepi
• Roberto Martinez
• soccer
• post-match

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USMNT, FIFA

Places: Belgium, Portugal, Spain

More episodes of The Cooligans

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• World Cup Final Preview: Spain vs Argentina, Tournament Superlatives & NYC Czar Maya Handa · July 17, 2026 · 1h 6m
• Argentina Beats England 2-1: Tuchel’s Tactical Collapse, Messi's Brilliance & Spain Final Preview · July 15, 2026 · 40 min
• Spain Shuts Down France 2-0: Deschamps Era Ends, Ian Wright & England vs Argentina Semis Preview · July 14, 2026 · 1h 2m
• World Cup QF Drama: Argentina Beats Swiss, England Overcomes Norway Cable Controversy & Semis Preview · July 12, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Spain Knocks Out Belgium 2-1: Mikel Merino Closer Heroics, KDB Retires & Semis Spain vs France Preview · July 10, 2026 · 55 min

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