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Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast: Breaking down biggest World Cup talking points for USMNT with The Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy

The 2026 USMNT World Cup Roster is OFFICIAL, and Mauricio Pochettino is taking some massive host-nation gambles!

On this episode of Sounding Off on Soccer, Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s John Krysinsky sits down with legendary national sports journalist and Pittsburgh’s own Mike DeCourcy (The Sporting News) for a fast-paced, high-energy breakdown of the final 26-man squad.

We tackle the massive elephant in the room regarding the breaking rumors linking Pochettino to the vacant AC Milan job—is this a modern-day Bora Milutinović “hired gun” win-win scenario, or a pre-tournament distraction? Plus, we put Mike in the hot seat with a rapid-fire “Buy or Sell” lightning round, dive deep into the Gio Reyna redemption arc, debate the shocking omissions of Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann, look at FIFA’s yellow card accumulation rule updates and more!

👉 READ MIKE’S WORLD CUP COLUMNS ON THE SPORTING NEWS:

Can Gio Reyna rewrite history? 

Why Mauricio Pochettino’s flirtation with AC Milan is not a big issue 

Catch the audio-only version of Sounding Off on Soccer here, on PSN’s YouTube Channel or on the Podcast platforms below:  

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⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

📌 CHAPTERS:

  • 00:00 – Intro
  • 03:15 – The Pochettino to AC Milan Rumors: A Modern-Day Bora Milutinović ’94?
  • 11:40 – “Buy or Sell” Lightning Round: Instant Roster Reactions
  • 18:25 – The Gio Reyna Conundrum: Can He Rewrite Personal History?
  • 27:10 – Rating the Roster Snubs: Diego Luna & Tanner Tessmann Left Behind
  • 36:45 – Building the Ideal USMNT Starting XI vs. Paraguay
  • 42:30 – FIFA’s New Yellow Card Rules & The World Cup “Vibe Check”
  • 48:15 – Outro & FNB Field Local Watch Party Details

🔗 Links Mentioned in the Show: 

* Read Mike DeCourcy’s column on The Sporting News:

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/usmnt-roster-gio-reyna-can-rewrite-history-2026-fifa-world-cup/4347ff709f5748f8ab8a069f

* Follow World Cup coverage on Pittsburgh Soccer Now

Can FIFA save the 2026 World Cup before it’s too late?

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Sounding Off on Soccer wherever you get your podcasts!

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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