"Y Si Si" & "Why Not Us?"

There have been some unprecedented moments of national pride for fans of the U.S. and Mexican national teams over the past two weeks. The co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are delivering exactly what their supporters hoped for: results.On Wednesday’s podcast, ESPN’s Eric Gomez and former USMNT & current Seattle Sounders winger Paul Arriola discuss the impressive group-stage performances from both the United States and Mexico as they head into the knockout rounds with wind at their backs from the two fanbases.The conversation begins with Mexico’s perfect run through Group A. El Tri won all three matches, finished atop the group, and did not concede a goal. We discussed how Javier Aguirre’s side has embraced the pressure of playing at home and why this may be one of Mexico’s most complete World Cup teams in years. We also talked about “the Mexican Pedri”, Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana, and how much hype is too much hype for the 17-year old. On the other side of the age & experience spectrum is legendary GK Memo Ochoa. Eric talked about the emotions of watching Ochoa's swansong for El Tri. Great stuff. On the U.S. side, Arriola offers a player’s perspective on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, which secured first place in Group D with dominant wins over Paraguay and Australia before the final group match. Paul attended the match in Seattle and shared his experience of going as a fan and rooting on the USMNT - a team he represented 50 times. The discussion centers on the team’s growing confidence, the influence of key veterans, and whether this group is positioned to make the deepest World Cup run in a generation.We also talked about how important it’s been for the USMNT to feel the support of the fans, which has been a struggle for the team through the years. We talked about how U.S. Soccer can harness the excitement for future generations via success at the World Cup on and off the pitch. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dsmithshow.substack.com