Heart & Goal (All things Kansas City & Soccer)

Nate Bukaty is joined by Matt Besler and Benny Feilhaber for the final live edition of Heart & Goal as the world turns its attention to the 2026 World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. The group reflects on Kansas City's unforgettable month as a host city before previewing the championship match, making final predictions and handing out their World Cup awards and Best XI. Plus, a look at what's next for U.S. Soccer and how the momentum from this tournament can shape the future of the game in America.

Nate Bukaty is joined by Sporting KC legends Jack Jewsbury and Seth Sinovic for a live edition of Heart & Goal as the World Cup reaches the semifinal stage. The group reflects on Kansas City's unforgettable month on the world stage before breaking down the tournament's final four teams. From France vs. Spain and England vs. Argentina to standout players, surprise storylines and bold predictions, they look ahead to the matches that will decide who plays for the World Cup trophy. Plus, a five-a-side draft featuring the tournament's best performers.   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Host Aly Trost Martin is joined by former Sporting KC player Ike Opara for a special live edition of Heart & Goal ahead of Kansas City's final World Cup match: Argentina vs. Switzerland. The pair looks back on an unforgettable tournament in the Heartland, previews the quarterfinal showdown, predicts the road to the World Cup Final and reflects on the moments, fan cultures and memories that made Kansas City's month on the global stage so special.  Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

*Episode recorded 3/24*  Longtime Sporting KC manager and former player Peter Vermes joins Matt Besler and Nate Bukaty for a deep dive into the culture, mindset and moments that built a championship team in Kansas City. From the early days of Sporting KC to lifting trophies and setting a new standard, the group reflects on what it takes to build a winning culture — and how that foundation helped position Kansas City for the global stage. Plus, lessons on leadership, accountability and what success looks like heading into 2026. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook

Nate Bukaty welcomes Sporting KC homegrown Jake Davis and USMNT midfielder Gianluca Busio for a live edition of Heart & Goal as Kansas City gears up for Netherlands vs. Tunisia and USA vs. Türkiye. The group discusses Busio’s rise in Italy, Jake’s growth with Sporting KC and their thoughts on the World Cup’s biggest storylines so far. From the Dutch supporters taking over Kansas City to the Netherlands’ title chances and the USMNT’s tournament outlook, this episode captures the excitement of another unforgettable World Cup matchday. Plus, a spotlight on Kansas City’s music scene with SYNC and Saul Gucci, audience questions and a five-a-side draft featuring the Netherlands roster.   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty is joined by Graham Zusi and Roger Espinoza for a live edition of Heart & Goal ahead of Mexico’s highly anticipated World Cup clash with South Korea in Kansas City. The group relives iconic CONCACAF moments, including the legendary “San Zusi” qualifier, reflects on the first week of World Cup action and breaks down Mexico’s chances of making a deep tournament run. Plus, stories from around the city, audience questions and a five-a-side draft featuring El Tri’s World Cup roster. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty welcomes Sporting KC defender Jansen Miller and former MLS All-Star Jack Jewsbury for a special live edition of Heart & Goal ahead of Kansas City’s first World Cup match. The group breaks down the tournament’s early surprises, the arrival of defending champion Argentina and the challenge posed by Algeria. From the Messi effect and Argentina’s title defense to Kansas City’s atmosphere and fan celebrations, this episode captures the excitement of World Cup matchday in the Heartland. Plus, audience questions and a five-a-side draft built from Argentina’s star-studded roster. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty sits down with Kansas City Mayor Quentin Lucas to discuss the city’s final preparations for the biggest event in its history. From transportation, infrastructure and security to Fan Fest, local businesses and the arrival of teams from around the globe, Mayor Q shares how Kansas City has prepared to welcome the world. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from the bid process, what visitors can expect when they arrive and why he believes Kansas City is ready for its moment on the global stage.   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!   ⁠Instagram⁠   ⁠TikTok⁠   ⁠Facebook⁠

Nate Bukaty is joined by Graham Zusi and Diego Gutierrez for the first-ever live edition of Heart & Goal as Kansas City prepares to kick off the 2026 World Cup. The group reflects on Zusi’s journey to the 2014 World Cup, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the U.S. send-off series and looks ahead to the USMNT’s matchup with Germany and the challenges awaiting in Group D. Plus, audience questions, World Cup predictions and a live five-a-side draft built from the U.S. roster. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook  

This week, Nate Bukaty hosts John Moncke, President of Power & Light to discuss the upcoming World Cup, growth in the city and more! From holding Premier League events to hosting the defending champs, hear why John thinks that the “Soccer Capital of the United States” is ready to be the heart of the 2026 World Cup. Plus, John’s favorite memories from working at Sporting KC, upcoming concerts at Power & Light and what he wants people to take away from visiting Kansas City. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more! ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠

KC26 Director of Fan Festival and Events Mallory Cage joins Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber to break down the massive entertainment lineup, fan experiences and celebrations coming to Kansas City during the World Cup. From FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum and Memorial to concerts, activations and citywide events, the group explores how Kansas City is preparing to welcome the world and what fans can expect when the tournament finally arrives. Plus, group-stage predictions and a five-a-side draft of the Fan Fest acts they’re most excited to see.    Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook  

Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber shine a spotlight on one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks – the National WWI Museum and Memorial –– and the major role it will play during the World Cup. Joined by museum president and CEO Dr. Matthew Naylor, the group explores the history, global significance and future of the Liberty Memorial as it prepares to welcome fans from around the world. Plus, World Cup trivia, stories from Kansas City’s growth over the last decade and a five-a-side draft of the city’s best hidden-gem watering holes.  Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber are joined by design and branding experts Chad Reynolds and Mike Walker to explore the world of soccer jerseys, identity and the rise of football fashion. From the Sporting KC rebrand to global kit design with Adidas, Puma and beyond, the group goes behind the scenes on how iconic jerseys are created — and why they matter. Plus, a look at the growing intersection of soccer and street-wear, World Cup kit reactions and a five-a-side draft of the best jerseys of all time. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty is joined by Roger Espinoza and CBS Sports’ Nico Cantor for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 World Cup. From global contenders and under-the-radar teams to the evolution of soccer coverage in the U.S., the group breaks down what to watch as the tournament approaches — and where Kansas City fits on the world stage. Plus, rapid-fire takes and a five-a-side draft of the best World Cup matches they’ve ever seen.  Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber welcome Sporting KC fan favorite Ike Opara for a wide-ranging conversation on his career, his connection to Kansas City and his next chapter in the game. From his time anchoring SKC’s back line to stepping into coaching, Ike reflects on the moments, mindset and culture that defined his career. Plus, we get his take on the USMNT, World Cup contenders and what Kansas City can expect when the world arrives this summer.  Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber are joined by Kansas City Star columnist Sam McDowell to break down the latest World Cup news and what it all means for Kansas City. From base camps and stadium questions to city readiness, security and the atmosphere fans can expect this summer, the group takes a wide-angle look at KC’s biggest sports moment yet. Plus, another round of “Goal or No Goal” and a five-a-side draft on the biggest Kansas City sports stories of the last decade.   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty is joined by Benny Feilhaber and Matt Besler for another round of fan-favorite debates – this time with even more stories, opinions and friendly chaos. From the Kansas City sports Mount Rushmore to jersey debates, World Cup predictions and more, the crew goes head-to-head in the return of “Goal or No Goal.” Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from their playing days and a Fiva-A-Side draft you won’t want to miss. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty sits down with Sporting KC co-owner, KC20206 honorary co-chair and visionary Cliff Illig, one of the key figures behind bringing the world’s biggest soccer event to Kansas City. From building a soccer culture in KC to helping lead the city’s successful bid, Illig shares the vision, innovation and persistence it took to put Kansas City on the global stage. Plus, a look at what makes KC unique — and what he hopes the world will say after experiencing it. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Former players and current soccer analysts Dax McCarty and Keith Costigan join Nate to break down the final World Cup qualifiers and what they mean for the road to 2026. From bracket-style predictions and global matchups to key storylines surrounding the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies, the group dives into the teams, players and pressure moments that will shape the final field. Plus, a look at who could make the biggest impact when the tournament kicks off.   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook  

Kansas City’s sports roots run deep. Nate Bukaty, Graham Zusi and Benny Feilhaber explore our athletic past before welcoming Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum onto the podcast.   From the legacy of the Kansas City Monarchs and Buck O’Neill to the continued impact of the 18th and Vine district, this episode connects KC’s rich sports history to the global spotlight ahead. Plus, a look at the final World Cup qualifiers and what they mean as the countdown continues. Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty and Graham Zusi welcome Sporting KC legend and current assistant coach Roger Espinoza, alongside KC Current captain Lo’eau LaBonta — one of Kansas City’s true soccer power couples. They reflect on careers that have spanned MLS, the NWSL and the World Cup stage, what it means to represent KC in a defining era for the sport, and how the city is preparing for 2026. Plus, they answer the big question: What do they want the world to say about KC when all is said and done?   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Sporting KC legends Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi join Nate for a new debate segment: Goal or No Goal. Bold statements, heated arguments and a winner crowned each round. Is Spain the real World Cup favorite? What’s the USMNT’s ceiling? Would the 2010 squad beat 2014? And is the Z-Man truly KC’s best BBQ bite? Plus, untold club and country stories and a draft of the best USMNT kits of all time.   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Kansas City isn't just hosting World Cup matches - it's becoming home base for global powers like Argentina, England, and the Netherlands. Nake Bukaty and co-host Graham Zusi break down how KC landed multiple elite base camps and what it means for the city's soccer legacy. Former Sporting KC COO and World Cup 2026 consultant Alan Dietrich shares behind-the-scenes insight on the recruiting process, facility tours and why teams chose Kansas over bigger markets.    Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber break down how Kansas City earned its reputation as the Soccer Capital of America. From Lamar Hunt bringing MLS to town to Sporting KC’s transformation and the rise of the KC Current, they trace the city’s soccer evolution. They’re also joined by Wizards legend Jimmy Conrad to reflect on his playing days, World Cup experiences and what 2026 will mean for Kansas City.   Follow Heart & Goal on social media to see behind the scenes and more!  Instagram TikTok Facebook

Nate Bukaty and Matt Besler sit down with KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer to go behind the scenes of Kansas City’s World Cup preparation. From the journey to becoming a host city to what 650,000-plus visitors will mean for the region, they dive into the planning, partnerships and momentum building across the metro. Plus, get a breakdown of the new 48-team format, a spirited debate about BBQ and so much more!   Follow Heart & Goal on social media!  TikTok Instagram Facebook

In our debut episode, Nate Bukaty and Matt Besler set the stage for Kansas City’s biggest soccer moment yet. They share their KC roots, their love of the game and what they’re most excited to see when the world arrives in 2026.