Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Andrew Gundling Talks World Cup (Dec 6, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this hour, Peter Rosenberg and Don Hahn welcome soccer journalist and podcast host Andrew Gundling (“Caught Offside”) to break down the U.S. Men's National Team's 2026 World Cup draw. The conversation covers the draw's implications, expectations for the U.S. team, group stage pressure, and broader themes about American soccer's growth. The crew also fields listener calls about music, pro wrestling, and NFL picks, wrapping up with light-hearted banter characteristic of the show's style.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Immediate Reaction to the U.S. World Cup Draw

• Favorable Outcome (02:19)
  • Gundling explains the tournament's pot system and why the U.S. avoided the world's top teams as a host. Despite this, he notes they could have still drawn difficult teams but largely avoided them:
    • “If your goal here is like, we want to go as far as possible, then this is a really ideal draw.” – Andrew Gundling (02:19)
  • He adds it’s not the most glamorous grouping, but optimal for tournament success.

2. Who’s the Fourth Team? Qualifying Process Explained

• European Playoff Breakdowns (03:26)

  • Gundling describes how regions have set team allocations, focusing on Europe’s playoff system:
    • “For the U.S., they know it will be one of Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey and Romania.” (04:10)
  • Potential group opponents will be decided by a mini tournament in March.

• Uncommon Familiarity (04:42)

  • Due to scheduling quirks, the U.S. has recently played friendlies against all potential group opponents, a rarity:
    • “...there's a chance they’ll have played all three of the teams in their group within the last six months, which is incredibly rare, almost never happened.” – Andrew Gundling (05:09)
  • Notably, Turkey dominated the U.S in their friendly.

3. Potential Pressure on the U.S. Team

• Expectations as Hosts (06:11)
  • There’s always pressure on host nations to overperform. The expanded format makes it even harder to “fail”:
    • “Not getting out of the group would be, it would be horrifying...32 of the 48 teams in this tournament are going to advance out of the group stage...” – Andrew Gundling (06:11)
  • Success should be measured by more than just escaping the group.

4. Historical Context and Hopes for the Team

• Reflecting on 2018’s Missed Qualification (09:42)

  • Rosenberg recalls the infamous failure to qualify in 2018; Gundling reflects on that night and recent improvement:
    • “It’s those low moments that make this fun. Like, this team looks good right now...Momentum is good.” – Andrew Gundling (10:15)
  • Hopes are high that 2026 can mark a true new era for U.S. soccer.

• The Need for Real Progress (11:19)

  • Rosenberg voices a long-standing fan frustration: the U.S. cannot simply aim for round of 16 exits forever.
    • “At some point, this thing actually has to take a turn...where you can say in earnest that they’re moving in the right direction.” – Peter Rosenberg (11:43)

• Luck and Tournament Pathways (12:18)

  • Gundling notes success isn’t just about strength, but also favorable matchups in the knockout phase.
    • “A lot of that...is luck...if the U.S. wind up by just sheer unluck facing France in the round of 32...” (12:30)
  • The draw for the knockout stage opponents is still pending.

5. Listener Q&A: Eagles Concerns & Miscellaneous Topics

• Quick NFL Discussion (14:31)
  • Rosenberg pivots, asking Gundling to rate his concern about the Philadelphia Eagles on a scale of 1–5:
    • “Four and a half closing in on five.” – Andrew Gundling (14:44)
    • Gundling details the offense’s troubles and his skepticism about a sudden turnaround.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Draw’s Stakes:
  “Getting out of the group can’t be a measuring stick. The bar has to be higher…” – Andrew Gundling (06:11)
• Nostalgic Callback:
  “Would you be waiting with bated breath to see that U.S.-Romania rematch from 1994?” – Peter Rosenberg (04:30)
• On U.S. Soccer's Next Step:
  “We've been having this conversation since you and I were like, you know, teenagers...at some point this thing actually has to take a turn.” – Peter Rosenberg (11:43)
• On the Role of Luck:
  “...there is this element of it that is luck. Draw, shake...” – Andrew Gundling (12:18)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|--------------| | 02:19 | Gundling’s immediate reaction to the draw and group breakdown | | 03:26 | How the fourth team in the U.S. group will be determined | | 04:42 | U.S. friendlies with group opponents—a rare advantage | | 06:11 | The pressure and disaster scenario if the U.S. doesn’t advance | | 09:42 | Reflection on the U.S. not qualifying for 2018 | | 11:43 | Fan frustration about U.S. consistently falling short of expectations | | 12:18 | Importance of draw/luck in going deep at the World Cup | | 14:31 | Quick pivot to NFL–Gundling’s concern about the Eagles |

Listener Interactions

• Music/Pop Culture: Clarification regarding Ozzy Osbourne rumors, with listeners and hosts expressing relief that a shocking story was debunked (19:00–20:44).
• Pro Wrestling: Dream scenarios for John Cena’s last match discussed with a caller, with Rosenberg fantasizing about a Rock run-in (21:06–21:57).
• NFL Picks: Discussion of listener bets and regrets over “knowing” the Lions would cover yet picking the Cowboys (22:39–24:16).

Tone & Style

The conversation is lively and accessible, blending soccer analysis with the irreverent, personable banter familiar to New York sports radio. Rosenberg in particular infuses the chat with nostalgia, humor, and casual skepticism, while Gundling provides measured expertise and context.

Conclusion

This episode delivers an in-depth, entertaining take on the U.S. World Cup draw and what’s at stake for American soccer on home soil in 2026. With a blend of genuine sports insight, fan frustration, and playful side topics, it’s both informative for soccer buffs and welcoming for casual listeners. The stakes are clear: for the U.S., this World Cup is about more than participation—it's about taking the next meaningful step on the world stage.