The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: 100 Days Out from the World Cup & NFL QB Market

Date: March 3, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Alexi Lalas, Rob Parker

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd dives deep into two major themes: the anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is just 100 days away and largely hosted on American soil, and the ever-changing landscape of the NFL quarterback market as free agency approaches. Colin Cowherd is joined by Hall of Fame soccer analyst Alexi Lalas for an insightful conversation on the potential of the US Men’s National Team, the broader global soccer context, and reflections on the emotional, tactical, and cultural ingredients for tournament success. Later, Rob Parker joins to break down NBA narratives highlighting international stars, and assess the most intriguing—and acquirable—QB options for NFL teams.

I. The World Cup Arrives: US Hopes and Global Favorites

World Cup Hype: Home Advantage & National Sentiment (02:42-05:24)

• Colin asks: Does home soil make a difference for the U.S. team? Cites the Lake Placid hockey miracle and the impact of the 1994 World Cup.
• Alexi Lalas responds:
  • “There’s nothing better than a World Cup except one thing, and that is a home World Cup… you can do things that people don’t believe you can do.” (03:53)
  • Reflects on 1994 as a transformational summer for U.S. soccer, with hopes the 2026 tournament will inspire a new generation.
  • “Hopefully there’s a whole nother generation many years from now…that looks back at the summer of 2026 and says, man, that was a party.” (05:10)
• Colin: Invites “everyone into the tent,” predicting even soccer skeptics will get caught up in the national celebration.

The USMNT: Strengths, Concerns & Star Power (05:24-09:30)

• Goaltender Anxiety:
  • Alexi stresses the importance of goalkeeping, a historic U.S. strength: “No goalie, no party.” (05:58)
  • Matt Fries likely starting in net—could be the first Harvard man in World Cup goal for the US.
• Key Player – Christian Pulisic:
  • “Christian Pulisic…is well on his way to becoming the best male American soccer player in history. And he’s got to show up.” (06:23)
  • Discusses the modern player’s personal “brand” and Pulisic’s quiet leadership style.
• Team Identity:
  • Lalas hopes for a blend of American “grit” and technical skill: “There is an element of…grit…that has been a hallmark of this team over the years. And if you get those two together, the sky’s the limit.” (09:30)

Roster Predictions & Pochettino’s Approach (07:26-08:45, 13:21-15:27)

• Roster Surprises:
  • Lalas sees the possibility for upsets in the final 23: “There are always surprises…he [Pochettino] recognizes…It’s not about the best soccer players, it’s about the best collection of players.” (07:39-08:05)
• Coach Mauricio Pochettino:
  • On his grade: “I’d probably give him a B…But…the reality is that I would give him an incomplete because nothing really matters until the tournament.” (14:03)
  • Highlights his ruthlessness, respect for representing your country, and insistence on “the honor and the recognition” of the U.S. jersey.
  • Lalas says Pochettino and Pulisic “need each other,” but notes surprise stars can always emerge: “Who we are talking about right now might not be ultimately who we are talking about when the World Cup is finished.” (15:30)

Contenders and Global Favorites: England, France, and More (10:23-13:21, 16:28-17:52)

• England:
  • “As much as it pains me, England’s really good…they get on a roll…it could be great for England but not so great for us from a 1776 perspective.” (10:54)
• France:
  • “It’s a culture thing…they recognize talent at a very young age…they foster that talent.” (12:22)
  • Praises France’s depth, global diaspora, and coaching continuity.
• Aging Legends:
  • Lalas on Messi (38) and Ronaldo (41):
    • “History has not been kind to repeat or attempted repeats…But you wouldn’t put it past him [Messi] given the things he’s done.” (16:53)
    • Raises questions about Portugal’s management of aging Ronaldo and team dynamics.

II. The Herd Line News: NBA and NFL QB Market

NBA Scenarios: Giannis Loyalty & The Rise of LaMelo Ball (22:25-29:06)

• Giannis’ Situation:
  • Notable Quote (Giannis, 22:49): “I’m just happy that I’m on the court. Like it doesn’t matter if I play 18, 20 minutes, 22, whatever. Just happy that I’m out there…Just do what I love, which is play basketball.”
  • Colin and Rob debate whether staying in Milwaukee is a “winning mentality” and reflect on the unprecedented loyalty of international stars versus the American norms of mobility.
  • Colin: “There is something about basketball that if you’re mobile…and take advantage…we look and think less of you…It’s really weird.” (25:59)
• Charlotte Hornets & LaMelo’s Growth:
  • Team’s turnaround noted—second best offensive rating since January.
  • Rob: “We banged on LaMelo Ball for years…Quietly Lamelo Ball is growing up.”
  • Colin: “Ball now has two finishers on his roster. So is he growing up or…his passes get finished and he gets assists?” (27:31)
  • On young NBA players: “Your brain’s developing and your maturity is developing…some of these guys…are getting much better, much quicker.” (28:36)

NFL QB Carousel: Who’s Really Acquirable? (29:06-43:41)

• Kyler Murray’s Trade Market:

  • Parker relays rumors of the Steelers considering a trade for Kyler Murray, but for only late-round picks.
  • Alexi: “A, he’s talented and B, if you don’t have to pay a full boat, why not?” (29:44)

• Quarterback Mentality and Organizational Philosophy:

  • Steelers’ reluctance to “rebuild” and internal tensions—do they play Will Howard or swing for a big name?
  • Rodgers-to-Minnesota rumors resurface: “Aaron in Minnesota is it is back on.” (31:32)

• Colin’s QB Ranking Philosophy—The Five Acquirable QBs: (35:09-41:24):

  • Considers age, contract, health, production, and “ascension.”
  • Colin’s notable list: Fernando Mendoza (rookie deal), Mac Jones (cheap, accurate), Malik Willis (athletic, raw), Ty Simpson (developmental), Aaron Rodgers (short-term winner, experienced).
  • Kyler Murray omitted: “Kyler like him more than the market, but there’s a lot of questions…[He’s] expensive and brittle.” (40:20)

• Anthony Richardson:

  • Parker suggests Richardson still has upside, but Alexi is wary: “If Shane Steichen is telling you and I, ‘yeah, I’m out,’…that’s a huge red flag.” (38:23)

• Quarterback Draft Surprises:

  • Colin teases his quarterback draft segment for the next day, predicting hidden value in later rounds (Nussmeier from LSU, Cade Klubnik, Drew Aller, “somebody is going to hit”). (42:18-43:24)

III. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Home World Cup Energy:
  • Alexi Lalas (03:53): “There’s nothing better than a World cup except one thing, and that is a home World cup.”
• On Christian Pulisic’s Stakes:
  • Alexi Lalas (06:23): “Christian Pulisic…is well on his way to becoming the best male American soccer player in history. And he’s got to show up.”
• On Grit as the USMNT’s X-Factor:
  • Alexi Lalas (09:30): “There is an element of…grit…that has been a hallmark of this team over the years. And if you get those two together, the sky’s the limit.”
• On England’s Potential:
  • Alexi Lalas (10:54): “If we were to allow England to come to our shores and to win a World cup…Can you imagine if they were to win the World Cup here in the United States?…They are really, really good.”
• On Coach Pochettino:
  • Alexi Lalas (14:03): “I’d probably give him a B…But…all that he is going to be judged upon is what happens when that first whistle blows.”
• On NBA Player Loyalty:
  • Colin Cowherd (25:59): "It’s really weird that we look and think less of you that KD has bounced around or went to the Warriors."
• On QB Market:
  • Colin Cowherd (35:09): “If you told me I’m a GM, I’m looking around…Who are the five most acquirable quarterbacks? Age, cost, health, production, ascension.”

IV. Timestamps for Key Segments

• World Cup Preview – US Men’s National Team: 02:42 – 17:52
• NBA News: Giannis, Hornets, LaMelo Ball: 22:25 – 29:06
• NFL QB Market, Kyler Murray, Rodgers, QB Draft Philosophy: 29:06 – 43:41

V. Tone & Style

• The conversation is spirited, a blend of optimism, realism, and occasional humor. Alexi Lalas offers history, context, and tactical perspective (“No goalie, no party”), while Colin’s signature is frank analysis, comparative references, and a focus on business and culture as much as pure sport.

VI. Summary Takeaway

This episode blends World Cup anticipation—with hope for a once-in-a-generation summer in the U.S.—with a busy, uncertain NFL quarterback market and current NBA intrigue. Both Alexi Lalas and Colin Cowherd express hope and cautious optimism about the U.S. Men’s National Team, while acknowledging the immense challenge ahead. In the NFL, Colin sees a value-driven QB market, with familiar names facing hard questions about cost, durability, and upside.

For USMNT fans, soccer newcomers, and NFL diehards, this is a comprehensive, energetic primer on the road to a summer for the ages—and the looming football offseason shakeup.