SportsBeat KC
U.S. soccer’s exit from FIFA World Cup was ugly. What to make of team’s progress
Ouch. The U.S. team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup occurred in ugly fashion — and sooner than many had hoped.
The U.S. team’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium in Seattle on Monday, by a 4-1 score, means the American team failed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Star columnist Vahe Gregorian discusses the disappointment of the lopsided loss and what it means for the U.S. program going forward.
Also, was the U.S. affected by FIFA’s sudden reinstatement of forward Flo Balogun, who received a red card in the previous game but was allowed to play against Belgium after some maneuvering by President Trump?
SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
Other episodes of this podcast
SportsBeat KC
What we’re looking to see from the Kansas City Chiefs in their preseason opener
Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play, and other starters might sit out the preseason opener. But there will be plenty to see and evaluate when the Kansas City Chiefs meet the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Backup quarterbacks Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier figure to get the bulk of the snaps, at least early, and the performances among newcomers at running back and the defensive interior will be among the biggest curiosities. Beat writer Pete Sweeney and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian share what’s on their checklists for Saturday on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM). Later, I’ll share what’s on my radar in Kansas City sports this week, including the Royals slugger who tied a team record and a television program that wrapped its loving arms around Kansas City sports in its season debut. SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
SportsBeat KC
Real evaluations begin when pads come on. Who’s looking good for the Chiefs?
Chiefs training camp doesn’t really begin until the pads come on. It’s the first time to evaluate linemen and most defensive players. So who’s looking good? Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian break down what they’ve seen at camp on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM). Tackle Josh Simmons and rookie defensive lineman Peter Woods have made solid early impressions, but injuries to receivers Xavier Worthy and Cyrus Allen have put a damper on things. Also, the baseball trade deadline has come and gone. How did the Royals do? Stick around and I’ll tell you what’s on my radar in Kansas City sports. SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
SportsBeat KC
Patrick Mahomes, Rashee Rice and the right tackle conundrum: Chiefs podcast
This week’s most important local sports story came out of training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, where the team announced that quarterback Patrick Mahomes — just seven months removed from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee — was fully cleared for the start of training camp. Although most of the eyes will be on Mahomes’ recovery, there are several other subplots worth watching, such as the status of Rashee Rice, the development of Mansoor Delane and who wins out at the right tackle position. With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now in Los Angeles and Bryan Cook now in Cincinnati, how will the Chiefs manage their new-look secondary? On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Star columnist Sam McDowell joins Pete Sweeney to discuss all this and more. SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
