This Soccer Tejas Podcast episode with hosts Alex Parra and Victor Araiza covers a range of topics, including the Houston Dynamo's MLS season start, World Cup 2026 updates, and the Houston Dash's preseason.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

• Houston Dynamo's MLS Season Start

• World Cup 2026 and Mexico's Challenges

• Media Coverage of Soccer

• Houston Dash Preseason

The Soccer Tejas podcast, in its first 2026 edition, discusses the upcoming World Cup in Houston and the retooling of the Houston Dynamo FC.

The podcast also touches on the surprising decision to part ways with Glenn Davis, a long-standing and respected figure in Houston soccer.

Our Alex Parra had the opportunity to catch up with Houston Dynamo FC President of Soccer Pat Onstad to discuss the 2025 season, and the plans for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

Also in this interview, Onstad comments on the upcoming 2025 MLS Cup Final, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the importance of players getting out in the community, an update regarding the approach to youth soccer in the city, and much more.

The Soccer Tejas Podcast discussed the upcoming 2026 World Cup, noting 28 of 48 teams have qualified, including newcomers like Cape Verde and Jordan. The hosts debated the pros and cons of expanding the tournament to 48 teams, emphasizing the potential for new stories but also the risk of lopsided matches.

The panel also addressed the use of AI in MLS match recaps, highlighting concerns about accuracy and job displacement. The Houston Dynamo's season was reviewed, with calls for a major shakeup and the potential impact of the World Cup. The Houston Dash's playoff hopes were discussed, along with the team's need for a consistent goal scorer.

The podcast concluded with excitement for the upcoming Dallas Trinity FC vs. Club America match at the Cotton Bowl. Alex Parra, Laura Gomez, and Victor Araiza conclude with what's on their soccer mind.

The Soccer Tejas Podcast discussed the high costs and challenges of obtaining World Cup tickets, with tickets on the resale market priced as high as $60,000.

Alex Parra, Laura Gomez, and Victor Araiza also discussed the future of the Houston Dynamo and Dash, with the Dynamo missing the playoffs for the first time under Ben Olsen and the Dash struggling to secure a playoff spot.

• 2:58 Excitement and frustration around World Cup 2026
• 28:28 Dynamo out of playoff contention
• 47:58 Shell Energy Stadium gets a new tenant
• 52:15 Dash push for playoffs hits another speed bump
• 01:02:38 What's on our Soccer minds?

The Soccer Tejas Podcast dives into Austin FC's loss in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final and the ramifications of the defeat for the MLS club. The panel also discussed the impact of politics in sports, particularly the World Cup and the NFL halftime show featuring Bad Bunny.

The episode also covered the Houston Dynamo’s recent loss to Nashville, the injury of Jack McGlynn, and the potential impact on his World Cup chances. The Houston Dash’s performance against Washington Spirit was critiqued, with a focus on their inconsistency.

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:36 Politics and Sports
• 16:23 Nashville defeats Austin in U.S. Open Cup Final
• 33:57 Houston Dynamo playoff hopes in peril
• 46:46 Jack McGlynn's Injury
• 54:47 Houston Dash fall apart in D.C.
• 01:04:15 Boots and Suits Charity Event
• 01:13:27 World Cup mascots
• 01:17:23 What's on our Soccer Mind?

The Soccer Tejas Podcast discussed the upcoming 2026 World Cup, noting 260 days until the opening match at Estadio Azteca and 263 days until the opener at NRG Stadium. The podcast touched on the NWSL's decision to suspend play during the 2026 World Cup and the potential legacy of the World Cup on youth soccer in the United States.

The panel also highlighted the importance of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with Austin FC hosting the Final. They also covered the Houston Dash's recent win against Chicago Stars and the Houston Dynamo's victory against Portland, emphasizing the teams' playoff hopes.

The Soccer Tejas Podcast discussed the U.S. men's national team's preparation for the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the team's recent results in the September FIFA window, and the lack of fan support.

Alex Parra, Laura Gómez, and Victor Araiza also debated the effectiveness of the MLS' disciplinary actions against Luis Suárez for his behavior in the Leagues Cup final. The panel also analyzed the Houston Dynamo and Dash's seasons, and U.S. Soccer's recent announcement to crack down on referee abuse.

0:00 Introduction and Welcome

4:14 USMNT lose to South Korea, win against Japan

17:22 Are fans being priced out of soccer matches in the U.S.?

26:10 Luis Suarez suspended by Leagues Cup and MLS

37:03 Dynamo playoffs hopes a toss up

44:22 Dash still outside playoff picture despite unbeaten run

59:42 Referee Abuse and US Soccer's New Guidelines