Ep. 16: Game 1: Paraguay Preview

U.S Fall to Turkey 3–2, Serious Questions About Defensive Depth Arise

Last night the USMNT experienced heartbreak in the 90+ as they fell to Turkey 3–2 in the final game of Group D. On the bright side, however, is that the U.S only used one starter in Weston McKennie against Turkey, as they fielded a team full of back-ups. Today I broke down the good, the bad, and the ugly of our reserves, with a special focus on the midfield and back four. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeballard.substack.com [https://lukeballard.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

All Gas, or Some Breaks? How the USMNT Will Line Up vs. Turkey

In what is essentially a friendly match in game week three of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the already qualified, Group D-topping, USMNT will face the already eliminated, and World Cup “Dark Horses” in Turkey come 10 pm Thursday night in Sofi Stadium. Today I broke down how the USMNT will line up, as they battle minor injuries and yellow card troubles, while wanting to keep the momentum going, as they strive to win three group stage games for the first time in modern-day USMNT history. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeballard.substack.com [https://lukeballard.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

U.S Trump Aussie's Low-block, Topping Group for First Time Since 2010

Tune into episode 19 to hear me breakdown the USMNT's historic group-topping performance, as they beat Australia 2–0 in game two, and advance to the knockouts at the top of thier group for the first time since South Africa in 2010. Remember, when a team plays a vicious 5–4–1 low-block, the game won't be pretty, and the U.S took their goals where they could. Tune in for everything you need to know about this historic run on home soil. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeballard.substack.com [https://lukeballard.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Is the USMNT the Real Deal?, or Will the Socceroos Expose Them

Tune in for episode 18 as I break down exactly what to expect in tomorrow’s match up with Australia. Playing in a 5–4–1 low block, the U.S will have to be crafty to break down the Socceroos solid defensive line, manned by three giants in the middle of their back five. And make sure to stay for the inside scoop on Christian Pulisic’s calf knock as the U.S kickoff at 3pm Friday afternoon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeballard.substack.com [https://lukeballard.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep. 17: U.S Thrash Paraguay 4–1 in Historic Performance

The USMNT are off to the dream start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thrashing CONMEBOL opponent Paraguay 4–1 in dominant fashion. Floarin Balogun netted 2 for the U.S, with nearly a third that was called offside to deny the hattrick, while super-sub Gio Reyna hit one of the best strucken balls you will ever see in the 90+7’ to cap off the night. Tune in as I break down my game notes and analysis of our opening match. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeballard.substack.com [https://lukeballard.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]