Ep. 16: Game 1: Paraguay Preview

Just How Far can the U.S go? A Full Ro32 Prediction

Join Jack Cavanaugh and I as we break down how the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will unfold, and just how far the U.S will go. We have some BLAZING HOT takes on some European giants and their recent lack of success and inability to perform under the world's brightest lights. Tune in for the best analysis you could ever wish for. 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 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]