Ep. 16: Game 1: Paraguay Preview

Join, or Die. USMNT Topple Bosnia 2–0 Amidst Red Card

In an absolute mess of a game late last night, the USMNT toppled Bosnia 2–0 in a physical, and poorly refereed game. Tune in to Ep. 24 as I break down the gross inconsistencies FIFA has amongst their referees and the decisions they make. This was an absolute malpractice of VAR, and it now leaves the U.S without their best player as they face European giant Belgium this Monday. 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]

The Road to MetLife Starts Now, Can the USMNT Break Down Bosnia's Low-block?

Today I break down exactly what the USMNT need to do if they want to crack Bosnia's mid-low-block that they will sit in all night for the opening Ro32 game. It is critical the U.S take a Switzerland-like approach to Bosnia, as they trumped them 4–1 in the group stage, and not a Canada-like approach, which ended in a 1–1 draw. With Pulisic back, I think it looks better than ever for the U.S to grab some much-needed momentum going into what is hopefully the Ro16. 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]

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]