u/Brave_Bit_6056

Just dropped a full, honest reaction to the USMNT’s knockout stage loss to Belgium.

I talk about:

• An emotional ode to this magical summer and what it meant for U.S. soccer
• Criticism of Christian Pulisic for another injury and a lack of production
• The poor performance: half a step late, mental mistakes, and the switch-offs that allowed the goals
• What the team must do better to keep gaining respect on the world stage
• What’s next for the USMNT (2028 Copa América & Olympics on home soil)

How are we feeling as a region after this one?

With the US facing Belgium tonight in the knockout stage, I sat down with Tom Hindle from goal.com to preview the matchup.

We talk about the massive Flo Balagan news and how it changes the game, Pochettino’s high-pressing style, tactical keys against De Bruyne and Belgium, whether losing would be a failure, and my prediction for tonight.

What are your expectations for the game? Can the US get to the quarterfinals?

What a game in Houston.

I went live inside Houston Stadium with Cristian Putallaz right after the match. We discussed:

• Canada’s missed opportunities and what Jesse Marsh likely said at halftime
• The power of set pieces and Morocco’s second-half adjustment
• The incredible pro-Morocco atmosphere that turned the stadium electric
• Disappointing exits for most African teams, but huge respect for Morocco’s run
• How special this World Cup has been for soccer growth across North America (especially in places like Houston and Texas)

Malik Tillman delivered the moment of the USMNT's tournament so far, a clutch 82nd-minute free-kick winner (with a split boot and bloodied sock) to make it 2-0 while playing with 10 men. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring and then, unfortunately, picked up a red card, but they showed incredible resilience and kept a clean sheet.

The atmosphere at the end with the whole stadium singing Country Roads was pure magic. Then Kyle Connell joined the show straight from the San Francisco airport. Soccer is absolutely here.

Full episode of World Cup Today is up now where we break down the match, Tillman’s brilliance, the Balogun red card drama, late subs, and a quick look ahead to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday.

This team has heart. Belief is real. On to Seattle! 🇺🇸

Full preview episode is up for tonight’s knockout match! 🇺🇸🇧🇦

Bosnia Breakdown:

• Finished 3rd in Group B (1W-1D-1L, 4 pts, GD -1)
• Dangerous on set pieces and quick transitions/long balls
• Very compact low block (think Paraguay/Australia but with more Euro pedigree)
• Came through a brutal path: playoffs vs Wales & Italy (won on pens)

We talk about why the last loss doesn’t really matter, Pochettino’s tactics, Pulisic fitness questions, Tyler Adams’ massive importance, and why a quick start in front of a home crowd could be the difference.

Joined by special guest Kenta Hagiwara (Area Sports Network, Asian Football Show, CBS/The Mirror) for excellent insight.

Full reaction to the USMNT’s 3-2 loss to Türkiye in their final group stage match with Larry Henry Jr. of SBI Soccer and The Athletic.

We break down:

• Lineup changes and what they meant
• Defensive mistakes that cost the game
• Positive moments from the goals and subs
• What this result means for the Round of 32 matchup against Bosnia

How are we feeling about the USMNT heading into the knockouts?

Just dropped a full preview of the United States’ final group stage match against Türkiye with Anthony Dabbundo of The Ringer.

We talk about:

• What the game might look like tactically
• Whether Christian Pulisic should play after his injury
• What success looks like for the USMNT in this match and beyond
• Which players Anthony wants to see get minutes

Full episode is up now if you want to watch before the game:

Chris Vannini of The Athletic is breaking down one of the most dramatic days of the group stage: the concurrent group finales.

We talk about:

• The chaos of multiple groups playing at the same time
• Which groups could produce total madness
• How real-time information from other matches affects tactics and coaching decisions
• The USMNT’s path after winning Group D

What’s the most interesting group finale you’re watching!?

The energy at World Cup watch parties across America has been awesome. Regular fans are packing bars and stadiums, cheering loud, learning the game, and having a blast — even people who aren’t usually into soccer.

What’s really cool is seeing so many international tourists (from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond) enjoying our cities and the welcoming vibe. It feels like this tournament is doing a great job of showing the world the fun, friendly side of America.

Has anyone else been going to watch parties? The atmosphere feels electric this summer.

With the US already through as Group D winners, I sat down with CBS Sports soccer writer Chuck Booth to break down everything from the expanded 48-team format to the big performances we saw last night.

We talk:

• Curaçao earning their first-ever World Cup point
• The human stories (Haiti, etc.)
• Officiating and new rules
• Early thoughts on the USMNT’s strong start under Pochettino

How do you guys feel about the 48-team setup so far? Love it for giving more teams a chance or do you miss the old 32-team tightness?

Fresh episode of World Cup Today is up on GOLZ TV!

Joseph Lowery of The Total Soccer Show joins Riley James for a full USMNT vs Australia preview:

• How the USMNT can build on their strong opening win
• Australia’s biggest threats and how to neutralize them
• Tactical keys, group standings outlook, and knockout path

World Cup Today drops daily all tournament long with top guests. Perfect for staying locked in on the USMNT and CONCACAF storylines.

Just dropped a fun and insightful interview with Jon Bakero of Charlotte Independence.

The 6’2” Spanish attacking midfielder/forward has had a winding journey:

• Standout at Wake Forest (88 appearances, 37 goals)
• MLS SuperDraft pick
• Time in Bulgaria and Spain
• Now in USL League One with Charlotte

In this chat we talk about:

• His unique pro path and adapting to different leagues
• Having Jose Mari Bakero (FC Barcelona legend) as dad
• Recent marriage and island honeymoon
• Advice to his younger self at Wake Forest
• Life in Charlotte and what the club means to him

Jon was open, thoughtful, and gave a great look at what it takes to carve out a career in American soccer as an international player.

LIVE IN LEXINGTON: A great post-final interview with McKenzie Weinert of Lexington SC after they won the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League Championship.

In this chat we cover:

• Her huge goal that leveled the match
• The insane intensity and emotions of extra time
• Scoring two goals in the last 30 minutes to seal the victory
• The electric atmosphere and crowd in Lexington
• How the club had this championship result in mind since July 2025

McKenzie was emotional, funny, reflective, and gave a really nice look behind the curtain of what it took to win it all.

Congrats to Lexington SC on the title! What a way to end the season.

We just released a new feature on Portland Hearts of Pine, and I think it’s one of the best stories in lower-division American soccer right now.

In one of America’s oldest port cities, a brand-new club has embraced a 45+ year local tradition started by the legendary Valentine’s Day Bandit. What began as anonymous red hearts painted across Portland has now become part of the club’s identity, and the fans have fully embraced it.

The video explores:

• The touching story of Kevin Fahrman and the “Be A Kevin” movement
• What “Hearts of Pine” actually means to people around Portland
• The incredible grassroots scene at Kennedy Park (immigrants, father-son duos, kids from every background)
• Ollie Wright’s journey — from Texas castaway to the Maine Attraction
• How this club is building something real in Maine

It’s a story about community, identity, and a city falling in love with its team.

Would love to hear what you think!