Crystal Ball Picks Blog
20 posts in Soccer
2026-07-13
World Cup 2026 Semifinals Preview: France vs Spain and England vs Argentina
Preview the 2026 World Cup semifinals as France face Spain in Arlington and England meet Argentina in Atlanta, with the winners advancing to the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.
Read more →2026-07-07
World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals Preview: France-Morocco, Spain-Belgium, Norway-England, Argentina-Switzerland
Preview the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England, and Argentina vs Switzerland as the final eight chase semifinal spots.
Read more →2026-07-06
USMNT Eliminated by Belgium: 2026 World Cup Round of 16 Recap
Belgium eliminated the USMNT from the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 Round of 16 win in Seattle as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, Malik Tillman answered briefly, and Romelu Lukaku finished it late.
Read more →2026-07-06
USMNT vs Belgium Preview: 2026 World Cup Round of 16, Balogun Cleared
The USMNT faces Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 in Seattle with Folarin Balogun cleared to play, a quarterfinal spot on the line, and controversy still surrounding FIFA's decision.
Read more →2026-07-03
World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Recap and Round of 16 Preview
The 2026 World Cup Round of 32 delivered Argentina drama, Germany's exit, Mexico's breakthrough, and a 10-man USMNT win. Here are the biggest moments and Round of 16 matchups.
Read more →2026-07-01
USMNT Beats Bosnia 2-0, Advances to World Cup Round of 16
The USMNT beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, surviving Folarin Balogun's red card before Malik Tillman's free kick sealed a Belgium matchup.
Read more →2026-07-01
USMNT vs Bosnia Preview: Round of 32 Matchup at Levi's Stadium
The USMNT faces Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, with Christian Pulisic back, the starters rested, and a Round of 16 spot on the line.
Read more →2026-06-26
USMNT Loses to Turkiye 3-2: Bosnia Awaits in Round of 32
The USMNT lost 3-2 to eliminated Turkiye in its Group D finale at SoFi Stadium, raising defensive concerns before a Round of 32 matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Read more →2026-06-25
USMNT vs Turkiye Preview: Pulisic Return, Rotation Questions for Group D Finale
The USMNT has already clinched Group D before facing eliminated Turkiye at SoFi Stadium, but Christian Pulisic's return, yellow cards, and lineup rotation remain major storylines.
Read more →2026-06-19
USMNT Beats Australia 2-0, Clinches 2026 World Cup Knockout Spot
The USMNT beat Australia 2-0 in Seattle behind a Cameron Burgess own goal and Alex Freeman finish, clinching a Round of 32 berth and Group D control.
Read more →2026-06-19
USMNT vs Australia Preview: Pulisic Uncertain for World Cup Group D Clash
Christian Pulisic is day-to-day with a calf injury as the USMNT faces Australia in Seattle, with both teams on three points in 2026 World Cup Group D.
Read more →2026-06-12
USMNT vs Paraguay Recap: Balogun Brace Powers 4-1 World Cup Opening Win
Folarin Balogun scored twice as the USMNT beat Paraguay 4-1 in its 2026 World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium, the largest World Cup win in U.S. history.
Read more →2026-06-09
2026 FIFA World Cup Group Preview: Predictions, Teams, Fixtures and Players to Watch
Preview every 2026 FIFA World Cup group with predictions, key players, fixtures, contenders, dark horses and knockout-stage storylines.
Read more →2026-06-01
USMNT vs. Senegal: Christian Pulisic Scores in 3-2 World Cup Warm-Up Win
Christian Pulisic scored his first USMNT goal since 2024 and added an assist as the United States beat Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte. Folarin Balogun came off the bench to score the winner.
Read more →2026-05-26
USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster: Reyna, Zendejas In; Luna Out
Mauricio Pochettino names the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster, with Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas included while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann miss out.
Read more →2026-05-19
2026 World Cup Dark Horses: Morocco, Turkiye, Japan and the Latest USMNT News
Three weeks out from the 2026 World Cup, here are the dark-horse teams worth watching and the latest USMNT news, including the injury that changes Mauricio Pochettino's roster calculus.
Read more →2026-05-12
Christian Pulisic: Difference Maker or Passenger for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup?
Christian Pulisic is on the cover of Time and stuck in a long scoring drought. Which version of the USMNT star will show up on June 12?
Read more →2026-05-05
USMNT World Cup 2026 Group D Preview: Paraguay, Australia, and Turkiye
A full USMNT Group D preview for the 2026 World Cup, breaking down Paraguay, Australia, and Turkiye with key players, strengths, weaknesses, and predicted order of finish.
Read more →2026-04-30
USMNT 2026 World Cup Preview: Group D, Roster Outlook, and Realistic Expectations
Can the USMNT make a deep run at the 2026 World Cup on home soil? Full breakdown of Group D, roster predictions, Pulisic's form, projected lineup, and how far this team can realistically go.
Read more →2026-04-23
2026 FIFA World Cup Guide: Dates, Host Cities, Format, Schedule, and Key Storylines
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs June 11-July 19 across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Dates, host cities, format, and key storylines.
Read more →