Podcasts · The Transfer Flow Podcast

Episode 197 - World Cup Teams We Underrated: USMNT, Japan and more

25 Jun 2026 · 48 min

The group stage isn't even finished, and some World Cup teams have already completely changed how we see them. We break down who's rising, who's falling, and what it means going forward. Then we get into transfers: Marco Palestra to Chelsea, Nmecha’s stock soaring, and Folarin Balogun's case for a Premier League move.

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Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro

1:44 – Which World Cup teams have we upgraded or downgraded?

2:52 – The USA are the biggest upgrade of the tournament

6:45 – Mexico's home advantage and the Azteca factor

9:07 – Morocco's attack is better than we thought

14:29 – Ivory Coast’s surprise

16:28 – Portugal are choosing to be a tier two team

20:12 – Ecuador have been disappointing

22:55 – Why we're suddenly believers in Japan

25:27 – Marc Palestra's £55m move to Chelsea

32:20 – Nmecha’s rise and the Liverpool links

38:17 – Folarin Balogun's case for the Premier League

#worldcup #usa #portugal #ronaldo #cr7 #mexico #japan #football #soccer #fifaworldcup #footballpodcast #transfernews #fyp #foryou

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