This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup.
This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup.
#Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason">Scotland fans are returning to Boston for the best reason
This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup.
#Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason
Scotland’s time in the 2026 World Cup may have been short-lived, but the fans’ effect…
Haaland reportedly purchased the taxidermied raccoon in Texas, because that is an appropriate place to find a stuffed raccoon posed in such a way that it can hold a bottle of vodka with its little hands. The piece of folk art came from Wild Bill’s Western Store, costing Haaland a smooth $750 — which is a bargain for a new friend. Now Haaland is trying to solicit the internet to name his new buddy, and the options are pretty great.
There is only one correct option, obviously: ROW. Now only does it honor the Norwegian fans during the World Cup who rowed their raw around stadiums and across cities, but also “Raccoon on Wheels” is one of the greatest statements I have ever heard.
This was a transformative World Cup for Haaland. He went from being a brilliant but largely misunderstood player — and walked away being one of the most beloved athletes on the planet.
Haaland reportedly purchased the taxidermied raccoon in Texas, because that is an appropriate place to find a stuffed raccoon posed in such a way that it can hold a bottle of vodka with its little hands. The piece of folk art came from Wild Bill’s Western Store, costing Haaland a smooth $750 — which is a bargain for a new friend. Now Haaland is trying to solicit the internet to name his new buddy, and the options are pretty great.
There is only one correct option, obviously: ROW. Now only does it honor the Norwegian fans during the World Cup who rowed their raw around stadiums and across cities, but also “Raccoon on Wheels” is one of the greatest statements I have ever heard.
This was a transformative World Cup for Haaland. He went from being a brilliant but largely misunderstood player — and walked away being one of the most beloved athletes on the planet.
#Erling #Haaland #brought #stuffed #raccoon #bottle #holder #Norway">Erling Haaland brought a stuffed raccoon bottle holder back to Norway
It’s safe to say that Norway became a lot of people’s favorite team after the USMNT’s elimination from the World Cup. Superstar striker Erling Haaland was a huge part of that, as the giant enjoyed being in the United States for the Cup, soaking up the sights, sounds, and experiences. That also involved falling in love with a dead, stuffed raccoon posed to hold a liquor bottle that he brought home, and now
Haaland reportedly purchased the taxidermied raccoon in Texas, because that is an appropriate place to find a stuffed raccoon posed in such a way that it can hold a bottle of vodka with its little hands. The piece of folk art came from Wild Bill’s Western Store, costing Haaland a smooth $750 — which is a bargain for a new friend. Now Haaland is trying to solicit the internet to name his new buddy, and the options are pretty great.
There is only one correct option, obviously: ROW. Now only does it honor the Norwegian fans during the World Cup who rowed their raw around stadiums and across cities, but also “Raccoon on Wheels” is one of the greatest statements I have ever heard.
This was a transformative World Cup for Haaland. He went from being a brilliant but largely misunderstood player — and walked away being one of the most beloved athletes on the planet.
It’s safe to say that Norway became a lot of people’s favorite team after the…
The end of the biggest World Cup ever is almost here. Following 100 matches, there are just four teams left and four more games to play.
The tournament has been hosted by three countries: Mexico, Canada, and the US. All of those host countries are now out of the running. The final teams are France, Spain, England, and Argentina. Those teams will play two more semifinal games, another game to determine who gets third place and a final match to end it all.
Going into this year’s World Cup, FIFA anticipated that it would be the most watched tournament in the organization’s history. As the tournament moved into the quarterfinals earlier this month, FIFA noted that more than more than 6.2 million people had attended matches in person, “while millions more follow the action across digital platforms, broadcast, and fan experiences in host cities and around the world.”
You can find the full schedule, which defaults to your local time zone, on the FIFA website.
Here’s how to watch the final games.
Semifinals
France vs. Spain, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas — 3 pm ET on TuesdayJuly 14
England vs. Argentina, at Atlanta Stadium — 3 pm ET on WednesdayJuly 15
Third Place Playoff
The two losing teams of the semifinal matches will face off for the title of third place at 5 pm ET on Saturday, July 18, in the Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Final
The World Cup final game is at 3 pm ET on Sunday, July 19, in the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The game will also feature the first-ever Super Bowl–style halftime show in World Cup history, with performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Gustavo Dudamel. As the name implies, that will likely land right in the middle of the broadcast, so aim to watch somewhere around 4 pm ET on July 19.
Where to Stream
If you have satellite TV or cable service, you can watch the final kickoffs live on TV via Fox Sports in the US. The games are also available on the FoxOne streaming service for $20 per month.
FIFA has partnered with YouTube as its “preferred partner” for streaming the games. You’ll need YouTube TV’s sports plan, which is currently $55 per month. Other paid options include Fubo ($46 per month) and Hulu’s live sports option ($90 per month).
This World Cup has been huge, competition-wise, as it is the first to include 48 teams in the tournament instead of the 32 for past World Cups. Given the increased number of teams, the structure for how the competition played out was different from past World Cups. Countries were first sorted into groups (labeled with letters A–L) and played out games in the First Stage within those groups.
Winners of those matches went on to duke it out in the stage called the Round of 32, then got whittled down in a Round of 16. After that, the winners moved on to the quarterfinals, which wrapped up last weekend.
#Watch #World #Cup #Semifinals #Finalssports,football,how-to,world cup 2026,soccer">
The end of the biggest World Cup ever is almost here. Following 100 matches, there are just four teams left and four more games to play.
The tournament has been hosted by three countries: Mexico, Canada, and the US. All of those host countries are now out of the running. The final teams are France, Spain, England, and Argentina. Those teams will play two more semifinal games, another game to determine who gets third place and a final match to end it all.
Going into this year’s World Cup, FIFA anticipated that it would be the most watched tournament in the organization’s history. As the tournament moved into the quarterfinals earlier this month, FIFA noted that more than more than 6.2 million people had attended matches in person, “while millions more follow the action across digital platforms, broadcast, and fan experiences in host cities and around the world.”
You can find the full schedule, which defaults to your local time zone, on the FIFA website.
Here’s how to watch the final games.
Semifinals
France vs. Spain, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas — 3 pm ET on TuesdayJuly 14
England vs. Argentina, at Atlanta Stadium — 3 pm ET on WednesdayJuly 15
Third Place Playoff
The two losing teams of the semifinal matches will face off for the title of third place at 5 pm ET on Saturday, July 18, in the Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Final
The World Cup final game is at 3 pm ET on Sunday, July 19, in the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The game will also feature the first-ever Super Bowl–style halftime show in World Cup history, with performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Gustavo Dudamel. As the name implies, that will likely land right in the middle of the broadcast, so aim to watch somewhere around 4 pm ET on July 19.
Where to Stream
If you have satellite TV or cable service, you can watch the final kickoffs live on TV via Fox Sports in the US. The games are also available on the FoxOne streaming service for $20 per month.
FIFA has partnered with YouTube as its “preferred partner” for streaming the games. You’ll need YouTube TV’s sports plan, which is currently $55 per month. Other paid options include Fubo ($46 per month) and Hulu’s live sports option ($90 per month).
This World Cup has been huge, competition-wise, as it is the first to include 48 teams in the tournament instead of the 32 for past World Cups. Given the increased number of teams, the structure for how the competition played out was different from past World Cups. Countries were first sorted into groups (labeled with letters A–L) and played out games in the First Stage within those groups.
Winners of those matches went on to duke it out in the stage called the Round of 32, then got whittled down in a Round of 16. After that, the winners moved on to the quarterfinals, which wrapped up last weekend.
#Watch #World #Cup #Semifinals #Finalssports,football,how-to,world cup 2026,soccer">How to Watch the 2026 World Cup Semifinals and Finals
The end of the biggest World Cup ever is almost here. Following 100 matches, there are just four teams left and four more games to play.
The tournament has been hosted by three countries: Mexico, Canada, and the US. All of those host countries are now out of the running. The final teams are France, Spain, England, and Argentina. Those teams will play two more semifinal games, another game to determine who gets third place and a final match to end it all.
Going into this year’s World Cup, FIFA anticipated that it would be the most watched tournament in the organization’s history. As the tournament moved into the quarterfinals earlier this month, FIFA noted that more than more than 6.2 million people had attended matches in person, “while millions more follow the action across digital platforms, broadcast, and fan experiences in host cities and around the world.”
You can find the full schedule, which defaults to your local time zone, on the FIFA website.
Here’s how to watch the final games.
Semifinals
France vs. Spain, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas — 3 pm ET on TuesdayJuly 14
England vs. Argentina, at Atlanta Stadium — 3 pm ET on WednesdayJuly 15
Third Place Playoff
The two losing teams of the semifinal matches will face off for the title of third place at 5 pm ET on Saturday, July 18, in the Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Final
The World Cup final game is at 3 pm ET on Sunday, July 19, in the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The game will also feature the first-ever Super Bowl–style halftime show in World Cup history, with performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Gustavo Dudamel. As the name implies, that will likely land right in the middle of the broadcast, so aim to watch somewhere around 4 pm ET on July 19.
Where to Stream
If you have satellite TV or cable service, you can watch the final kickoffs live on TV via Fox Sports in the US. The games are also available on the FoxOne streaming service for $20 per month.
FIFA has partnered with YouTube as its “preferred partner” for streaming the games. You’ll need YouTube TV’s sports plan, which is currently $55 per month. Other paid options include Fubo ($46 per month) and Hulu’s live sports option ($90 per month).
This World Cup has been huge, competition-wise, as it is the first to include 48 teams in the tournament instead of the 32 for past World Cups. Given the increased number of teams, the structure for how the competition played out was different from past World Cups. Countries were first sorted into groups (labeled with letters A–L) and played out games in the First Stage within those groups.
Winners of those matches went on to duke it out in the stage called the Round of 32, then got whittled down in a Round of 16. After that, the winners moved on to the quarterfinals, which wrapped up last weekend.
#Watch #World #Cup #Semifinals #Finalssports,football,how-to,world cup 2026,soccer
The end of the biggest World Cup ever is almost here. Following 100 matches, there…
When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.
“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”
This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.
Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.
Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:
On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.
StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:
A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees
That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.
Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.
Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.
The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.
There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.
When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.
“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”
This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.
Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.
Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:
On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.
StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:
A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees
That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.
Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.
Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.
The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.
There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.
#StubHubs #CEO #helping #fund #biggest #ticket #scalpers">StubHub’s CEO is helping fund the biggest ticket scalpers
Expanding technology and resale options were supposed to make obtaining tickets to sporting events easier than ever, but instead it’s become a hellscape. Scalpers dominate online platforms, ensuring that desirable events sell out immediately, causing local sports fans to miss out unless they’re willing to pay exorbitant prices for fear of missing out.
When asked for comment, StubHub reiterated its public-facing comment that the company doesn’t own or hold any tickets itself.
“StubHub does not own, possess, or sell tickets. We are a technology platform that connects independent buyers and sellers. (Think: eBay).”
This comment conveniently ignores that some of these “independent buyers” are being directly aided by the CEO of the company. Of course, the devil is in the details. Nobody is accusing StubHub of owning the tickets for their own sale, but it’s now clear that the top of the company is heavily invested in inflating its own marketplace. We discussed this fundamental issue late in the NBA and NHL playoffs, with how reselling sites like StubHub have a vested interest in scalpers, because their percentage-based resale fees are better for the company when event tickets soar — while also giving them multiple bites of the apple if the tickets are sold multiple times on the platform.
Baker, the StubHub CEO, reportedly is a large stakeholder in “Andro Capital,” a hedge fund based out of Los Angeles, which offers loan funding to large scale ticket purchasing operates which have the express purpose of buying tickets and reselling them for profit on platforms like StubHub.
Filing documents for Andro Capital show the hedge fund was formed in March of 2024, 18 months before StubHub announced it was going public in an IPO filing. In that filing to the SEC StubHub revealed its deep relationship with Andro, including this key detail from 2024:
On April 15, 2024, as part of our ongoing relationship with Andro, we entered into an agreement with the Andro Fund under which we agreed to cover certain costs incurred by Andro in connection with ticket management services.
StubHub was not required to divulge the totality of this agreement with Andro Fund, but having the company “cover certain costs incurred” raises mammoth red flags. That theoretically means that the hedge fund could have waived reselling feels on the seller side of the transaction, thereby incentivizing the fund to scalping operations. In short, the business flow could look like this:
A scalping group has capital to buy massive amounts of tickets
Rather than invest themselves, it’s better to invest their money in Andro to do the buying, because they have an agreement with StubHub to cover some of their expenses
Andro profits off the inflated ticket sales
StubHub benefits through massively inflated prices, which they profit off through buyer fees
That’s not all. The filing also lists “Colloquy LLC,” a subsidiary of Andro Capital, which serves as a loan servicing arm for tickets sellers — offering financing to mass buy tickets, which they resell on StubHub directly.
Under the terms of the Program Agreement, we refer certain of our sellers to Colloquy for the opportunity to enter into separate financing arrangements with Colloquy. Under such arrangements, it is anticipated that Colloquy may provide short-term financing to sellers based on those sellers’ existing and/or future expected proceeds generated through ticket sales on our platform.
Not only is Andro Capital its own ticket buyer, but it also runs an arm of the company that gives funding to sellers, based on referrals from StubHub itself. Essentially, the entire scalping business is fully intertwined with StubHub, from the CEO being involved in a large-scale seller AND offering funding to sellers.
The only person who loses out in this whole transaction are sports fans. The consumers who use the platform are being held hostage by ticket prices, which fundamentally wouldn’t be inflated to the same level without the input of StubHub. This is all legal from the SEC’s perspective due to a lack of oversight when it comes to hedge funds. There are few other industries in which a publicly traded company could be legally allowed to price fix to the level that is happening on StubHub, while trying to pretend with its public face that it’s just a platform for fans to sell to other fans.
There should be an immediate investigation into ticket pricing, as well as outlawing the kinds of predatory practices designed to inflate the wealth of StubHub and Andro Capital at the expense of consumers.
#Englands #equalizer #Norway #counted">Why England’s equalizer against Norway should not have counted
England’s run at the 1986 World Cup came to a dramatic end due to the “Hand of God” goal scored by Diego Maradona.
Could their run at the 2026 World Cup continue due to the “Cable of God?”
Norway took a 1-0 lead late in the first half during Saturday’s Quarterfinal match between the two teams, thanks to a thunderous strike from Andreas Schjelderup.
However, England pulled level moments later, on a lovely left-footed strike from Jude Bellingham:
But should the goal have even counted?
FOX Sports cameras spotted Norway coach Stale Solbakken chatting with referee Clement Turpin after the goal, and Norway striker Erling Haaland was frustrated as well:
Eventually, replay angles showed why. After a goal kick from keeper Orjan Nyland, the ball appeared to strike one of the FIFA skycam cables, falling to the feet of England’s Anthony Gordon:
On the FOX Sports broadcast, former referee Mark Clattenburg noted that under FIFA rules, the play should have stopped, and a dropped-ball resulted.
A review did come later in the match, but that potential go-ahead goal was taken off the board after VAR noted a foul by Haaland before Norway’s corner kick:
The match remains tied at 1-1 deep into the second half, but no matter the result, expect that non-review to be part of the discussion.
Update: Following the match, FIFA shared this on social media:
#Englands #equalizer #Norway #counted
England’s run at the 1986 World Cup came to a dramatic end due to the…
Quarterfinals got underway on Thursday in Boston, with the first match between Morocco and France. In addition to those two teams six others — Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, Argentina, and Switzerland — are still alive in pursuit of glory.
But by Sunday morning, only four teams will remain.
Here are the teams that have booked a spot in the Semifinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be updated as teams advance.
France became the first team to advance to the Semifinals with a 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday in Boston. Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the first half, but keeper Yassine Bounou guessed right and made the save to keep the match level, and that is how the first half ended with the score 0-0.
But France broke through in the second half, first with a stunning strike from Mbappé:
And then this goal from Ousmane Dembélé, where you see the impact of Mbappé’s gravity as he runs through the box:
France now awaits the winner of Friday’s match between Spain and Belgium.
Spain and Belgium were level for nearly 90 minutes. Fabián Ruiz scored in the 30th minute to give Spain an early lead, but Charles De Ketelaere pulled Belgium level in the 41st minute.
But then just before stoppage time at the end of the second half, super-sub Mikel Merino was the man on the spot for Spain. He pounced on a rebound allowed by backup keeper Senne Lammens — who came in on relief of Thibaut Courtois, who appeared to suffer a knock in the 67th minute — and put Spain ahead:
That goal came days after Merino came on as a substitute and delivered the winning goal against Portugal.
Quarterfinals got underway on Thursday in Boston, with the first match between Morocco and France. In addition to those two teams six others — Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, Argentina, and Switzerland — are still alive in pursuit of glory.
But by Sunday morning, only four teams will remain.
Here are the teams that have booked a spot in the Semifinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be updated as teams advance.
France became the first team to advance to the Semifinals with a 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday in Boston. Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the first half, but keeper Yassine Bounou guessed right and made the save to keep the match level, and that is how the first half ended with the score 0-0.
But France broke through in the second half, first with a stunning strike from Mbappé:
And then this goal from Ousmane Dembélé, where you see the impact of Mbappé’s gravity as he runs through the box:
France now awaits the winner of Friday’s match between Spain and Belgium.
Spain and Belgium were level for nearly 90 minutes. Fabián Ruiz scored in the 30th minute to give Spain an early lead, but Charles De Ketelaere pulled Belgium level in the 41st minute.
But then just before stoppage time at the end of the second half, super-sub Mikel Merino was the man on the spot for Spain. He pounced on a rebound allowed by backup keeper Senne Lammens — who came in on relief of Thibaut Courtois, who appeared to suffer a knock in the 67th minute — and put Spain ahead:
That goal came days after Merino came on as a substitute and delivered the winning goal against Portugal.
#World #Cup #teams #advanced #Semifinals">World Cup 2026: What teams have advanced to the Semifinals?
Quarterfinals got underway on Thursday in Boston, with the first match between Morocco and France. In addition to those two teams six others — Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, Argentina, and Switzerland — are still alive in pursuit of glory.
But by Sunday morning, only four teams will remain.
Here are the teams that have booked a spot in the Semifinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be updated as teams advance.
France became the first team to advance to the Semifinals with a 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday in Boston. Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the first half, but keeper Yassine Bounou guessed right and made the save to keep the match level, and that is how the first half ended with the score 0-0.
But France broke through in the second half, first with a stunning strike from Mbappé:
And then this goal from Ousmane Dembélé, where you see the impact of Mbappé’s gravity as he runs through the box:
France now awaits the winner of Friday’s match between Spain and Belgium.
Spain and Belgium were level for nearly 90 minutes. Fabián Ruiz scored in the 30th minute to give Spain an early lead, but Charles De Ketelaere pulled Belgium level in the 41st minute.
But then just before stoppage time at the end of the second half, super-sub Mikel Merino was the man on the spot for Spain. He pounced on a rebound allowed by backup keeper Senne Lammens — who came in on relief of Thibaut Courtois, who appeared to suffer a knock in the 67th minute — and put Spain ahead:
That goal came days after Merino came on as a substitute and delivered the winning goal against Portugal.
#World #Cup #teams #advanced #Semifinals
Quarterfinals got underway on Thursday in Boston, with the first match between Morocco and France.…
Ready for the 2026 World Cup final? You might think you are, but your body is going to have to be prepared to put in some work—especially if your favorite team makes it.
Research shows that watching high-pressure matches can raise your heart rate, increase your stress levels, and put extra strain on your cardiovascular system.
According to a recent study from researchers at Bielefeld University in Germany, fans’ physiological stress increases by about 41 percent during a soccer final compared to a normal day. Heart rate also rose significantly, jumping from 70.9 beats per minute to 78.7 beats per minute—a difference even when compared to other weekends.
Researchers at Bielefeld tracked 229 fans of the German club Arminia Bielefeld for three months. Participants wore smartwatches that continuously recorded heart rate and an estimated stress index based on heart rate variability, allowing researchers to compare the day of the 2025 German Cup final with the days leading up to the match.
The physiological reaction to the soccer final began long before the match began. The researchers saw fans’ stress levels begin to rise in the morning and peak just before kickoff. Even after the final whistle, viewers showed signs of elevated stress.
Where you watch the game also makes a difference. The study found that fans who watched at the stadium had an average heart rate of 94.2 beats per minute compared to 79.4 among those who watched the match on television. After their team’s first goal, those in the stands saw their heart rate climb to an average of up to 108 beats per minute—a much more intense response than that observed in other contexts.
Alcohol consumption appeared to amplify that effect. Participants who reported drinking during the game had a heart rate approximately 5 percent higher than the rest of the fans during the match and nearly 12 percent higher after their team’s first goal. Although the researchers did not assess medical risks, they note that alcohol can increase cardiovascular strain when people are in an emotional state.
During the first few minutes of the match, when the outcome was still uncertain, heart rates reached their highest levels. Once the game seemed to be decided, fans’ heart rates dropped.
However, two goals scored in the final minutes caused them to spike again, even though the chances of a comeback were practically nil. (You can only imagine how fast Argentina fans’ hearts were thumping during this week’s furious comeback against Egypt.) For the authors, this reflects that the body responds not only to the objective chances of winning but also to emotions such as hope, pride, or attachment to the team.
The findings align with the results of previous studies on the physiological impacts of soccer. That incluides a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine after the 2006 World Cup in Germany, found that the risk of suffering an acute cardiovascular event nearly triples during German national team matches among people with preexisting heart conditions.
Subsequent research shows that matches can lead to an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol and found that fans who identify more strongly with their team exhibit more intense biological responses during decisive matches.
This article originally appeared onWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.
#Watching #Soccer #Final #Body #Scienceworld cup 2026,sports,health,soccer,stress,fandom">
Ready for the 2026 World Cup final? You might think you are, but your body is going to have to be prepared to put in some work—especially if your favorite team makes it.
Research shows that watching high-pressure matches can raise your heart rate, increase your stress levels, and put extra strain on your cardiovascular system.
According to a recent study from researchers at Bielefeld University in Germany, fans’ physiological stress increases by about 41 percent during a soccer final compared to a normal day. Heart rate also rose significantly, jumping from 70.9 beats per minute to 78.7 beats per minute—a difference even when compared to other weekends.
Researchers at Bielefeld tracked 229 fans of the German club Arminia Bielefeld for three months. Participants wore smartwatches that continuously recorded heart rate and an estimated stress index based on heart rate variability, allowing researchers to compare the day of the 2025 German Cup final with the days leading up to the match.
The physiological reaction to the soccer final began long before the match began. The researchers saw fans’ stress levels begin to rise in the morning and peak just before kickoff. Even after the final whistle, viewers showed signs of elevated stress.
Where you watch the game also makes a difference. The study found that fans who watched at the stadium had an average heart rate of 94.2 beats per minute compared to 79.4 among those who watched the match on television. After their team’s first goal, those in the stands saw their heart rate climb to an average of up to 108 beats per minute—a much more intense response than that observed in other contexts.
Alcohol consumption appeared to amplify that effect. Participants who reported drinking during the game had a heart rate approximately 5 percent higher than the rest of the fans during the match and nearly 12 percent higher after their team’s first goal. Although the researchers did not assess medical risks, they note that alcohol can increase cardiovascular strain when people are in an emotional state.
During the first few minutes of the match, when the outcome was still uncertain, heart rates reached their highest levels. Once the game seemed to be decided, fans’ heart rates dropped.
However, two goals scored in the final minutes caused them to spike again, even though the chances of a comeback were practically nil. (You can only imagine how fast Argentina fans’ hearts were thumping during this week’s furious comeback against Egypt.) For the authors, this reflects that the body responds not only to the objective chances of winning but also to emotions such as hope, pride, or attachment to the team.
The findings align with the results of previous studies on the physiological impacts of soccer. That incluides a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine after the 2006 World Cup in Germany, found that the risk of suffering an acute cardiovascular event nearly triples during German national team matches among people with preexisting heart conditions.
Subsequent research shows that matches can lead to an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol and found that fans who identify more strongly with their team exhibit more intense biological responses during decisive matches.
This article originally appeared onWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.
#Watching #Soccer #Final #Body #Scienceworld cup 2026,sports,health,soccer,stress,fandom">What Watching a Soccer Final Does to Your Body, According to Science
Ready for the2026 World Cup final? You might think you are, but your body is going to have to be prepared to put in some work—especially if your favorite team makes it.
Research shows that watching high-pressure matches can raise your heart rate, increase your stress levels, and put extra strain on your cardiovascular system.
According to a recent study from researchers at Bielefeld University in Germany, fans’ physiological stress increases by about 41 percent during a soccer final compared to a normal day. Heart rate also rose significantly, jumping from 70.9 beats per minute to 78.7 beats per minute—a difference even when compared to other weekends.
Researchers at Bielefeld tracked 229 fans of the German club Arminia Bielefeld for three months. Participants wore smartwatches that continuously recorded heart rate and an estimated stress index based on heart rate variability, allowing researchers to compare the day of the 2025 German Cup final with the days leading up to the match.
The physiological reaction to the soccer final began long before the match began. The researchers saw fans’ stress levels begin to rise in the morning and peak just before kickoff. Even after the final whistle, viewers showed signs of elevated stress.
Where you watch the game also makes a difference. The study found that fans who watched at the stadium had an average heart rate of 94.2 beats per minute compared to 79.4 among those who watched the match on television. After their team’s first goal, those in the stands saw their heart rate climb to an average of up to 108 beats per minute—a much more intense response than that observed in other contexts.
Alcohol consumption appeared to amplify that effect. Participants who reported drinking during the game had a heart rate approximately 5 percent higher than the rest of the fans during the match and nearly 12 percent higher after their team’s first goal. Although the researchers did not assess medical risks, they note that alcohol can increase cardiovascular strain when people are in an emotional state.
During the first few minutes of the match, when the outcome was still uncertain, heart rates reached their highest levels. Once the game seemed to be decided, fans’ heart rates dropped.
However, two goals scored in the final minutes caused them to spike again, even though the chances of a comeback were practically nil. (You can only imagine how fast Argentina fans’ hearts were thumping during this week’s furious comeback against Egypt.) For the authors, this reflects that the body responds not only to the objective chances of winning but also to emotions such as hope, pride, or attachment to the team.
The findings align with the results of previous studies on the physiological impacts of soccer. That incluides a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine after the 2006 World Cup in Germany, found that the risk of suffering an acute cardiovascular event nearly triples during German national team matches among people with preexisting heart conditions.
Subsequent research shows that matches can lead to an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol and found that fans who identify more strongly with their team exhibit more intense biological responses during decisive matches.
This article originally appeared onWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.
#Watching #Soccer #Final #Body #Scienceworld cup 2026,sports,health,soccer,stress,fandom
Ready for the 2026 World Cup final? You might think you are, but your body…
Just eight teams remain in this year’s tournament, with all eight dreaming of holding the World Cup aloft later this month. France and Argentina, the two teams that met in the World Cup Final four years ago, are still alive, along with 2022 semifinalist Morocco. England, a team that reached the Quarterfinals back in Qatar, is back as well.
But that means four new teams — Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium — have reached this stage of the World Cup after falling short (or not qualifying) back in 2022.
Here is the schedule for the Quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with scores to be filled in as final whistles blow. All times listed are Eastern.
Spain vs. Belgium, 3:00 p.m. (Los Angeles Stadium)
Norway vs. England, 5:00 p.m. (Miami Stadium) Argentina vs. Switzerland, 9:00 p.m. (Kansas City Stadium)
Just eight teams remain in this year’s tournament, with all eight dreaming of holding the World Cup aloft later this month. France and Argentina, the two teams that met in the World Cup Final four years ago, are still alive, along with 2022 semifinalist Morocco. England, a team that reached the Quarterfinals back in Qatar, is back as well.
But that means four new teams — Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium — have reached this stage of the World Cup after falling short (or not qualifying) back in 2022.
Here is the schedule for the Quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with scores to be filled in as final whistles blow. All times listed are Eastern.
Spain vs. Belgium, 3:00 p.m. (Los Angeles Stadium)
Norway vs. England, 5:00 p.m. (Miami Stadium) Argentina vs. Switzerland, 9:00 p.m. (Kansas City Stadium)
#World #Cup #Quarterfinals #schedule #scores">World Cup 2026: Quarterfinals schedule and scores
Just eight teams remain in this year’s tournament, with all eight dreaming of holding the World Cup aloft later this month. France and Argentina, the two teams that met in the World Cup Final four years ago, are still alive, along with 2022 semifinalist Morocco. England, a team that reached the Quarterfinals back in Qatar, is back as well.
But that means four new teams — Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium — have reached this stage of the World Cup after falling short (or not qualifying) back in 2022.
Here is the schedule for the Quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with scores to be filled in as final whistles blow. All times listed are Eastern.
Spain vs. Belgium, 3:00 p.m. (Los Angeles Stadium)
Norway vs. England, 5:00 p.m. (Miami Stadium) Argentina vs. Switzerland, 9:00 p.m. (Kansas City Stadium)
#World #Cup #Quarterfinals #schedule #scores
Just eight teams remain in this year’s tournament, with all eight dreaming of holding the…
Egypt legitimately looked like a team about to pull off the upset of the tournament up 2-0 with less than 30 minutes to go. Then, in the span of four minutes, Argentina roared back to life with two goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to even the score. It’s here the comparisons began.
The collapse was seemingly unstoppable. Egypt were reeling, clearly panicking from the back-to-back goals, then Enzo Fernandez drove the dagger in stoppage time to give Argentina a 3-2 comeback win. If there was ever time for a perfect social media post it was now, and we got one.
Two teams who wear red and black, both about to pull off a stunning upset that nobody saw coming, both with huge, seemingly insurmountable leads — both crumbling into dust. There’s only one thing left in a moment like this, and that’s to hear from someone with intimate knowledge of the legendary 28-3 collapse.
On the plus side Falcons fans, if Brady himself says Egypt’s loss in Atlanta was worse than y’alls then he might have exorcised a few demons? I guess that’s the only bright side for this one I can think of.
Egypt legitimately looked like a team about to pull off the upset of the tournament up 2-0 with less than 30 minutes to go. Then, in the span of four minutes, Argentina roared back to life with two goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to even the score. It’s here the comparisons began.
The collapse was seemingly unstoppable. Egypt were reeling, clearly panicking from the back-to-back goals, then Enzo Fernandez drove the dagger in stoppage time to give Argentina a 3-2 comeback win. If there was ever time for a perfect social media post it was now, and we got one.
Two teams who wear red and black, both about to pull off a stunning upset that nobody saw coming, both with huge, seemingly insurmountable leads — both crumbling into dust. There’s only one thing left in a moment like this, and that’s to hear from someone with intimate knowledge of the legendary 28-3 collapse.
On the plus side Falcons fans, if Brady himself says Egypt’s loss in Atlanta was worse than y’alls then he might have exorcised a few demons? I guess that’s the only bright side for this one I can think of.
#Egypts #World #Cup #loss #compared #Falcons #debacle">Egypt’s World Cup loss is being compared to the Falcons’ 28-3 debacle
It’s been almost a decade, but the Atlanta Falcons still aren’t living down the horrific memories of their 28-3 Super Bowl collapse against the New England Patriots. Just when you think there’s no possible way for the Falcons to catch a stray during the World Cup, Argentina vs. Egypt happens — in Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, no less.
Egypt legitimately looked like a team about to pull off the upset of the tournament up 2-0 with less than 30 minutes to go. Then, in the span of four minutes, Argentina roared back to life with two goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to even the score. It’s here the comparisons began.
The collapse was seemingly unstoppable. Egypt were reeling, clearly panicking from the back-to-back goals, then Enzo Fernandez drove the dagger in stoppage time to give Argentina a 3-2 comeback win. If there was ever time for a perfect social media post it was now, and we got one.
Two teams who wear red and black, both about to pull off a stunning upset that nobody saw coming, both with huge, seemingly insurmountable leads — both crumbling into dust. There’s only one thing left in a moment like this, and that’s to hear from someone with intimate knowledge of the legendary 28-3 collapse.
On the plus side Falcons fans, if Brady himself says Egypt’s loss in Atlanta was worse than y’alls then he might have exorcised a few demons? I guess that’s the only bright side for this one I can think of.
A knockout stage win over a European side, standout performances from other players and more were lost in the madness over referee Raphael Claus’s decision to show Balogun a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. We can debate all the optics surrounding the foul, FIFA and its decisions to make similar decisions recently, the U.S. government’s role, the rules of the game, VAR and more… but more importantly what’s now difficult to analyze is Balogun’s first World Cup as the starting USMNT striker.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 01: Folarin Balogun #20 and Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts to him receiving a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images) Getty Images
If you’re just getting into soccer now, plan to stick around or putting in your calendar four years from now when to start paying attention again, Balogun and the USMNT striker job have been constant topics for discussion for years now.
Coming out of the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT had a crisis at the position. Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright and Jesus Ferreira all failed to nail down that role—inserting Christian Pulisic up top wasn’t the answer either. The squad might’ve been succeeding in Concacaf, but the USMNT needed to figure out who would lead the line in four years time on home soil.
Balogun, who was also eligible to represent England and Nigeria, chose the USMNT in May 2023 and immediately all the pressure was put on his shoulders to solve the problem. The 25-year-old originally garnered praise during his time in Arsenal’s academy over in England. The current Premier League champions similarly had a crisis at striker at the time, though he failed to stick with the first team. He spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Middlesbrough scoring three goals in 18 appearances.
Arsenal sent him back on loan for the 2022-23 campaign where Balogun had a breakout season scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances for Reims, during which he changed his national allegiance. After returning, Balogun was sold to AS Monaco as Arsenal moved on with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard viewed ahead of him.
Arsenal aside, no one was unseating Harry Kane in the England national team. Balogun’s national switch and club transfer weren’t solely opportunities to prove or establish himself as a player, but undoubtedly a pathway to realizing success.
He made an instant impact in his first call up scoring his first goal in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final victory over Canada. However, the striker debate restarted a year later after the USMNT crashed out of the 2024 Copa America group stage on home soil—the first time a host nation had done so in the tournament’s history. He scored two goals, but coach Gregg Berhalter was fired afterward and subsequent shoulder and ankle injuries saw him miss 16 games on the road to the World Cup.
To his benefit, Wright and Pepi failed to nail the job down themselves despite success at the club level with Coventry City and PSV Eindhoven in England and the Netherlands respectively. Upon returning, performances against Japan, Ecuador, Australia and Paraguay reaffirmed Balogun’s likelihood to lead the line on home soil. The USMNT looked most adept when he played, either as a goal threat, holding and linking up play or occupying defenders.
The World Cup arrives, he scores two goals against Paraguay. He assists another against Australia and scores the game-winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina hitting LeBron James’s iconic “Silencer” celebration before getting sent off.
The narrative was supposed to be: “The USMNT striker debate is over, and their World Cup might be too.” Instead, we’re left with a mess of a controversy, one way or the other, as Belgium and the U.S. kick off in a couple hours.
If Balogun scores, well should he have really played? If the U.S. get outclassed (which they did in a March friendly losing 2-5) by Belgium, is that justice? What if Weston McKennie, who’s been one of the USMNT’s best players all tournament and who’s had to battle his own adversity at the club and international level—wins a penalty in the final moments of the game and Balogun scores the winner? What if he misses it? Who would’ve taken it if he wasn’t on the pitch?
I’ve certainly celebrated every goal, victory and advancement. I was worried we were doomed when Balogun got sent off because I’ve seen my club (Arsenal) be hard done by even more egregious red cards. I can’t imagine what the outrage would be like if they saw Declan Rice’s second yellow for kicking the ball away against Brighton all things considered for appropriate context…
But I was also putting my hopes in Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Matt Freese, the bench and whoever was going to start up top to make sure Balogun got another game. Instead, he’s going to start and Pandora’s box can no longer be shut.
Fans will celebrate regardless if the U.S. wins, especially since it would be revenge for the 2014 World Cup loss despite Tim Howard’s iconic performance. Though, for some, if not most, the whole debacle will cast a cloud over whatever happens from here on out.
A knockout stage win over a European side, standout performances from other players and more were lost in the madness over referee Raphael Claus’s decision to show Balogun a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. We can debate all the optics surrounding the foul, FIFA and its decisions to make similar decisions recently, the U.S. government’s role, the rules of the game, VAR and more… but more importantly what’s now difficult to analyze is Balogun’s first World Cup as the starting USMNT striker.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 01: Folarin Balogun #20 and Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts to him receiving a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images) Getty Images
If you’re just getting into soccer now, plan to stick around or putting in your calendar four years from now when to start paying attention again, Balogun and the USMNT striker job have been constant topics for discussion for years now.
Coming out of the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT had a crisis at the position. Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright and Jesus Ferreira all failed to nail down that role—inserting Christian Pulisic up top wasn’t the answer either. The squad might’ve been succeeding in Concacaf, but the USMNT needed to figure out who would lead the line in four years time on home soil.
Balogun, who was also eligible to represent England and Nigeria, chose the USMNT in May 2023 and immediately all the pressure was put on his shoulders to solve the problem. The 25-year-old originally garnered praise during his time in Arsenal’s academy over in England. The current Premier League champions similarly had a crisis at striker at the time, though he failed to stick with the first team. He spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Middlesbrough scoring three goals in 18 appearances.
Arsenal sent him back on loan for the 2022-23 campaign where Balogun had a breakout season scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances for Reims, during which he changed his national allegiance. After returning, Balogun was sold to AS Monaco as Arsenal moved on with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard viewed ahead of him.
Arsenal aside, no one was unseating Harry Kane in the England national team. Balogun’s national switch and club transfer weren’t solely opportunities to prove or establish himself as a player, but undoubtedly a pathway to realizing success.
He made an instant impact in his first call up scoring his first goal in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final victory over Canada. However, the striker debate restarted a year later after the USMNT crashed out of the 2024 Copa America group stage on home soil—the first time a host nation had done so in the tournament’s history. He scored two goals, but coach Gregg Berhalter was fired afterward and subsequent shoulder and ankle injuries saw him miss 16 games on the road to the World Cup.
To his benefit, Wright and Pepi failed to nail the job down themselves despite success at the club level with Coventry City and PSV Eindhoven in England and the Netherlands respectively. Upon returning, performances against Japan, Ecuador, Australia and Paraguay reaffirmed Balogun’s likelihood to lead the line on home soil. The USMNT looked most adept when he played, either as a goal threat, holding and linking up play or occupying defenders.
The World Cup arrives, he scores two goals against Paraguay. He assists another against Australia and scores the game-winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina hitting LeBron James’s iconic “Silencer” celebration before getting sent off.
The narrative was supposed to be: “The USMNT striker debate is over, and their World Cup might be too.” Instead, we’re left with a mess of a controversy, one way or the other, as Belgium and the U.S. kick off in a couple hours.
If Balogun scores, well should he have really played? If the U.S. get outclassed (which they did in a March friendly losing 2-5) by Belgium, is that justice? What if Weston McKennie, who’s been one of the USMNT’s best players all tournament and who’s had to battle his own adversity at the club and international level—wins a penalty in the final moments of the game and Balogun scores the winner? What if he misses it? Who would’ve taken it if he wasn’t on the pitch?
I’ve certainly celebrated every goal, victory and advancement. I was worried we were doomed when Balogun got sent off because I’ve seen my club (Arsenal) be hard done by even more egregious red cards. I can’t imagine what the outrage would be like if they saw Declan Rice’s second yellow for kicking the ball away against Brighton all things considered for appropriate context…
But I was also putting my hopes in Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Matt Freese, the bench and whoever was going to start up top to make sure Balogun got another game. Instead, he’s going to start and Pandora’s box can no longer be shut.
Fans will celebrate regardless if the U.S. wins, especially since it would be revenge for the 2014 World Cup loss despite Tim Howard’s iconic performance. Though, for some, if not most, the whole debacle will cast a cloud over whatever happens from here on out.
Bring on Monday night’s madness.
#Folarin #Baloguns #red #card #controversy #creates #Monday #Night #Madness #World #Cup">Folarin Balogun’s red card controversy creates Monday Night Madness in World Cup
U.S. men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun will be available for selection on Monday night in the World Cup round of 16 after a series of chaotic decisions, phone calls with government officials and a failed, final appeal from Belgium.
A knockout stage win over a European side, standout performances from other players and more were lost in the madness over referee Raphael Claus’s decision to show Balogun a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. We can debate all the optics surrounding the foul, FIFA and its decisions to make similar decisions recently, the U.S. government’s role, the rules of the game, VAR and more… but more importantly what’s now difficult to analyze is Balogun’s first World Cup as the starting USMNT striker.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 01: Folarin Balogun #20 and Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts to him receiving a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images) Getty Images
If you’re just getting into soccer now, plan to stick around or putting in your calendar four years from now when to start paying attention again, Balogun and the USMNT striker job have been constant topics for discussion for years now.
Coming out of the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT had a crisis at the position. Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright and Jesus Ferreira all failed to nail down that role—inserting Christian Pulisic up top wasn’t the answer either. The squad might’ve been succeeding in Concacaf, but the USMNT needed to figure out who would lead the line in four years time on home soil.
Balogun, who was also eligible to represent England and Nigeria, chose the USMNT in May 2023 and immediately all the pressure was put on his shoulders to solve the problem. The 25-year-old originally garnered praise during his time in Arsenal’s academy over in England. The current Premier League champions similarly had a crisis at striker at the time, though he failed to stick with the first team. He spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Middlesbrough scoring three goals in 18 appearances.
Arsenal sent him back on loan for the 2022-23 campaign where Balogun had a breakout season scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances for Reims, during which he changed his national allegiance. After returning, Balogun was sold to AS Monaco as Arsenal moved on with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard viewed ahead of him.
Arsenal aside, no one was unseating Harry Kane in the England national team. Balogun’s national switch and club transfer weren’t solely opportunities to prove or establish himself as a player, but undoubtedly a pathway to realizing success.
He made an instant impact in his first call up scoring his first goal in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final victory over Canada. However, the striker debate restarted a year later after the USMNT crashed out of the 2024 Copa America group stage on home soil—the first time a host nation had done so in the tournament’s history. He scored two goals, but coach Gregg Berhalter was fired afterward and subsequent shoulder and ankle injuries saw him miss 16 games on the road to the World Cup.
To his benefit, Wright and Pepi failed to nail the job down themselves despite success at the club level with Coventry City and PSV Eindhoven in England and the Netherlands respectively. Upon returning, performances against Japan, Ecuador, Australia and Paraguay reaffirmed Balogun’s likelihood to lead the line on home soil. The USMNT looked most adept when he played, either as a goal threat, holding and linking up play or occupying defenders.
The World Cup arrives, he scores two goals against Paraguay. He assists another against Australia and scores the game-winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina hitting LeBron James’s iconic “Silencer” celebration before getting sent off.
The narrative was supposed to be: “The USMNT striker debate is over, and their World Cup might be too.” Instead, we’re left with a mess of a controversy, one way or the other, as Belgium and the U.S. kick off in a couple hours.
If Balogun scores, well should he have really played? If the U.S. get outclassed (which they did in a March friendly losing 2-5) by Belgium, is that justice? What if Weston McKennie, who’s been one of the USMNT’s best players all tournament and who’s had to battle his own adversity at the club and international level—wins a penalty in the final moments of the game and Balogun scores the winner? What if he misses it? Who would’ve taken it if he wasn’t on the pitch?
I’ve certainly celebrated every goal, victory and advancement. I was worried we were doomed when Balogun got sent off because I’ve seen my club (Arsenal) be hard done by even more egregious red cards. I can’t imagine what the outrage would be like if they saw Declan Rice’s second yellow for kicking the ball away against Brighton all things considered for appropriate context…
But I was also putting my hopes in Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Matt Freese, the bench and whoever was going to start up top to make sure Balogun got another game. Instead, he’s going to start and Pandora’s box can no longer be shut.
Fans will celebrate regardless if the U.S. wins, especially since it would be revenge for the 2014 World Cup loss despite Tim Howard’s iconic performance. Though, for some, if not most, the whole debacle will cast a cloud over whatever happens from here on out.
