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SEATTLE — Surrounded by his U.S. men’s national team players, Mauricio Pochettino went right down the middle. On the eve of America’s 250th birthday, the Argentine-born coach celebrated America’s pastime by throwing out the first pitch at the Seattle Mariners game. The sold-out crowd, many wearing red-and-white striped USA soccer jerseys, cheered for both their coach and their team. “That sort of stuff can only happen in America,” a smiling Folarin Balogun said earlier on Friday. The U.S. squad has become a source of national pride as Americans gather to celebrate the Fourth of July. Its run so far at this World Cup on home soil — with Belgium waiting in the round of 16 here on Monday — has given supporters across the country something to rally around, a welcome contrast to the often-divisive news cycle. From fans all over the world learning about Waffle House and ranch dressing, to Scotland’s Tartan Army taking over Boston, to Pochettino joining his players in singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” this tournament has delivered plenty of memorable moments. “It’s a place that is exactly as advertised in a lot of ways — it’s free, it’s beautiful, the people are nice and kind,” U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner told a small group of reporters after the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Of course, everywhere you go in the world, there are scary stories. But to actually have seen some people having the time of their lives in our country, it’s been amazing. “People are always saying, ‘What do you want from this World Cup?’ And I just say I want us to be gracious hosts and good stewards to people who come to the United States and really feel our culture, and I want us to welcome these people with open arms. I think we’ve done a great job. Lifelong memories for a lot of people.” There were questions entering this tournament about how Americans would receive the World Cup and whether soccer would capture everyone’s attention. The long-term impact won’t be known for years — advancing to the quarterfinals or further will help. But the short-term one is undeniable. Hotel guests in Seattle gathered in a lobby to watch Egypt outlast Australia in a penalty shootout. Dallas police officers greeted Norway by performing the “Viking Row” on the airport tarmac. Social media erupted as Cape Verde pushed defending champion Argentina to the brink of penalties. The U.S. players have felt that energy throughout the tournament and want to channel it on the field. “The fact that it’s here on our shores, the fan passion is coming to light, we’re creating our own new sort of things with ‘Country Roads’ after the game — it’s like the college football scene mixing with the U.S. [Soccer] scene,” Turner said. “And what I’ve loved about it is that it’s not like we’re trying to be that European culture. We’re not saying we need to chant like the English chant, or chant like the Germans chant. We’re taking on our own traditions and cultures, and I think that’s the way it should be. We really needed this tournament in order to find our identity alongside our fans.” Even Pochettino — who played with Diego Maradona and coached at Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — is having a ball. He’s become a fan of country music, specifically Ella Langley, as well as Teddy Swims. He’s leading crowds in “U-S-A” cheers and learning new words, too. “Sometimes someone will say something to him in a meeting, and it sounds super American slang, and he’s like, ‘Huh?’” Christian Pulisic joked earlier in the tournament. “And I just find it so funny. But it feels like he’s really in tune with it. Like, I’m in his office yesterday, and he’s listening to country music, and it’s just funny to see. But then he also brings his Argentinian culture and the staff and shows us things from there. It’s a unique bond with the group for sure.” Pochettino’s now-famous “Why not us?” mantra has seeped into the team, reflecting a belief that fits within the American sporting identity. “We’re American, we don’t take s—,” Sebastian Berhalter said a few weeks ago when asked what ideals Pochettino has brought to the group. “Even though he’s Argentinian, he has that mindset of like, ‘Look, this is what we do, and this is who we are, and this is what America is about.’ I think even from an outside perspective, he showed us Americans what we’re about, and he really drills that into us.” A win against Belgium on Monday would be historic, marking the first time the U.S. has ever won two knockout games at a World Cup. The program’s best finish in the modern era was the quarterfinals in 2002. This team embraces the responsibility of keeping this journey going. “I think it’s exciting,” Tyler Adams told reporters Friday ahead of training. “I think as a team, we want to leave our mark on the game and a legacy behind. I want it to be more than just what this moment has created and the hype around it. If we’re talking about the team and the success they’ve had two years from now, then we’ve done something right. “We want to have success, and we know the further that we go, the more success we’re going to have and the growth of the game is going to grow.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Friday marked the final match day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with at least three matches. It got a proper sendoff with one of the matches of the tournament so far between Argentina and Cape Verde, and a historic result for Mohamed Salah and Egypt. Here is everything you might have missed on Day 23 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: BEST OF THE DAY Moment Of The Day Argentina and Cape Verde’s World Cup resumes could not have been more different entering Friday’s match. Argentina is hoping to win its second consecutive World Cup and fourth all-time, while Cape Verde is competing in the tournament for the first time ever. Argentina is ranked second in the world by FIFA; Cape Verde is ranked 64th. Argentina’s face is Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time; Cape Verde’s face is Vozinha, a 40-year-old goalkeeper who played for Portuguese second division side GD Chaves last season. When the whistle blew and the ball kicked off, none of that mattered, resulting in the game of the tournament so far. Goal Of The Day Cape Verde needed a miracle to upset mighty Argentina. While it didn’t get the win, it got its miracle in Sidney Lopes Cabral’s extra-time equalizer. Cabral, from an impossible angle on the left edge of the penalty box, struck the ball with his right foot and curled it into the top right corner of Argentina’s goal. If the World Cup ended today, it would be the goal of the tournament. Assist Of The Day Lisandro Martínez earned his wages in Argentina’s hard-fought win vs. Cape Verde. Not only did Martínez score the goal that gave Argentina the lead to start extra time, but he created the opportunity for Messi’s goal with a brilliant ball from the back line. Messi did the rest, as he’s known to do. Save Of The Day Three goalkeepers in World Cup history have recorded two clean sheets at the age of 40 or older: England legend Peter Shilton, Italy legend Dino Zoff and now Cape Verde legend Vozinha. The keeper didn’t manage to keep a clean sheet against Argentina, but he did record eight saves, including this one to deny Messi from point-blank range. He leaves the tournament with 25 saves to his name, which leads all goalkeepers. Argentina vs. Cape Verde Australia vs. Egypt Colombia vs. Ghana​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The round of 16 gets underway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday on a date when the host country will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding. The day begins in Houston, where Canada takes on an impressive Morocco team that has the ambition of making yet another deep run. The day then concludes in Philadelphia, just miles from where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. In this match, pre-tournament France will aim to continue its dominant run at this World Cup when it takes on a Paraguay team that is fresh off its stunning elimination of Germany. Here is all you need to know for Saturday’s two matches. When: Saturday, July 4, 1 p.m. ET Where: Houston TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One Canada and Morocco will open the tournament’s round of 16 on Saturday at Houston Stadium in a rematch of a group stage game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which the Moroccans won 2-1. Entering this tournament, Canada and Morocco had very different expectations and different histories at the World Cup. Canada arrived having lost all six World Cup matches in its history, but the past few years have seen the team take meaningful steps towards growth under American head coach Jesse Marsch. It had a run to the semifinals at the 2024 Copa América and is now into the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after winning its first World Cup knockout stage match. Not everything has been smooth for the Canadians at this tournament, but the team has responded well when its back has been up against the wall. After a lackluster draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada responded with a 6-0 blowout win over Qatar to clinch a spot in the knockout stage. After a disappointing loss to Switzerland in the group stage finale, Canada emerged victorious after a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Africa on a late goal from Stephen Eustáquio. Canada has some impressive attackers in Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, and winger Tajon Buchanan, although all have been inconsistent during this tournament. Against Morocco, Marsch will need top performances from each. In addition, it remains to be seen what role Alphonso Davies will play. The Bayern Munich right back made his return from injury in South Africa when he subbed into the match in the 75th minute for his first minutes at the tournament. But he still might not be ready to start due to a lingering hamstring injury. For Canada to advance to the quarterfinals, it will need a historic upset as Morocco has lived up to the expectation that it can contend for this World Cup. After an impressive 1-1 draw with Brazil, where it was the better team for long stretches, Morocco rounded out its group stages with a 1-0 win over Scotland and a 4-2 win over Haiti. But Morocco’s round of 32 match against the Netherlands was one of the tournament’s best games so far. The Netherlands took the lead against the run of play before Morocco equalized late in stoppage time through a goal from central defender Issa Diop. Diop only switched his national team representation from France to Morocco just before final rosters were due. After controlling most of the game, Morocco prevailed in a shootout. This Morocco team is extremely talented and has only improved after its run to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Forward Ismael Saibari scored three goals in the group stage and earlier this week sealed his transfer to Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven. Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi of Paris St. Germain is one of the best right backs in the world, Brahim Díaz is a talented winger for Real Madrid, and teenage central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of the top young players at this tournament. Morocco is the heavy favorite in this game and while Canada lost its home-field advantage by not winning its group, plenty of Canadians should be in Texas to support the team. Player to Watch The Spanish-born Paris Saint-Germain right back is elite at pushing forward into the attack. If Davies cannot play for Canada, or if he is not close to full strength, Hakimi should have plenty of time and space to be a threat on the right side. He has been exceptional in this tournament and has played every minute of Morocco’s four games. When: Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m. ET Where: Philadelphia TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One A spot in the quarterfinals is on the line when pre-tournament favorites France battles Paraguay on Saturday in what should be an extremely hot night at Philadelphia Stadium. Paraguay arrives in this game against all odds, but its best moments have come in two shocking upsets over two European teams. In the group stages, Paraguay defended its way to a 1-0 win over Türkiye despite playing with 10 men for the entire second half. Then, in the round of 32, Paraguay turned in the biggest upset of the tournament thus far when it advanced past Germany in a shootout after the teams played to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes. Under head coach Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay was able to quickly move past its opening 4-1 loss to the USA and find ways to grind out results against good teams. The team’s commitment to its defensive shape and structure. Against Germany, Paraguay frustrated Die Mannschaft, who had most of the possession but little in terms of dangerous chances. La Albirroja’s success stems from their midfielders and backline. Matias Galarza has been one of the team’s best players in the tournament. Galarza, whose loan to Atlanta United ended earlier in the World Cup, assisted on Julio Enciso’s goal against Germany, converted his shootout attempt and scored the winning goal against Türkiye. But it is not just Galarza and Enciso who have stood out. Paraguay’s backline of José Canale, Gustavo Gómez, Juan Cáceres and Júnior Alonso, along with goalkeeper Orlando Gil, have all been key to getting the team to the round of 16. However, Paraguay will face a test on an entirely different level when it takes on a French team that fields elite players at every single position. Kylian Mbappé has six goals from three braces at this World Cup. In the one game he did not score (against Norway), he picked up two assists. Mbappé and his chase to match Lionel Messi’s World Cup goals record might receive most of the limelight when people talk about this France team. However, the key to making France unstoppable has been getting Ousmane Dembélé going. Prior to the second group stage game against Iraq, Dembélé had never scored in a World Cup game. That changed with his goal and an assist against Iraq. He then notched a hat trick against Norway and picked up an assist in the 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32. Beyond Dembélé and Mbappé, the French talent is immense. Midfielder Michael Olise has been arguably the tournament’s best playmaker and winger Bradley Barcola has been effective, opening the game up with his skill. To pull off another shocking upset, Paraguay will need to play even better defense than it has, and it will need a lot of luck. The heat wave that is gripping the East Coast also throws a bit of unpredictability into the equation, as we don’t know how the teams will respond. Player to Watch With Paraguay sitting deep in a well-disciplined and compact formation, it will require elite playmaking to cut through it. Olise has five assists and he has been instrumental to the success of Mbappé and Dembélé at this tournament. The Bayern Munich star should once again be pulling the strings for France in this tournament.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports