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Waffle House and Carolina barbecue, the Auburn War Eagle and Boston Harbor boat parties, ranch dressing and bacon-wrapped everything. Welcome to America. The United States boasts a tremendously eclectic culture, and, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s super weird and inexplicable, even to some Americans. So many things across the 50 states — they each have their own flavor and culture too — are uniquely American, which World Cup fans around the world are discovering as they come to the U.S., perhaps for the first time, for the 48-team tournament this summer. And several fans and fan bases are going viral with their adventures, team pride and sharing of their traditions and cultures too. A major highlight has been a couple of Germany fans, influencers Freddy and Fiago, who have been trekking around the U.S. and are thoroughly (and hilariously) documenting their adventures around the South and Midwest. But there’s so much more to learn about (North) American culture. So we’re rounding up the best and funniest moments as international fans learn about the wacky and delightful things the U.S. has to offer — along with their wonderfully unbridled support for their respective teams. Mexico isn’t the only country that added a duck to their World Cup fan base. Scotland joined the fun ahead of their second group stage game against Morocco at Boston Stadium on Friday. As the Tartan Army’s march took over the streets of Providence, Rhode Island, a duck famously known as “Dawn” or “Donny the Duck” joined the fun with a Scotland flag attached to its back. A week prior, Merlin the duck was seen parading the streets with Mexico’s fan base for their group stage game with South Korea. The Tartan Army is famously known for their massive Scotland national team fan base that travels the world in support of the team. Following the Tartan Army’s outing at Fenway Park, they recently took over a Boston Brewery and sparked conversations about a sister city partnership between Boston and Glasgow, the capital of Scotland. While Scotland’s tournament fate resides in two more group stage games, expect to see plenty more of Dawn leading the Tartan Army. The World Cup excitement is taking over Major League Baseball stadiums, and now Australia is getting in on the action. Australia has officially taken over T-Mobile Park in Seattle, just a day before it faces the United States men’s national soccer team in World Cup action. Fans are filling the stands, celebrating, dancing, and cheering as they completely take over the section. With what is expected to be a close matchup on Friday night, it appears Australia’s fans are ready to back their squad and match the United States’ energy leading into the game. World Cup Fever is taking over North America and American Airlines decided to get in on the fun. On a Thursday morning flight from Los Angeles to Seattle — the host city for the U.S. men’s national team’s second World Cup group-stage match — every seat was draped with a US soccer jersey and a World Cup-themed care package. Travelers were able to keep the jerseys, as well as the care packages, and were even wished a “Happy World Cup” over the loudspeaker before disembarking. The U.S. men’s national team is set to take on Australia at 3 p.m. ET Friday at Seattle Stadium. Texas is known for having some of the best BBQ in the world, but while the taste is undeniable, you’ve got to know your limits.One Croatia fan learned his limits the hard way after consuming way too much Texas BBQ during his time in downtown Dallas. The result? No sleep ahead of Croatia’s big matchup against England on Wednesday (4 p.m. ET on FOX).”Everything is so big. The food is great here, especially the Texas barbeque,” the Croatia supporter said. “We ate so much, we couldn’t sleep all night.” A classic Texas rookie mistake. Hopefully this fan learned his lesson! When in Texas, you have to take in what’s one of the must-do traditions – a rodeo at the Ft. Worth Stockyards! Located near Dallas Stadium, where England takes on Croatia on Wednesday, fans from both teams packed the arena for some barrel racing and calf roping. It’s also likely those cowpokes heard a rousing and well-sauced rendition of “Sweet Caroline” from supporters of the Three Lions. Lionel Messi made history on Tuesday night against Algeria, scoring a hat trick while also tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the all-time men’s FIFA World Cup goals record. After the game, Argentina fans were seen bowing together in admiration of Messi. It was more than a 3-0 victory; it was another moment that showed fans around the world are witnessing the greatness that makes Messi so special. Messi was already widely regarded as an all-time great, but his 2022 World Cup win arguably cemented his case as one of the best the sport has ever seen. Now, as Argentina pursues another title, fans across the stadium continue to show their admiration for a legacy still unfolding. Norway’s fans have arrived for their team’s opening game against Iraq in Boston, and they’re flaunting their Viking culture in big ways. Or, maybe just in unique ways. These fans decided to ride up the escalators from Boston’s South Station by rowing up them. It may not be the type of longship that their ancestors used to crisscross the Northern Atlantic, but at least it makes taking public transportation a bit memorable. Cape Verde’s stunning draw against Spain was worth celebrating (unless you are Spain). It was the debut for the former in the World Cup, and took one of the tournament favorites to the limit. It’s one of the best stories of the early tournament so far. And now that story includes fans celebrating with goats. Not goat, singular, but plural. Depending on where you are or what your algorithm looks like, you may have seen Scotland fans putting orange traffic cones on statues. And their heads. One fan explained it simply to The Providence Journal: “So essentially, there’s a statue in Glasgow where some Scottish people, for a long time, have put a traffic cone on top of it. And it’s just become a bit of an icon.” The Scotland men’s national team might have left the Boston area for Charlotte following its 1-0 win over Haiti on Saturday, but much of the Tartan Army remained. Countless Scotland fans were at Fenway Park for Sunday’s Texas Rangers-Boston Red Sox game, taking over America’s Most Beloved Ballpark. One of the most cherished World Cup fan traditions has now made its first appearance at this edition of the World Cup. As they have at previous international tournaments, supporters of Japan helped pick up litter in the stands following a game – this time after a 2-2 thriller against the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium. The tradition of Japanese fans helping tidy up the venues after games — which follows a Japanese saying of “A bird that flies never leaves a trace” — became prominent when the men’s team made its World Cup debut in 1998. The beloved gesture even compelled New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, who is spending the summer as a FOX Sports digital correspondent covering the World Cup, to participate in the effort. The scenes in and around Dallas Stadium were nearly all orange before and during the Netherlands’ draw against Japan on Sunday. The Oranje Army took over Dallas, with fans marching across the city. The Oranje Army was more than the people in Dallas, too. One Oranje kitten went viral during Sunday’s match. The underdog of underdogs, Curaçao made its World Cup debut Sunday against Group E foe Germany, and while it lost pretty convincingly, 7-1, it had a special moment. Early in the first half of its tournament opener, Curaçao scored its first World Cup goal, thanks to Livano Comenencia, whose shot deflected off Germany captain Joshua Kimmich and found the back of the net. Fans absolutely erupted, players went wild and 78-year-old Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat couldn’t believe it. What a wonderful moment for Curaçao fans in Houston in their team’s World Cup opener. UPDATE: The duck’s name is apparently Merlin, and it’s an absolute star. OK, so this technically isn’t happening in the United States; it’s wonderfully delightful, and we’re here to have fun. The world has a responsibility to protect this duck, who is clearly one of Mexico’s best supporters. For one confused Japanese fan, it seemed odd to receive chips and salsa while visiting a Mexican restaurant without asking for them. As he wrote: “We have not earned these.” But that’s the beauty. They are free. And they are bottomless. So three baskets later, even before his actual food came, a valuable lesson – in courtesy, in life, in honor – was learned. You can agree that this insightful fan has most certainly earned his salsa. When in the City of Brotherly Love, there is no shortage of historical or cultural sites to visit. But rallying at the iconic Rocky steps is always a special experience, especially when you’re in Philadelphia to watch your team compete in the World Cup. *cue Gonna Fly Now* Scotland’s mighty Tartan Army (as the team’s traveling fan base is known) is making itself right at home in Boston, including apparently finding — and loving — the infamous slide. It’s the city that never sleeps, and it’s the fan base that is always partying. Ahead of Brazil’s opening World Cup group-stage match against Morocco, fans of the five-time champions took over Times Square in New York City. The last time Brazil played at a World Cup tournament in the U.S. was in 1994, when the team ended up winning it all. So these fans are expecting another stateside trophy. And with Brazil’s last win coming in 2002, there are high hopes that the streak can be snapped this summer. But don’t count out Morocco, which will be aiming for another semifinal run after 2022. Even rapper French Montana joined the party in Times Square to hype up the fans of the Atlas Lions. Do you think you miss Rod Stewart? Some Southern Californian natives might have felt that way this weekend. Stewart canceled his concert in San Diego on Friday night, roughly 40 minutes before he was scheduled to appear on stage, due to illness. However, Stewart was seen at Scotland’s win over Haiti at Boston Stadium on Saturday night. Stewart even posted a video of himself flying to the Boston area ahead of the match on Instagram, while a representative for Stewart told the San Diego Union-Tribune that his illness was genuine. Who doesn’t love ranch? Come on, it’s absolutely the best. Feel free to disagree, but you’d also be wrong. An American staple: Scotland fans seem to be having so much fun in Boston. They’ve also taken over Boston Harbor, complete with a party barge. The fans even had one of Boston’s finest doing some keepie-uppies – pretty impressive skills there by that police officer! Earlier this week, one Scotland fan shared his experience trying Carolina barbecue for the first time, and apparently it went so well it’s ruined his life. He also found Buc-ee’s for the first time. Seems like it went over pretty well. Buc-ee’s is leaning in, too. On the penultimate day before the start of the World Cup, German influencer Freddy wound up watching Argentina’s win over Iceland in Tuesday’s friendly at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. While Freddy saw Lionel Messi score a goal, he was more mesmerized by the SEC experience. The Auburn War Eagle is included. He also made it to Waffle House and Taco Bell, among other iconic restaurants. One of the best parts about Freddy’s trip to Waffle House in Georgia is that he didn’t even go during traditional breakfast hours, as he sat down at 1 a.m and opted for hash browns rather than waffles. But this is really the best way to experience Waffle House anyway. Drink up.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

LOS ANGELES STADIUM — A day before the USA men’s national team produced its most lopsided victory in almost a century’s worth of FIFA World Cup appearances, head coach Mauricio Pochettino mentioned something that felt like a throwaway remark at the time. In their opening match of the 2026 tournament, the USA’s players “need to think tomorrow and play like they are a child,” he said, “and without pressure, without responsibility.” Did they ever. In front of a huge home crowd of more than 70,000 fans, Pochettino’s squad demolished a Paraguayan side that had qualified for this World Cup by conceding just 10 goals in 18 qualifying matches — beating Brazil and defending champion Argentina along the way — with a 4-1 win on Friday night. The Stars and Stripes were brave. They were relentless going forward, the risk of a counterattack be damned. They suffocated their battle-tested South American opponent from the opening whistle and didn’t let up until the very end, when Gio Reyna added a beautiful fourth goal in the final seconds of stoppage time. The poor Paraguayans never knew what hit them, as the USA scored its most goals ever in a single World Cup match. Most of all, the co-hosts played freely. Unburdened. Like kids. “We just wanted to go out there and feel like how we felt whenever we would play pickup ball,” said midfielder Weston McKennie, whose attempted pass to Folarin Balogun in the seventh minute resulted in the own goal that sent the World Cup co-hosts on their way. “We wanted to go out there and just have fun.” Just a few weeks ago, even diehard USA fans were wondering if their team was capable of a respectable showing at the second World Cup staged on American soil. Badly outclassed by European powers Belgium and Portugal in March, supporters couldn’t be blamed for fearing the worst. A win over Senegal in their penultimate tune-up and a respectable loss to Germany last week restored cautious optimism. Still, few could’ve predicted kicking off the World Cup campaign in such glorious fashion. After having a would-be goal ruled offside after review, striker Folarin Balogun scored twice, the second a left-footed rocket into the top corner of the visitors’ net. The U.S. dominated possession. Paraguay scored in the second half on its only shot of the evening, but the truth is the home side could’ve even added a few more. Still, it was a historically good showing on the biggest stage in soccer — one that they can build on as the tournament progresses. “That’s the first performance that the fans can really be proud of,” veteran left back Antonee “Jedi” Robinson said. “We’re a competitive team, and we mean business.” Now, the challenge is to do it again. As impressive as Friday night was for the Americans, it won’t mean much if they fail to win their next two Group D contests. “We’ll try and put in another similar performance against Australia and Türkiye, and go from there,” said captain Tim Ream, who at 38 became the oldest American ever to appear in a World Cup match. The key could be Balogun in attack. It wasn’t immediately clear afterward if Christian Pulisic will be available for next Friday’s meeting with the Socceroos in Seattle. The U.S. headliner, who was involved in the first two American goals vs. Paraguay, took a kick to the left calf and said he’s “hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.” Either way, Balogun’s presence takes some of the scoring load off of Pulisic. Speaking of history, the AS Monaco striker made some of his own on Friday, becoming the first American to notch multiple tallies in the same match in almost a century. “When you have a goal-scorer who’s confident like he is at the moment,” midfielder Tyler Adams said, “that’s huge.” So is the World Cup experience that many of these players came into the competition with. Four years after starting 11 debutants in their opener at Qatar 2022, more than half of Pochettino’s lineup was composed of players who’d been there before. “To win 4-1 against a team like Paraguay says a lot, especially in the opening game, but we also know that that’s just a start,” McKennie said. “This is something that we don’t want to over-celebrate.” Not yet anyway. After all, they’ve still got plenty left to prove — to their doubters, and to themselves. “It’s easy to do it in one game; you then have to back that up,” Ream said. “That,” he added, “is obviously the goal for us.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

LOS ANGELES STADIUM — I knew this USA team could cook, but it threw some special sauce in on Friday night. And it wasn’t just the players. Before I get into my ratings for them, a 20/10 performance from the crowd on Friday. I’ve been in that stadium multiple times, but I’ve never seen or felt it like that. From the moment players came out to warm up until the final whistle, there was an energy like no other in that building. Passion, pride, belief! The USA gave us a little bit of everything — and then some — in the first half of its win over Paraguay. Mauricio Pochettino’s team was dominant from the opening whistle to the final one. It was a masterclass. Nobody left the stadium early. The fans wanted to give this USA team the love it deserved, and they were rewarded for sticking around in the form of a brilliant Gio Reyna goal to make the scoreline 4-1. I want to note that these ratings come as a prisoner of the moment. It was an incredible night in Los Angeles as the United States dominated. Here we go. Starting XI Freese got the start over Matt Turner, but he wasn’t called upon too much Friday. I’m being generous, though. He didn’t have a starring role, and I don’t think he could do too much on the goal. From that positioning with Mauricio through on goal, I don’t think there was anything he could do. As I said, I’m feeling very generous today after that performance, so it’s an 8 for Freese. I thought Antonee Robinson was more involved in the attack tonight, while Alex Freeman was a bit more disciplined defensively on the right side and Sergiño Dest played further up the wing. Freeman looked like he belonged tonight. A really strong World Cup debut from the 21-year-old. I praised Freeman during the two friendlies against Senegal and Germany in the buildup to the tournament, and he looked like he belonged tonight. A very encouraging start to the tournament from both. Robinson scored a banger of a volley against Germany last week and continued to look like a threat down the left wing. He’ll be a key part of the U.S. attack on that side of the field. I thought Richards’ leadership was felt early on in this game, especially in the first half. The game started with a half-chance for Paraguay inside the box, but Chris helped calm things down after that alongside his 38-year-old partner. In the second half, they both made mistakes on the goal. Richards gambled maybe a bit too much and didn’t make contact with the ball on his first attempt, and then Ream kind of dangled out a leg and didn’t make any contact with a Paraguayan player with it. I also want to note that the passing out of the back was good. Ream had a few good balls forward to find Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie in midfield, which is what he’s expected to do with that left foot. Also, Richards quite literally did not miss a pass. He completed all 83 of the passes that he attempted, the most passes with a 100% accuracy rate since 1966. I thought the midfield three were all excellent, but for different reasons. The balance they afforded one another was a joy to watch. Tyler picked up a yellow card, but beyond that, he covered ground and moved all over the pitch to complement Tillman and McKennie. He remained more disciplined while allowing Tillman and McKennie to have the freedom to move further up the pitch. I thought Weston’s energy was incredible. The way he was consistently an option in the final third was encouraging, and that was clear on the first U.S. goal. He picked the ball up in midfield and had multiple Paraguayan players around him, but he was able to get the ball out to Christian on the left. The best part, though, is that Wes continued his run after playing the pass and got the USA touch before Damian Bobadilla put the ball into his own net. It was also an encouraging performance from Tillman, whose quality and calmness on the ball showed throughout. His ability to set the tempo was necessary and impressive. It also looked like he had a great understanding with Adams. A lot of pressure and responsibility on his shoulders. He came back into form just before this tournament in terms of finding the stat sheet with goals and assists. Hopefully, Pulisic’s calf injury was nothing too significant. Fantastic in the first half with his movement, creating chances, creating space for other players. His dribbling was sharp and quick, and he caused problems throughout the first half. That’s how the first goal for the U.S. came about. He skipped by two defenders and then picked out a pass to McKennie, whose attempted pass to Balogun was turned into the net. Also of note, Christian’s chemistry with Flo was excellent. If those first 45 minutes were any indication, the rest of the tournament better watch out. The only reason this rating isn’t higher is that he only played 45 minutes. Hopefully, he’s ready to go next week to face Australia. It’s the goals, it’s the way he took his goals, and it’s also his overall play, which I thought was excellent. Obviously, the two great finishes from Flo are worth celebrating, but there was more to his performance. The way he occupied both of Paraguay’s center backs was great. He was strong throughout the game, held up the ball and really powered the U.S. attack. Flo’s movement was spot on for a center forward. He ran into the channels very well and was able to play well with a defender on his back. He also led the Americans’ counter-press against the Paraguayan defense and was spot-on with his movement as a defender. He was a big reason that the Americans’ game plan worked so well. My man Peter Crouch suggested that Balogun might be looking at a Golden Boot with a start like that to his tournament. I’m encouraged to see where his tournament can go from here. I love Sergiño higher up the pitch. Initially, I wasn’t so sure. I liked him starting as an attacking fullback, but he thrived by having more freedom to simply start further up the pitch. His maintaining the width on the right wing with some silky smooth dribbling at times caused problems and kept the Paraguay left back, Júnior Alonso, wide, which helped create space for the midfield to run into. Sergiño’s ability to start further up the pitch really makes him a wild card. He’s unpredictable. It’s hard to plan how to defend him because you don’t know where he’s going to play. Tonight, that caused so many problems for Paraguay. Bonus: A 10 for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Poch got everything right tonight. First, he picked the right lineup in his debut as a World Cup manager (including the decision to bring on Gio Reyna late!). This lineup looked good against Germany without Richards, and his inclusion was a great addition. Second, the approach of how they wanted to create space and maintain width was spot on. The game plan was perfect, much like the USA for the majority of the match.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The second day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup provided some magical moments from the hosts. The U.S. cruised past Paraguay, while Cyle Larin late equalizer ignited an electric atmosphere in Toronto. Here is everything you might have missed from Day 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina United States vs. Paraguay BEST OF THE DAY Assist Of The Day It was a massive moment for Canada in the 78th minute as Cyle Larin expertly controlled, turned, and finished after receiving a brilliant first-time pass from Promise David. The forward’s clever one-touch ball, played with the outside of his boot, split the Bosnian defense and found Larin in space. It was a moment of creativity and quality that Canada desperately needed against a disciplined Bosnian back line, with only a touch of ingenuity capable of unlocking their stubborn defensive structure. Save Of The Day A potential Save of the Tournament candidate on match day 2 came from Saed Kolašinac, who produced a heroic last-ditch goal-line block in the 53rd minute. His intervention deflected the ball onto the crossbar and out, preserving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s lead. Canada eventually found an equalizer later in the match to earn a point, but Kolašinac’s remarkable defensive play may ultimately prove to be the reason Bosnia escaped Toronto with a valuable draw. Goal Of The Day An incredible goal from Gio Reyna, who curled a trivela with the outside of his boot past the Paraguayan goalkeeper, who had no chance of making the save. Reyna came off the bench after a difficult club season in which he struggled to break into the Borussia Mönchengladbach lineup, but coach Mauricio Pochettino still put his faith in him by including him in the squad. Reyna repaid that trust with a moment of individual brilliance. Moment Of The Day The United States could not have gotten off to a better start, cruising past Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium. It was a rocking atmosphere in Los Angeles as Folarin Balogun bagged a brace, alongside an opening own goal, to lead the U.S. to a 3–1 victory. It’s the kind of performance that can fuel a dream run for the Americans.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

LOS ANGELES STADIUM — Four years ago, at the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the U.S. men’s national team scored just three goals in four games. It took the team just 45 minutes of the 2026 event to equal that output. And then another 45 minutes to make history. The tournament co-hosts kicked off their World Cup campaign on Friday with aplomb, running out to a three-goal lead in the first half over Paraguay on the strength of two goals from forward Folarin Balogun. The U.S. had not scored three times in the opening stanza of any World Cup since its 2002 opener against Portugal, which began a memorable run to that year’s quarterfinals — still the best performance at the planet’s biggest sporting event since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Do you believe in omens? It wasn’t a perfect start to the World Cup — the Paraguayans pulled one back in the second half before Gio Reyna scored a golazo with the outside of his right foot deep into second half stoppage time — but it was close. And with that last score, it became the first time ever the U.S. scored four goals in a men’s World Cup match. Here are my takeaways following the USA’s dominant 4-1 triumph: 1. USA Makes Its Own Luck In An Empathic Win In baseball, they say the first at-bat of a new season sets the tone for everything that happens after. In the first game of a World Cup, the first goal of the tournament is even more important. The USA got there fewer than seven minutes into Friday’s match, following a ferociously intense start. It was a little bit fortunate, with Paraguayan midfielder Damián Bobadilla inadvertently turning Weston McKennie’s attempted feed to forward Folarin Balogun past keeper Orlando Gill for an own goal. But you make your luck at this level, and the Americans certainly did, with defender Alex Freeman starting the play almost 100 yards from the visiting net with a long pass to McKennie, who found Christian Pulisic out wide before getting a return pass from the Stars and Stripes top attacker. It was the third-fastest lead the U.S. has ever taken at a World Cup. For a team looking to make a deep run on home soil this summer, omens don’t come much better than that. “The first game is always the most difficult, to get the nerves out of the way,” Balogun said. “We were able to do that really quickly.” 2. Folarin Balogun Lives Up To The Billing During a lengthy interview last September, the USA’s top striker told me that he often daydreamed about lining up for the national anthem in this stadium before the country’s first game at the 2026 World Cup. He surely thought about scoring in it, too. The New York-born, London-reared Balogun, who chose to play for the USA over England three years ago, thought he’d found the net in the 28th minute, only for VAR to cancel it out for offside. Three minutes later, Balogun collected a Pulisic pass and beat Gill again. There was no question that this one would count. The 24-year-old wasn’t done, putting Mauricio Pochettino’s team up by three on the stroke of halftime with his second of the match. It marked the first time in 96 years that any American had a multi-goal performance in a single World Cup match, when Bert Patenaude had a hat trick, also against Paraguay in 1930. It was a strike worthy of history. “It was a dreamy night,” Balogun said afterward. “I visualized my debut in the World Cup, scoring, but yeah, the reality did surpass that, scoring two goals, and the second goal was a fantastic goal as well.” “The kid’s insane, Pulisic said of Balogun. “He’s lethal right now in front of goal. We’re really lucky to have him.” 3. Concern For Christian Pulisic? While Balogun was the obvious Man of the Match, Pulisic was almost as important; Pochettino’s No. 10 was at the heart of almost every foray into the Paraguayan side of the field during that pulsating start. But when the second period began, Pulisic was on the bench. There was no immediate word on why. Is he injured? Was it precautionary? Or, with such a lopsided advantage, did Pochettino simply decide to rest arguably his most irreparable offensive weapon ahead of next week’s second Group D encounter, against Australia in Seattle? “We didn’t want to take any risks,” Pochettino said after the 4-1 win. Television cameras seemed to show Pulisic indicating to his family members that he was fine. But for a player who has frequently battled injury — and who’s slick dribbling ability and status always invites robust tackles — it’s something to keep an eye on as the first round progresses. “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic explained. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.” 4. The Home Team Can’t Get Ahead Of Itself Sure, the American players earned the right to celebrate following such a dominant and commanding performance in which they enjoyed almost 70 percent of possession against an opponent that was chasing almost the entire match. U.S. supporters definitely are; how many new fans did this team make over those incredible first 45? Still, they conceded another preventable goal before Reyna added the fourth. Make no mistake: Pochettino will be telling his charges to stay humble and focused, even if history suggests that the squad now already has a foot in the second round. He’s right. There are still two group games left; finishing first will be hugely beneficial if and when they reach the knockout stage. The home team has a ton of momentum, but the hardest work of all remains ahead of it. “There’s still a lot more than we want to do,” said Pulisic. “We’ll enjoy this one tonight, spend some time with our families, then we’re going to get right back to work. “We can take a deep breath,” he added. “There’s still so much more we want to accomplish in this tournament.” 4 ½. Next Up Are The Socceroos In Seattle As crucial as taking all three points from their first World Cup match was, beating Australia on June 19 could clinch Group D and make the group finale, back here against Türkiye on June 25, moot depending on other results. (Australia and Türkiye meet on Saturday.) With this one done, that match now becomes the USA’s singular focus when Pochettino’s squad returns to training at its base in Irvine, California, on Monday.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

There’s no way around it: The U.S. men’s national team was dominant in the first half against Paraguay in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on its way to a 4-1 victory. The USA got out to a 3-0 lead in Friday’s Group D opener, with striker Folarin Balogun scoring a brace to give the Americans an overwhelming lead. And while the USA’s first goal was a Paraguay own goal, that didn’t stop FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas from crowning the 45 minutes of play among the best ever for the federation in the World Cup. “I think that’s the greatest half of group play from a men’s team at a World Cup in history,” Lalas said at halftime. “Everything went right, total dominance from top to bottom.” The USA actually could’ve gone up 4-0 in the first half. Balogun got a ball in the back of the net after the USA took a 1-0 lead, but the goal was wiped for offside. Not long after, Balogun made up for it, scoring off a cross from Christian Pulisic before creating an opportunity for himself and scoring top shelf to put the USA up 3-0. As Balogun scored twice, Pulisic also stood out in the first half. Pulisic was credited with the assist on the own goal, giving him two assists in the first half before he was subbed out at halftime. “Christian Pulisic was all over the place on the left-hand side, creating opportunities,” Lalas said. “You make your luck. I know this is an own goal, but it put [Paraguay] in a dangerous situation.” In the first half, the USA outshot Paraguay, 7-2. It also had more shots on goal than Paraguay (4-1) and dominated possession, controlling the ball for 71% of the first 45 minutes. So, was the first half the best half ever for the USA in a World Cup? Here’s a look at how historically dominant the USA’s first half was by the numbers. 2: Balogun is the second American man ever to score two goals in the first half of a World Cup match, and the first since 1930 (Bert Patenaude). Patenaude scored a hat-trick in that game in 1930, and it also came against Paraguay; he is the only American man to have a hat-trick in a World Cup match. 1: This was Balogun’s first World Cup appearance, meaning this is his first time scoring in the World Cup. 96: This was Balogun’s first career multi-goal game for the U.S.; he is the first American man to have multiple goals in a World Cup game since Patenaude in 1930. 3: Christian Pulisic is now up to three career assists in the World Cup, the most by any American man (two in 2022, one Friday); he joins Tab Ramos and Graham Zusi as the only American men with assists in multiple World Cups. 38: This is the first time the USA has had a three-goal lead after the first half of a men’s World Cup match in 38 World Cup matches. 24: This is the first time the U.S. has had a multi-goal lead after the first half of a men’s World Cup match in 24 years. It held a 2-0 lead in the first half of its group match against Portugal in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Who’ll win the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The race is on for who’ll score the most goals at the tournament, and it is set to be one of the tournament’s most closely watched storylines. Several of the world’s top forwards will be aiming to finish as the competition’s leading goalscorer. Kylian Mbappé enters the tournament after winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Mikel Oyarzabal are among the other players expected to challenge for the award. And check out our list of all the 2026 World Cup goals, ranked! Favorites To Win The Golden Boot Kylian Mbappé: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)Harry Kane: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)Lionel Messi: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)Erling Haaland: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)Vinícius Júnior: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)Jonathan David: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Kai Havertz: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Matheus Cunha: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Johan Manzambi: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Deniz Undav: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Folarin Balogun: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Cristiano Ronaldo: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)Luis Díaz: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)Mikel Oyarzabal: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)Jude Bellingham: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)Cody Gakpo: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)Brian Brobbey: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total) 3 Goals 2 Goals 1 Goal Own Goals Last 5 Golden Boot Winners​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Scotland and Haiti are set to face off in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opener on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on FOX. Scotland is making its first World Cup appearance of the 21st century after a 28-year wait. Scotland punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion, scoring twice in stoppage time against Denmark in UEFA play to secure direct qualification. The Tartan Army enter the tournament on fire, beating both Curaçao and Bolivia by a combined score of 8-1 in two friendlies over the last few weeks. Meanwhile, Haiti returns to the World Cup stage for the first time in 52 years, with its only previous appearance coming in 1974. Haiti booked its place in the 2026 World Cup by finishing atop of Group C in the final round of CONCACAF play. The team recorded three wins and two draws across six matches, all of which took place outside the country. Can Haiti shock the world and win its first ever World Cup game? Let’s check out the odds for the Scotland vs. Haiti Group C matchup at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 12. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Scotland vs. Haiti Odds Moneyline Spread Over/Under Total Odds: 2.5 Scotland vs. Haiti Prediction, Pick From FOX Sports Research: How to Watch Scotland vs Haiti Let’s take a look at some other bets for the match. Anytime Goalscorer Props Tie No Bet Both Teams to Score​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

LOS ANGELES STADIUM — Matt Freese will start in goal for the U.S. men’s national team in its World Cup opener vs. Paraguay on Friday. Freese, who plays for MLS club New York City FC, made his debut for the Americans almost exactly a year ago on June 7, 2025. He has never played in a World Cup but has officially beaten out Matt Turner, who started every game at the 2022 tournament, for the job. The goalkeeper battle has been one of the biggest – and most mysterious – storylines entering this summer’s tournament on home soil. Turner started all four matches for the USA at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but was unseated by Freese ahead of the 2025 Gold Cup. He’s struggled to regain his spot, and manager Mauricio Pochettino has now made the final call. Chris Richards will also start for the USA, which is a huge relief for the team. Richards injured his ankle playing for Premier League club Crystal Palace last month and has been working diligently with the U.S. medical staff to get back in time for this match. Richards only participated in his first full training session with the team on Monday. He will start in defense alongside captain Tim Ream. The rest of the starting XI is business as usual. Alex Freeman, who is the youngest player in the squad at 21 years old, will start in his first World Cup game in the back line. Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun are starting in their first World Cup games, as well. Ream, Sergino Dest, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic are the holdover starters from four years ago. Players were informed of the starting lineup on Friday morning. On the other side, here’s a look at Paraguay’s full lineup for its first World Cup match this summer: GK: Roberto “Gatito” Fernández RB: Juan José Cáceres CB: Gustavo Gómez (C) CB: Omar Alderete LB: Junior Alonso CM: Andrés Cubas CM: Diego Gómez RM: Damián Bobadilla LM: Miguel Almirón FW: Antonio Sanabria FW: Julio Enciso​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The first FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil delivered drama, dread and most importantly, a point. Canada’s historic World Cup match on home soil is now behind us, and it nearly became a national wake. Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the scoring in the 21st minute through striker Jovo Lukic, who headed in his first-ever international goal from point-blank range after Sead Kolašinac’s near-post flick on a corner. For an hour, around 43,000 fans at Toronto Stadium stared down a familiar nightmare. Then, Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute equalizer rescued a 1-1 draw and the first point in Canadian men’s World Cup history. Here are four takeaways from the match. 1. Bosnia Can Cause Problems Those who watched Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminate Italy on penalties in the playoffs already know that this is a well-organized team with young talent. There’s real technical ability throughout the midfield and attack. Benjamin Tahirovic dictates tempo, while Esmir Bajraktarević plays with swagger. The defense is anchored by Tarik Muharemovic, perhaps the most underrated center back at this World Cup — composed in possession, ruthless in the duels, never hurried. Canada threw everything at this back line and kept finding bodies: Nikola Katic cleared Tani Oluwaseyi’s header off the line, and Kolašinac deflected Richie Laryea’s goal-bound effort onto the crossbar. This team feels like it’s playing with house money after defying the odds and beating Italy in the World Cup qualification playoff final. 2. Cyle Larin, Of All People Write this one down, because it’s a pub quiz answer forever: Larin had been on the pitch for two minutes when he swiveled and ripped a deflected strike into the bottom corner, becoming just the second Canadian ever to score at a men’s World Cup. The first was Alphonso Davies, who watched this one from the bench. Larin’s redemption arc is almost too crazy: he lost his starting spot to Tani Oluwaseyi, hadn’t scored for his country in nearly two years, and entered the match as an afterthought. Ninety seconds later, he’d scored arguably the most important goal in the program’s history. It secured Canada’s first World Cup point after six straight defeats between 1986 and 2022. History was made, courtesy of the veteran striker from Brampton, Ontario. 3. Canada Misses Fonzie — Badly Alphonso Davies missed the match with a hamstring injury, and his absence was felt throughout. The attacking burden shifted entirely onto Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading goalscorer, who was coming off a difficult debut season at Juventus. David got his golden chance in the 17th minute and fired it straight at the goalkeeper from 12 yards. Just like we’ve seen time and time again this season, he fluffed his lines. Here’s the main issue: without Davies’ electrifying pace, dribbling and directness, defenders can fully focus on stopping David. Fonzie doesn’t just create; his mere presence relieves pressure on everyone around him. Canada generated nearly 70% possession and a mountain of corners. Sure, the team was also unlucky, but it could’ve been a different story with Davies on the pitch. The Canadian medical staff will now try to earn its salary. 4. The Group B Math According to the bookies, Switzerland is the group favorite and Qatar is the floor. If the odds are right, this was a de facto final for second place in the group. A draw keeps both teams alive and solves nothing. Switzerland and Qatar meet on Saturday, and once that result lands, the picture sharpens: if the Swiss win as expected, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina are both chasing, and Canada’s date with Switzerland becomes the kind of match that defines a generation. The encouraging part for Marsch was the performance. Canada created enough to win this twice. The concerning part is that creation and conversion don’t go hand in hand. Canada will need to be more clinical in front of goal. This group lacks an elite superpower, but the parity is undeniable. 4 ½. What’s Next? Both of these teams will be back in action next Thursday, June 18. Bosnia and Herzegovina will play its second Group B game at Los Angeles Stadium against Switzerland, which faces Qatar on Saturday (3 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX One). Canada, meanwhile, will take on Qatar next Thursday at 6 p.m. ET (FS1/FOX One). The big story going into that game will be whether Davies is available for selection.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports