It was a sad end to the US’s run at the World Cup, beaten rather embarrassingly by a shadow of a Belgium side, especially after all the drama about Folarin Balogun’s red card. Turns out, that hardly mattered; if anything, it gave the Belgium team extra motivation and put extra pressure on the USMNT. And that did not go well for Christian Pulisic & Co.
“The lights were brighter than expected,” as some might say.
We dared to believe, dared to hope that the would have the vibes to reach the quarterfinals. Alas, vibes alone won’t ever be enough, right, Poch?
Still, it was great fun to see this adopted country of mine rise together in support of a sport that when I first moved here thirty years ago was little more than afterthought. The scenes in Seattle (especially Seattle!) and Santa Clara were amazing, the fan fests and watch parties all around the country remain wonderful. And we’ll always have those.
There were a lot of eyeballs on the US game due to all the red card shenanigans, but the earlier game was just as momentous — if not exactly entertaining. Boring, Boring Spain are back in full effect though, getting the game’s only goal in the final minutes to eliminate Portugal. Pedro Neto started the game but was taken off with seven minutes to go. He watched Spain’s winner from the bench.
So, it’s Spain vs. Belgium in the third quarterfinal, Friday in Los Angeles.
The fourth quarterfinal will be decided today, though tonight’s US defeat has suddenly made a bit World Cup-weary. Looking forward to the off day on Wednesday now.
ARGENTINA vs. EGYPT
TOPSHOT - A Cape Verde supporter wears shorts depicting Argentina’s Lionel Messi being chased by a shark during celebrations in Praia on July 5, 2026, as the national football team returns home following its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Jose Correia / AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A Cape Verde supporter wears shorts depicting Argentina’s Lionel Messi being chased by a shark during celebrations in Praia on July 5, 2026, as the national football team returns home following its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Jose Correia / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
It there is one man who can quickly restore my World Cup-ness, it’s Lionel Messi, who’s having himself a good ol’ time in leading the defending champions on their quest to defend their title. That said, Argentina looked a bit vulnerable against … check notes … Cape Verde in the previous round (that 3-2 was the game of the tournament until England and Mexico matched wits), and if Cape Verde could cause them trouble, Egypt certainly could. Defense was the question mark about this team coming in, and they’ve not answered that question very well.
Egypt have drawn three of their four games at the tournament 1-1, including their Round of 32 matchup against Argentina, which they’d eventually win in a shootout. So if they can keep the game close, they will fancy their chances of nicking a shock result.
Date / Time: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 12pm EDT; 5pm BST
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA, USA
Referee: François Letexier (France)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
SWITZERLAND vs. COLOMBIA
UNITED STATES - JULY 04: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image, created on July 4, is a digital cutout composite of image numbers 2280537366, 2280537444, 2281545914 and 2281545997.) In this photo illustration, (L-R) Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka of Switzerland and James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz of Colombia ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia on July 04, 2026. (Photo by FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES - JULY 04: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image, created on July 4, is a digital cutout composite of image numbers 2280537366, 2280537444, 2281545914 and 2281545997.) In this photo illustration, (L-R) Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka of Switzerland and James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz of Colombia ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia on July 04, 2026. (Photo by FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA via Getty Images
Two teams who have flown slightly under the radar, but certainly in Colombia’s case, they should not be underestimated in any circumstance. They have conceded just one goal so far and have gotten just enough scoring at the other end.
Meanwhile, Switzerland have won three in a row — and making it look relatively easy, too — after their surprising 1-1 draw against Qatar in their first game.
Date / Time: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 4pm EDT; 9pm BST
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)