I spent almost the complete day yesterday (Thursday) touring as much as Seattle, in an effort to catch a medical dose of World Cup fever in particular person because the US took on within the iconic stadium of the Seattle Seahawks (regardless of the title of it might be quickly). I’m fairly excited, even when I would favor a barely later kickoff than excessive midday.
So I didn’t get to look at any of the video games on Day 8 (Sirius XM simulcast of FOX Sports activities is poor substitute), nevertheless it appears to be like like , , and did alright, and the Czechs disillusioned as soon as once more. Bah.
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Right here’s hoping for no letdowns from Pochettino’s boys at present. LFG.
USA vs. AUSTRALIA
It’s Juneteenth right here within the States, a federal vacation. Most individuals have the time without work. The nation’s primed to have fun soccer. The 4-1 win over within the US’s opening sport solely served to intensify the feelings, the expectations, the thrill. Catch the fever!
Australia additionally gained their first sport 2-0, placing on a counter-attacking clinic whereas holding Turkey at arm’s size. It wasn’t sophisticated, it wasn’t groundbreaking, nevertheless it was, as ever, fairly efficient. They are going to be seeking to do the identical once more at present.
Date / Time: Friday, June 19, 2026, 3pm EDT; 8pm BSTVenue: Lumen Area, Seattle, WA, USAReferee: Felix Zwayer ()
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On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
curiosity: took a star flip for the US of their first sport, bringing again fond reminiscences of Lockdown Pulisic from the way back days of the 12 months 2020. Are you able to imagine that was six years in the past already!? Pulisic did get subbed off early as precaution for a calf concern — he’s questionable to play on this one after being restricted in coaching all week.
SCOTLAND vs. MOROCCO
Scotland obtained their first win at a World Cup in ceaselessly after they beat , 1-0 of their opening match. Since t hen, their followers have change into social media darlings, exhibiting up at Boston Purple Sox baseball video games and native space kids’s hospitals. Nice stuff!
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So it’s all going nice for them, although they might discover Morocco a more durable nut to crack. The Champions of Africa by Administrative Determination outplayed mighty of their first sport, however needed to accept a 1-1 draw. ’s is without doubt one of the early breakout stars of this World Cup.
Date / Time: Friday, June 19, 2026, 6pm EDT; 11pm BSTVenue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA, USAReferee: Ilgiz Tantashev ()
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea curiosity: None, although Morocco’s additionally earned some rave critiques for his efficiency in opposition to Brazil, and he’s already within the BlueCo system at .
BRAZIL vs. HAITI
Talking of Brazil, right here’s a must-win sport for them already. Nonetheless no .
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Date / Time: Friday, June 19, 2026, 9pm EDT; 2am BST (subsequent day)Venue: Lincoln Monetary Area, Philadelphia, PA, USAReferee: Alejandro Hernández Hernández ()
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea curiosity: Nicely, none, since all of our Brazilian participant have been left off the ultimate squad by Carlo Ancelotti.
TURKEY vs. PARAGUAY
Each groups would’ve been fairly disillusioned with their performances of their respective first video games, and will likely be seeking to do so much higher to remain in with a great likelihood of qualifying for the knockout rounds.
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Date / Time: Friday, June 19, 2026, 9pm PDT; 5am BST (subsequent day)Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, USAReferee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)
On TV: FOX Sports activities 1, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea curiosity: None.
World Cup 2026: Who’re the ITV and BBC commentators, pundits and presenters?