Tag: Movies

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will have their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the security plans.

The festivities will kick off with a smaller rehearsal dinner planned for Thursday night, the official said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the events.

Speculation about the superstar singer and football player’s nuptials has built to a frenzy in recent days, following weeks of unconfirmed reports that it would take place over July Fourth weekend at one of New York’s iconic landmarks.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Wednesday that a permit had been filed for a “large event” at Madison Square Garden.

“We are fully prepared,” he added. “There isn’t anything to share beyond that.”

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said police “will of course have a detail in place,” but also declined to go into further detail.

This week, crews have been unloading equipment from trucks outside the Manhattan arena. A large carpet was briefly unveiled outside one entrance and then promptly removed.

Nothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, despite multiple requests from The Associated Press to Swift’s representative for comment, including on Wednesday.

Reporting by The Associated Press. 

Source

The United States is set to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in the Round of 32, looking to win only its second knockout-stage game at a men’s FIFA World Cup.

The U.S. finished first in Group D and earned the right to play Bosnia and Herzegovina, which finished third in Group B. Bosnia and Herzegovina is playing in its first knockout-stage game in its history at a major tournament.

Raphael Claus from Brazil is the referee assigned for this one, alongside his fellow Brazilians Danilo Manis and Rodrigo Figueiredo. Dario Herrera from Argentina will be the fourth official.

(Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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This will be Claus’ second assignment of the tournament, after he was the head referee for Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on June 21. Claus gave out two yellow cards in that fixture.

He also refereed two games at the 2022 World Cup, both group-stage matches, so this will be his first knockout-stage game at a World Cup, despite his experience in CONMEBOL.

The VAR room will consist of Venezuela’s Juan Soto, Colombia’s Nicolas Gallo and France’s Jerome Brisard. Here is the full team of referees:

• Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
• Assistant Referee 1: Danilo Manis (Brazil)
• Assistant Referee 2: Rodrigo Figueiredo (Brazil)
• Fourth Official: Dario Herrera (Argentina)
• VAR Room: Juan Soto (Venezuela), Nicolas Gallo (Colombia), Jerome Brisard (France)

Source

Senegal and Belgium are headed to extra time at the World Cup after playing to a 2-2 score through 90 minutes of regulation on Wednesday.

The teams will now play 30 minutes of extra time, split into two 15-minute halves. If the score is still even after extra time, there will be a penalty shootout to decide which team advances to the round of 16.

Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr gave the Senegalese a 2-0 lead, but Belgium substitute Romelu Lukaku got one back in the 86th minute and Youri Tielemans equalized in the 89th.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source

Washington DC sports betting is fully legal and available district-wide, with FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, Fanatics, and theScore Bet all operating after the market expanded significantly in 2024.

Competition has led to strong DC sportsbook promos, including bet-and-get offers, first-bet insurance, and ongoing odds boosts.

This guide covers the top Washington DC sportsbook apps, the best bonuses available right now, and everything you need to know to get started betting in the District.

Washington DC Sports Betting Overview

Online Sports Betting Launch Date:	May 3, 2019
DC Sportsbooks Available:	6 (FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, Fanatics, theScore Bet)
Retail Sports Betting:	Legal
Legal Betting Age:	18+ (some operators require 21+)
College Sports Betting:	️ Permitted with restrictions — no DC-based college teams, no in-district events
Online Casinos:	Not legal in DC

Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington DC?

Yes. Sports betting is legal in Washington DC, with both online and retail sportsbooks available district-wide. The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 was signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser in January 2019 and took effect in May of that year.

DC sports betting is regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). Bettors must be physically located within the District to place wagers, which operators verify using geolocation technology. The minimum legal betting age is 18, though some operators — including BetMGM and Caesars — require bettors to be 21 or older.

The following online sports betting apps are currently available in Washington DC:

College Sports Betting in DC: No Bets on In-District Teams or Events

College sports betting is permitted in Washington DC, but with important restrictions. Bettors cannot wager on games involving DC-based college programs — such as Georgetown, Howard, or American University — or on any sporting events taking place inside the District. Live in-game betting on college games is also prohibited.

Pre-game bets on college teams from outside DC are permitted, including spreads, totals, moneylines, and futures for out-of-district matchups.

How DC’s Betting License Structure Works

Washington DC issues three classes of sports betting licenses. Class A licenses are reserved for the four major sports venues — Capital One Arena (Caesars), Nationals Park (BetMGM), Audi Field (FanDuel), and Northwest Stadium (DraftKings). 

Class B licenses are available to qualifying bars, restaurants, and businesses that wish to offer betting on their premises, though not within two blocks of a Class A facility. 

Class C licenses, introduced via the 2024 DC budget expansion, allow sports franchises to partner with mobile sportsbooks for district-wide coverage.

Best Washington DC Sportsbook Promos for July 2026

All six licensed sportsbooks in Washington DC offer competitive welcome bonuses. Here is a quick comparison of current welcome offers:

Sportsbook	Welcome Bonus
FanDuel	Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed When You Bet $5 for 7 Days
BetMGM	Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Bonus + $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses with code FOXSPORTS
DraftKings	Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets instantly
Caesars	Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers with code FOXDYW
Fanatics	Bet $20, Get $200 in Bonus Bets using promo code FOX2026
theScore Bet	Get a Bet Reset Up to $1,000

For a full breakdown of available offers, see our Sportsbook Promos page.

Top Washington DC Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed

Washington DC now offers one of the more competitive mid-sized sports betting markets in the country, with six licensed operators available across the district. The reviews below cover each app’s welcome offer, usability, betting features, and overall value for DC bettors.

FanDuel Washington DC: Best Mobile Betting App

• Best known for: Most popular sportsbook in the US. Best-in-class mobile app, same-game parlay builder, and fast, intuitive bet slip.
• Welcome offer: Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed When You Bet $5 for 7 Days
• App experience & notable features: Industry-leading SGP tools, quick odds updates, live game tracking, and frequent sport-specific boosts. FanDuel was the first district-wide mobile app in DC, replacing the government-run GambetDC in 2024, and maintains a strong operational advantage.
• Retail presence: Operates a 2,550-square-foot sportsbook at DC United’s Audi Field, with stadium-style seating, a full bar, and 18 betting kiosks.
• Final take: Ideal for casual and experienced bettors who want a smooth app with strong same-game parlay options and reliable live betting during packed sports calendars.

BetMGM Washington DC: Best Welcome Bonus

• Best known for: Tournament promos, the Edit My Bet feature, and one of the most generous first-bet bonuses in the DC market.
• Welcome offer: Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Bonus + up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses with code FOXSPORTS.
• App experience & notable features: The Edit My Bet feature allows bettors to swap out legs of open bets, adjust wager amounts, or partially cancel a bet — a flexible tool that stands out among DC’s available apps. BetMGM operates through its Class A partnership with the Washington Nationals and has been available district-wide since July 2024.
• Retail presence: 4,000-square-foot sportsbook at Nationals Park with 17 betting kiosks.
• Final take: Best for bettors who want the largest potential welcome bonus and value flexibility in managing active bets.

DraftKings Washington DC: Best for Ongoing Promos

• Best known for: Frequent promotions, deep prop markets, alternative lines, and fast live odds.
• Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets instantly.
• App experience & notable features: Customizable betting carousel, robust live betting hub, wide same-game parlay options, and detailed stat integration. DraftKings launched in DC in July 2024 through a Class C partnership with DC United and has quickly become a go-to for prop and live bettors.
• Final take: Ideal for bettors who value regular rotating promotions and a deep betting menu across all major sports and markets.

Caesars Sportsbook Washington DC: Best Rewards Program

• Best known for: Caesars Rewards integration and one of DC’s longest-running physical sportsbook operations.
• Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers with code FOXDYW.
• App experience & notable features: Bettors automatically become Caesars Rewards members upon signup, earning Reward Credits on all wagers — at kiosks, online, and in person at Capital One Arena. Credits can be redeemed for bonus bets, hotel stays, dining, and entertainment at Caesars properties.
• Retail presence: Permanent sportsbook at Capital One Arena with 100 TVs, nearly 20 betting windows, and 12 self-serve kiosks. Caesars also operates nearly 50 betting kiosks at bars and businesses across the district.
• Final take: Best for DC bettors who want ongoing lifestyle rewards beyond standard bonus bets, especially those who visit Caesars properties for travel or entertainment.

Fanatics Sportsbook Washington DC: Most Consistent Rewards Structure

• Best known for: FanCash rewards that accumulate across bets and can be redeemed for bonus bets or Fanatics merchandise.
• Welcome offer: Bet $20, Get $200 in Bonus Bets with promo code FOX2026
• App experience & notable features: A clean interface and straightforward bet slip paired with the FanCash wallet. Fanatics entered DC through a partnership with the Washington Spirit women’s soccer team. Rather than a single large bonus, FanCash accumulates steadily over multiple bets, making it especially useful for bettors who are active throughout the season.
• Final take: Strong complementary sportsbook for rewards-driven bettors, particularly those already using the Fanatics shopping ecosystem for sports merchandise.

theScore Bet Washington DC: Best Media-Integrated Experience

• Best known for: Seamless integration between live scores, news, and betting markets in a single app.
• Welcome offer: Get a Bet Reset Up to $1,000
• App experience & notable features: theScore Bet connects real-time scores, injury updates, and team news directly alongside betting markets, allowing users to move from live game updates into wagers without switching apps. The platform rebranded from ESPN BET in late 2025 and has been growing its user base in DC and nationally since.
• Final take: A strong option for bettors who want media context alongside their betting — particularly for NBA, NHL, and NFL games where lineup news and live updates can influence wagering decisions.

How We Rank the Best DC Sports Betting Apps

FOX Sports evaluates Washington DC sportsbooks based on a consistent set of criteria focused on the actual betting experience for District residents. With six licensed operators now available, we compare apps across the following factors:

• Line Value: How competitive each sportsbook’s odds are relative to other DC operators and how that affects long-term betting returns.
• Welcome & Recurring Promotions: The strength of sign-up offers plus the frequency and usefulness of ongoing promos for regular bettors.
• Betting Selection: Coverage across leagues, wager types, and props, along with availability of live and futures markets.
• App Design & Performance: Ease of navigation, bet placement speed, and reliability across iOS and Android devices.
• Deposits & Withdrawals: Available banking options in DC and typical payout turnaround times.
• In-Game Betting Tools: Live odds movement, cash-out availability, and access to stats or trackers during events.
• Customer Assistance: Accessibility and responsiveness of support via chat, email, or phone.

Best Washington DC Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (2026)

FanDuel DC Promo Code — Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed When You Bet $5 for 7 Days

Offer Summary:

• New users get $350 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $5 for seven consective days. No promo code required.

Key Details:

• New users must create and verify a FanDuel account during the promotion period.
• Place a qualifying $5 wager on any eligible FanDuel Sportsbook market.
• Receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for seven consecutive days after completing the offer requirements, for a total of up to $350 in Bonus Bets.

Standout Perk:

• Instead of a one-time bonus, this promotion delivers $50 in Bonus Bets daily for seven days, giving new users up to $350 in bonus value from a single $5 qualifying wager.

Quick How-to-Claim:

1. Click here and create and verify a new FanDuel account.
2. Place a qualifying $5 wager on FanDuel Sportsbook.
3. Receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for seven days (up to $350 total).

BetMGM DC Bonus Code — Up to $1,500 Back + $50 Reward Bonus with Code FOXSPORTS

Offer Summary:

• New users receive a $50 BetMGM Reward Bonus plus up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if their first wager loses. Use code FOXSPORTS.

Key Details:

• Minimum deposit: Varies
• Qualifying bet: First real-money wager
• Bonus conditions: Bonus bets issued if first bet loses; subject to BetMGM terms

How to Claim:

• Sign up for BetMGM Sportsbook in Washington DC.
• Enter promo code FOXSPORTS during registration.
• Place your first wager.
• If your bet loses, receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets plus a $50 Reward Bonus.

DraftKings DC Promo Code — Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly

Offer Summary:

• New users can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets instantly. No promo code required.

Key Details:

• Minimum deposit: $5
• Qualifying bet: $5+ wager
• Bonus conditions: Bonus bets expire in 7 days

How to Claim:

• Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook in Washington DC.
• Deposit $5 or more.
• Place a $5+ qualifying wager.
• Win to receive $200 in bonus bets.

Caesars DC Promo Code — Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers with Code FOXDYW

Offer Summary:

• New users who bet $1 can double their winnings on each of their next 10 wagers. Use code FOXDYW.

How to Claim:

• Sign up for Caesars Sportsbook in Washington DC.
• Enter code FOXDYW at registration.
• Place a $1+ qualifying wager.
• Receive doubled winnings on your next 10 eligible bets.

Fanatics Sportsbook DC Bonus Code — Bet $20, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Offer Summary:

• New users can bet $20 and get $200 in bonus bets when signing up at Fanatics Sportsbook. Use promo code FOX2026.

How to Claim:

• Sign up for Fanatics Sportsbook in Washington DC.
• Deposit and place a $20 qualifying wager.
• Receive $200 in bonus bets credited to your account.

theScore Bet DC Promo Code — Get a Bet Reset Up to $1,000

Offer Summary:

• New users can receive a bet reset of up to $1,000 if their first wager loses. No promo code required.

How to Claim:

• Sign up for theScore Bet in Washington DC.
• Place your first qualifying wager.
• If the bet loses, receive your wager back as bonus bets up to $1,000.

How to Start Betting on Sports in Washington DC

1. Choose a Legal DC Sportsbook

Start by comparing the six licensed Washington DC sportsbook apps. Consider welcome bonuses, odds competitiveness, mobile usability, and any promos tied to the Commanders, Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, or DC United. Signing up for more than one sportsbook lets you claim multiple bonuses and shop for the best lines.

2. Register Online

Washington DC allows fully remote online registration. When creating an account you will typically be asked to provide:

• Full name
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Last four digits of your SSN
• Physical home address

Sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm you are physically within the District before allowing wagers.

3. Claim a Welcome Bonus

Click any Claim button on this page to be automatically opted into the sportsbook’s welcome offer. Review terms carefully before placing your first bet, including qualifying bet requirements, minimum odds, and bonus expiration windows.

4. Deposit Funds

After registering, fund your account using one of the common payment methods accepted in DC, including:

• Credit or debit cards
• Online banking / ACH
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Apple Pay
• Play+ prepaid card

Minimum deposits typically range from $5 to $20 depending on the operator.

5. Place Your First Bet

Once funded, select a wager that qualifies under the promo terms. Example: Bet $5 on a Capitals or Wizards moneyline at FanDuel or DraftKings to unlock bonus bets if your wager wins. You can also start with a spread, total, or same-game parlay if it qualifies under the offer terms.

6. Withdraw Winnings

Winnings can be withdrawn through each sportsbook’s cashier. E-wallets like PayPal and Venmo typically process the fastest, sometimes within 24 hours. Bank transfers may take a few business days. Available withdrawal methods generally mirror your deposit options.

Washington DC Sports Teams to Bet On

Washington DC is home to four major professional sports franchises and one of the most passionate fan bases on the East Coast. Betting markets are available on all DC-based professional teams at every licensed sportsbook in the District.

Washington Commanders	NFL | Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField)
Washington Capitals	NHL | Capital One Arena
Washington Wizards	NBA | Capital One Arena
Washington Nationals	MLB | Nationals Park
DC United	MLS | Audi Field
Washington Spirit	NWSL | Multiple venues

 All DC professional teams are available for moneylines, spreads, totals, futures, and player props at the six licensed DC sportsbooks. Note that college teams based within the District — including Georgetown, Howard, and American University — are not available for betting under DC regulations.

Benefits of Signing Up for Multiple Washington DC Sportsbooks

With six licensed operators now active in Washington DC, there are real advantages to holding accounts at more than one sportsbook:

• Claim multiple welcome bonuses: Each operator offers a unique sign-up promo. Signing up for several apps lets you take advantage of multiple offers before placing your regular bets.
• Shop for better odds: Odds vary across sportsbooks, especially on moneylines and player props. Having two or three accounts lets you consistently find the best price on your preferred bets.
• Access more markets: Some books offer deeper prop menus (DraftKings, FanDuel), while others stand out for futures pricing (bet365 — where available) or rewards (Caesars, Fanatics). Using multiple platforms maximizes your options.
• Take advantage of ongoing promos: Each sportsbook runs different rotating offers. DraftKings and BetMGM are known for frequent opt-in specials; Caesars offers loyalty rewards. Holding multiple accounts lets you pick the best offer each week.

Responsible Gambling

Sports betting should be entertaining and done in moderation. Only wager what you can afford to lose and avoid chasing losses. Setting time and deposit limits can help keep betting a recreational activity rather than a financial decision.

If gambling stops being fun or begins affecting your daily life, help is available. Support services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Responsible gambling resources:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• DC Office of Lottery and Gaming: https://oag.dc.gov
• National Council on Problem Gambling: https://www.ncpgambling.org
• 1-800-GAMBLER Support Portal: https://www.1800gambler.net
• Gamblers Anonymous: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org
• Gam-Anon (support for family and friends): https://www.gam-anon.org

The minimum legal betting age in Washington DC is 18, though some operators require bettors to be 21 or older. You must be physically located within the District to place a wager. All promotions are subject to individual sportsbook terms and conditions.

Washington DC Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Washington DC?

Yes. Sports betting has been legal in Washington DC since May 2019. The market has expanded significantly since 2024, with six licensed mobile sportsbooks now available district-wide.

How old do you have to be to bet on sports in DC?

The minimum legal betting age in Washington DC is 18. However, some operators — including BetMGM and Caesars — require users to be 21 or older to create an account. Check each sportsbook’s age requirements before registering.

Which sportsbooks are available in Washington DC?

There are currently six licensed online sportsbooks in Washington DC: FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and theScore Bet.

Can I bet on the Washington Commanders, Capitals, or Wizards in DC?

Yes. All Washington DC professional sports teams are available for betting at every licensed sportsbook in the District. You can place bets on spreads, moneylines, totals, futures, and player props for the Commanders, Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, and DC United.

Can you bet on college sports in Washington DC?

Partially. College sports betting is permitted in DC, but you cannot bet on games involving DC-based college programs such as Georgetown, Howard, or American University. Bets on events taking place inside the District are also restricted. Live in-game betting on college games is not permitted.

Is there a retail sportsbook in Washington DC?

Yes. Washington DC has several retail sportsbook locations tied to its major sports venues. Caesars Sportsbook operates at Capital One Arena, BetMGM at Nationals Park, FanDuel at Audi Field, and DraftKings at Northwest Stadium. Caesars also operates betting kiosks at dozens of bars and businesses across the District.

Are online casinos legal in Washington DC?

No. Online casino gaming — including slots, blackjack, and table games — is not currently legal in Washington DC. Only sports betting is permitted through licensed mobile and retail operators.

Can I use a DC sportsbook app from outside the District?

No. Washington DC sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify that you are physically within the District before allowing wagers. You cannot place bets if you are located in Maryland, Virginia, or any other state, even if you are a DC resident.

Source

In one of the biggest matches in United States men’s national team history, the Stars and Stripes will be at full strength.

The USA will start its first 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday with its strongest lineup — the same as its first World Cup match against Paraguay — which includes star forward Christian Pulisic.

FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft reported Wednesday before the match that Pochettino told her Pulisic is fit and available to play the full match, along with extra time if needed. The USA manager also has been pushing his players to “make sure you play with no regrets,” Taft noted.

Through the USA’s run, Pulisic has been dealing with a lingering calf injury, and he’s only played 77 minutes total during this World Cup. Although he contributed to two scores against Paraguay in the Americans’ World Cup opener, he missed the second match against Australia before returning — though not starting — against Türkiye. 

United States’ men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino and star forward Christian Pulisic during the second half of a World Cup group-stage match against Türkiye on June 25, 2026. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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USA’s Starting Lineup vs. Bosnia And Herzegovina

The United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina will kick off at 8 p.m. ET (FOX/FOX One).

USA Related Stories

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In a dramatic 2026 World Cup round of 32 match, Belgium came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal, 3-2, in extra time. 

The Red Devils scored two back-to-back goals against Senegal in the 86th and 89th minutes to tie the match and ultimately sending it to extra time. Then midfielder and captain Youri Tielemans scored in the last minute of extra time to secure the victory and get his team to the next World Cup round.

Now, what’s next for Belgium at the World Cup? Here is who the Red Devils will play in the round of 16 and their potential path to making the World Cup final. 

(Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Who Could Belgium Play In The Round Of 16?

Following Belgium’s win over Senegal in the round of 32, it now will play one of two teams in the round of 16: USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina, which face off Wednesday night in the round of 32 at San Franscisco Bay Area Stadium.

The USA is ranked No. 17, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is No. 64.

After advancing to the World Cup round of 16, Belgium will play either the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina at Seattle Stadium on Monday, July 6 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

Who Could Belgium Play In The Quarterfinals?

If Belgium advances past the round of 16, it has four potential opponents it could face in the quarterfinals: Portugal, Croatia, Spain or Austria. In the round of 32, Portugal will play Croatia in Toronto and Spain will play Austria in Los Angeles on Thursday.

In FIFA’s latest rankings, Spain is No. 2, Portugal is No. 5, Croatia is No. 11 and Austria is No. 24. 

Who Could Belgium Face In The Semifinals?

If it makes it that far, there are four possible opponents for Belgium in the semifinals: France, Paraguay, Morocco and tournament co-host Canada. In the round of 16 on Saturday, Morocco and Canada face off at 1 p.m. ET at Houston Stadium, and France and Paraguay play at 5 p.m. ET at Philadelphia Stadium.

If Belgium reaches the semifinals, that match will be at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14, at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

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The round of 32 rolls on at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with more surprises in store as teams with different styles and different expectations will square off. The day begins in Los Angeles, where one of the pre-tournament favorites in Spain will take on an Austria team that will be looking to relentlessly press its way to an upset.

The tournament then shifts to Toronto, where Croatia and Portugal meet in a game that will be highlighted by a clash of two of the game’s best players over the past two decades in Cristian Ronaldo and Luka Modrić.

The tournament remains in Canada for the day’s final game in Vancouver, where an improving Switzerland will take on an explosive Algeria team that takes a lot of risks and plays on the edge.

Here is all you need to know for Thursday at the World Cup.

When: Thursday, July 2, 3 p.m. ET

Where: Los Angeles

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

As one of the tournament’s leading contenders, Spain will get its knockout campaign underway on Thursday afternoon when it takes on Austria at Los Angeles Stadium.

After being held to a stunning 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in its group stage opener, it has been smooth sailing for Spain, which is yet to concede a goal at the tournament. Following the Cape Verde result, Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to win the group.

The biggest concern for Spain entering this game is that wingers Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino are not expected to start due to injuries sustained in the win over Uruguay. Obviously, that will place an increased burden on budding superstar Lamine Yamal and Atlético Madrid mainstay Alex Baena to provide width to the Spanish attack and combine with center forward Mikel Oyarzabal. But beyond them, the options are limited.

Lamine Yamal playing for Spain. (Getty Images) –>

Spain’s strength, however, is in its midfield triangle of Pedri, Rodri, and Mikel Merino, who are among the best in the world in possession.

But this game will be a clash of styles. Under manager Ralf Rangnick, Austria presses intensely and relentlessly. If Austria ever loses possession, its players immediately press in an attempt to win the ball back quickly.

It will be a huge test for either team to pull off its game plan. Austria will attempt to force turnovers from the best-possession national team in the world, while Spain rarely presses as much as what the Austrians will attempt in this game.

Austria’s style of play has the team frequently walking a thin line between success and failure because if the press is ineffective, opponents typically have space to exploit. But this risky approach nearly cost the team dearly against Algeria in the group stage finale. In that game, Austria squandered two leads and then fell behind in stoppage time only to find a last-minute equalizer to advance.

Rangnick’s team is very much living on borrowed time at this World Cup. If Austria is going to pull off a stunning upset in this game, Marko Arnautovic will have to play a key role. The 37-year-old center forward has been dealing with an injury that has limited his involvement to no more than 45 minutes in any game. But he has been excellent whenever on the field, having scored two very important goals and served as the team’s emotional leader.

Player to Watch

The Atlético Madrid man has been sharp in Spain’s last two games, both wins, and was the Man of the Match after scoring a goal in the 1-0 win over Uruguay. In a game against a pressing team, Baena will have the opportunity to exploit space if he can maintain possession under pressure. Baena is playing well and should be a key to Spain’s attack against Austria.

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When: Thursday, July 2, 7 p.m. ET

Where: Toronto

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Portugal and Croatia will meet on Thursday at Toronto Stadium in one of the most star-studded games in this World Cup’s round of 32. At front and center will be an emotional battle between two legendary former Real Madrid teammates in Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić who are both fighting to keep their final hopes of winning a World Cup alive.

Neither team had been convincing during the group stage. Portugal was held to lackluster draws by DR Congo and Colombia while only defeating debutants Uzbekistan, 5-0.

Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Croatia, meanwhile, has fared only slightly better. After a 4-2 loss to England, Croatia had to fight much harder than expected to notch a 1-0 win over Panama and a 2-1 win over Ghana.

For Portugal, Bruno Fernandes is the creator, and he will have to win in the midfield against Croatia, which features Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Petar Sučić. It will be a clash of styles as Portugal thrives at speeding the game up while Croatia will look to slow the game down. Because of that, the game will likely be decided in transition play and whether Portugal can get wingers like Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto involved.

Luka Modrić starring for Croatia. (Photo by Joosep Martinson – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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But many eyes will be on Modrić and Ronaldo, two iconic players who are now over 40. Ronaldo will be playing in his ninth career World Cup knockout game but is still searching for his first goal in this stage of the tournament. Modrić is the midfield engine and is coming off a great performance in the win over Ghana where he was everywhere on both sides of the ball. But doing that against Portugal will require an even higher level.

Player to Watch

In a game such as this with contrasting styles, both teams will be looking to have the game played on their terms. For Portugal, that begins with Fernandes who is the engine of the team’s midfield. He is very direct and plays the game with a lot of energy. He won’t want to let Croatia slow the game down and become choppy. Portugal struggled against Colombia in the group stage finale, but Fernandes was at the heart of Portugal’s best moments.

When: Thursday, July 2, 11 p.m. ET

Where: Vancouver

TV: FS1

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

After both Switzerland and Algeria had uneven campaigns in their respective World Cup group stages, the two teams will meet on Thursday at BC Place Stadium (Vancouver) in the round of 32.

Switzerland began the tournament with a very poor performance in a 1-1 draw with Qatar but since then, Murat Yakin’s squad has been on the rise with a convincing 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina followed by a 2-1 win over co-hosts Canada.

Algeria, meanwhile, have been all over the place in its first three games of the tournament. A lopsided loss to Argentina was expected in the opening game, but the Desert Foxes needed to come from behind in the second half to defeat Jordan 2-1 and then get a result in a wild 3-3 draw with Austria – where Algeria came from behind twice, but then blew a lead late to settle for a point.

Riyad Mahrez, the veteran captain for Algeria. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) –>

Algeria should be prepared for this game as its head coach, Vladimir Petković, was the head coach of Switzerland for seven years from 2014-2021. Many of the Switzerland players came into the national team under Petković, and he knows the team well.

Despite Petković’s history with Switzerland, the two teams play with very different styles. The Swiss team is more structured and disciplined with its game plan under Yakin, while Algeria is more explosive and lethal on counter-attacks. The team’s attack is driven by veteran wingers Houssem Aouar and Riyad Mahrez, who both play for Saudi Arabian clubs but who both have experience with top European teams.

For Switzerland, Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler will be tasked with controlling the midfield and preventing the game from becoming wide open, which is what Algeria would prefer.

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Switzerland’s 20-year-old midfielder has been one of the top young players of this tournament, with three goals and an assist in the group stage. In the 2-1 win over Canada, the Geneva-born Manzambi was arguably the best player on the field with a goal and an assist. Manzambi has had a great year at the club level with SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga. He was also named the Europa League Young Player of the Season for 2025-26, and he excels at making late runs into the box. He could be one of the keys to victory for Switzerland in this game.

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Seattle Stadium was the venue for a thrilling and dramatic matchup between Belgium and Senegal in the Round of 32, where in the end, it was the Red Devils who took the 3-2 victory with a remarkable comeback display in added extra time. 

The goal, a penalty awarded five minutes after the 120th-minute mark, was indeed the latest winner in World Cup history. This was by far the most dramatic match of the tournament. It deserved its own miniseries. 

Goals from Habib Diarra and a work of art from Ismaila Sarr secured the goals for Senegal at the start, and it appeared that was all that was needed in order to secure the win, but in incredible fashion, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans took it back to 2-2 in the late moments of the match, which sent the game to a dramatic finale in extra time.

That’s when the UEFA side really started to find its rhythm and kept knocking at the door for a winner. And so, as we reached the near certainty of penalties, Tielemans was fouled inside the box; it was confirmed by the official thanks to reviewing it on screen.

Aston Villa’s man took it with perfection and netted the winning goal to send his team to the Round of 16.

As for Senegal? A heartbreaking defeat where the Lions of Teranga will probably look back at the tape and say to themselves: how on earth did we lose that? 

Here are my takeaways. 

1. In Football, Nothing Ever Is As It Seems

For almost the entirety of the match, Senegal controlled this match.  Senegal’s expected-goal (xG) metric was far superior (2.71 to Belgium’s 0.53) and even though I am not an xG super-nerd who totally believes in the fact that it determines outcomes, I am a believer in the laws of probability. It was assumed that the West African team did more than enough to secure the victory. 

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But assumptions, my friends, is the mother of all party crashers. You can never rely on them.

Consequently, in the space of three minutes and out of nowhere, Belgium turned the game around as Lukaku and Tielemans equalized in the 83rd and 86th minute, respectively. 

This is the best example of World Cup action. You can’t ever take your eye off it because all it takes is one attempt.    

2. Tielemans-Trossard Quarrel Fueled Rally

In the 72nd minute, when all seemed lost for Belgium, the Aston Villa midfielder clashed with Leandro Trossard as the duo were in the middle of a heated exchange before the hydration break to the point that they had to be separated.

The Belgians were falling apart and crumbling under desperation. But in actuality, it was the fire that was needed in order to inspire the comeback. 

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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And wouldn’t you know it? In the 86th minute, both combined for the all-important leveler as Trossard crossed in for a great ball as Tielemans headed it in.

And in extra time, Tielemans, who had scored the opening goal for Villa in the Europa League final back in May, scored a clutch penalty to earn the precious win.

Sometimes, even teammates need to be pushed against each other in order to get the best out of them. Tielemans’ argument with Trossard sparked something inside of him. 

3. Senegal Can Only Blame Itself

It was a gut-wrenching loss and one that surely broke the hearts of all Senegalese fans. And I truly feel for them. 

But the team has only itself to blame. At 2-0 up, with seven minutes remaining in regular time, Thiaw should have done a better job at protecting what it had and become more defense-minded. It was also losing the ball in silly moments and becoming extremely careless in possession and so it allowed cross after cross from Belgium.

I think Edouard Mendy was sorely missed too because I think some of those goals could have been avoided. Unfortunately, Mory Diaw had a terrible match. 

Knockout football is never about how you start. It’s how you finish. And Senegal forgot this precious lesson. 

4. Despite Loss, Sarr Was Tremendous

The 28-year-old forward/winger is so good at playing across the front line, he can pretty much go anywhere and be a nightmare against an opponent. 

On Wednesday, manager Pape Thiaw decided to place him as the target man with Sadio Mané and liman Ndiaye on either side.

It worked to perfection as Sarr capitalized on every ball to make it dangerous for the Belgian defensive line, whilst getting on the end of any cross that came his way. 

The start of the match saw the Lions of Teranga with a lot of possession and making some great opportunities, including in the 14th minute when Ismaïla Sarr’s effort hit the post and then forced Thibaut Courtois to clear the ball. But Sarr kept going as his header set up the first goal. 

His second opportunity? To me, it was a thing of beauty as he received a beautiful ball from Moussa Niakhaté and with a lovely first touch and finish (memories of Dennis Bergkamp’s goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarterfinals), he made it 2-0.

It was a moment of perfection. What a match from Sarr, who became his country’s all-time scorer at this tournament with four goals.

Belgium vs Senegal Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli apologized Wednesday for shouting “sit down, boy!” at Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras while instigating a benches’ clearing scrum a night earlier.

“I’m extremely torn up about the way that things were perceived,” Cavalli said before the Nationals beat the Red Sox 10-2. “Obviously, there was no ill intention behind that.”

Cavalli shouted at Contreras after striking him out looking with a full-count pitch in the fourth inning of the Nationals’ 8-1 victory over the Red Sox.

The term “boy” has a racist history in the United States. Contreras, who is Venezuelan, demurred when asked after the game if he felt there was a racial component to Cavalli’s word choice.

“My teammates know me, my family knows me, this organization knows me,” Cavalli said. “I couldn’t sleep because of it. It hurt my heart, knowing that, if there’s a 13-year-old Black kid in D.C. that sees that — that looked up to me and thinks that he perceived it in a way that wasn’t intended the way that it came out, and then he’s not looking up to me anymore — that hurts my heart.”

When asked, he said he understands the meaning behind the word used.

“There’s a history behind that word, and that’s just something that as a competitor, like in football or basketball, playing wiffle ball with my brother, you don’t understand it,” Cavalli said. “And then it gets perceived in a way that was not my intention, and then you learn from that. It’ll never happen again.”

The 27-year-old right-hander said he didn’t realize the public outcry on social media until he got back to his hotel room.

“I looked at my phone, and I saw what people were saying about me. Saw how torn up my wife was. It hurt my heart,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t. Because I know that people know me, and they know my character, and that’s not me. So, it was hard. I truly didn’t sleep last night.”

Contreras was walking back to the dugout after striking out and yelled back at Cavalli: “Are you talking to me?” A few words were exchanged, and he charged the mound. He was stopped before he got to the pitcher. He tried to throw his helmet over a group of players at the righty.

Things settled down quickly after that, though the brief dustup ended with Contreras, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton and Washington pitcher Miles Mikolas being ejected.

Cavalli said he hadn’t apologized to Contreras yet, but he hopes he hears his explanation.

“I have not reached out to him. I know that we’re both competitors, I hope that he hears this and he understands that was not what was intended at all,” Cavalli said. “I think he knows that. But if I see him, I want to make sure that he knows that.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The LeBron James free agency saga seems to be on everyone’s minds, including United States men’s national team star Folarin Balogun.

After scoring the United States’ opening goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, the 24-year-old striker did James’ signature celebration, “The Silencer.”

The tribute caught James’ attention, who responded to FOX Sports’ tweet of Balogun’s goal to congratulate the “young king.”

James’ NBA future is in limbo after he announced his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and test free agency for the first time since 2018. James, 41, is entering his 24th season in the league.

Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn but raised in London, now has three goals in four matches for the U.S. men’s national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored a brace in the United States’ opener against Paraguay and found the back of the net in its round of 32 match on Wednesday.

Balogun is now the fifth American to score three goals at the World Cup, joining Landon Donovan, Bert Patenaude, Clint Dempsey and Brian McBride. With one more goal, Balogun will tie Bert Patenaude (1930) for the most goals scored by an American in a single World Cup.

UNITED STATES TAKES LEAD Folarin Balogun Scores Goal vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

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