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“Bear Bets” are real wagers that Chris “The Bear” Fallica is actually making.

When it comes to the World Cup, heartbreak comes with the territory.

Such was the case on Tuesday for the Ivory Coast, as Norway got a late goal and a narrow victory. 

Here’s what I’m eyeing for Match Day 21.

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.

World Cup Best Bets — Wednesday, July 1

England vs. DR Congo

“The Bear” likes England to get past DR Congo in clean fashion (Getty Images).

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I don’t think DR Congo is going to score, but it’s hard to lay -200 on that. England to win to nil is a little better at -150, but I’m also not sure England pours in goals here. I’ll go exact score with these two options and try and create a little plus-money alternative. But if you’re comfortable laying -150, then that’s a pretty good alternative. 

Fallica’s Picks:   England to Win 1-0 (+450), England to Win 2-0 (+400)

Belgium vs. Senegal 

Can Belgium get past a scrappy Senegal team (Getty Images)?

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I really don’t know what to do with this match. There’s a part of me that wants to play Senegal to advance, but there’s also a part of me that thinks Belgium found a little something in the second half of its match against a far inferior New Zealand. Senegal will certainly offer a much stiffer test. But at the same time, Senegal didn’t really look great until the final group-stage match, when it got the must-have 5-0 win over Iraq. Belgium also has a keeper in Thibault Courtois who can single-handedly steal a match. I’m not going to get too invested here, but will land on Belgium to win in 90. 

Fallica’s Pick:   Belgium to Win on Three-Way (+125)

United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 

The United States should advance, but that price is a hefty one to lay. Bosnia will offer some challenges, though, as that squad has great height, structure and will be tough on set piece opportunities. But Bosnia is also lacking pace and that’s an area the U.S. can exploit. This has potential to be a very ugly match, which would kind of favor Bosnia, but I still am not sure that side is capable of scoring. Italy probably would have said the same thing. In the end, the U.S. should get through, but I don’t think it will be comfortable. 

Fallica’s Pick:   Both Teams to Score — No (-130)

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Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has responded to speculation linking him with the Germany manager role after the national team’s World Cup round of 32 defeat to Paraguay. The 59-year-old insisted it was not the time to discuss replacing Julian Nagelsmann, while launching a scathing critique of the team and demanding systemic grassroots reform.

Germany crash out

Die Mannschaft suffered a monumental sporting disaster after being dumped out of the tournament by a side ranked 31 places below them. Despite swinging in a record-breaking 55 crosses, Nagelsmann’s side lacked a clinical edge and drew 1-1 over 120 minutes following Kai Havertz’s second-half equalizer. A nerve-shredding sudden-death penalty shootout eventually condemned the four-time world champions to their first-ever World Cup exit on spot-kicks.

Klopp dismisses immediate vacancy

Appearing on Magenta TV, Red Bull head of global soccer Klopp was asked directly whether he would consider stepping back into the dugout to rescue his country.

The ex-Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss stated: “I haven’t thought about that yet. I understand that when the national coach position is discussed, my name is mentioned in some form. But it’s not the moment to really talk about it. There’s nothing to say about it. I have a job that I enjoy very much. As far as I know, it’s not a part-time job.”

Tactical approach heavily criticised

While Nagelsmann remains under contract until 2028, Germany’s struggles to break down Paraguay’s stubborn low block has triggered immense national debate. Klopp highlighted a distinct lack of execution from the team’s marquee creative talents, before suggesting that the German Football Association (DFB) requires an entirely fresh developmental philosophy from top to bottom.

Klopp added: “You have to attack down the wings. There’s no alternative. We all know how well these guys can play, but they didn’t bring that to the pitch. In three months, we’ll be raving about [Florian] Wirtz and [Jamal] Musiala again about how great they are, but not now.

“Paraguay had the opportunity to achieve something, Germany was under pressure to achieve something. Everyone in the stadium thought: Now they’ll turn it around! But we didn’t. We let them off the hook.

“We can talk about the DFB. We absolutely have to change a few things. We can start with the U-10s and wait a few years to see what the results are.”

Severe structural introspection awaits

A devastated German setup faces an uncomfortable post-mortem as pressure intensifies on the technical staff and hierarchy. With the next international cycle on the horizon, the DFB must decide whether to back Nagelsmann’s long-term vision or initiate immediate changes. Conversely, Paraguay march forward with immense confidence to a historic last-16 matchup with either France or Sweden in Philadelphia, completely unfazed by reputation.

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Ronald Koeman has resigned from his role as Netherlands men’s national team head coach after suffering the country’s worst-ever finish at a World Cup, getting knocked out in the round of 32.

The Netherlands has missed World Cups, most recently in 2018, but in every World Cup it has participated in, it has reached at least the last 16. That all changed when the Netherlands lost to Morocco in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Monterrey Stadium.

Koeman has been heavily criticized for his approach to the match vs. Morocco. He played a back five, abandoning the Dutch philosophy of attacking football and total football. The Netherlands played with a traditional back four in the group stage, where it finished with seven points and really impressed, but the sudden formation change against Morocco left everybody confused, including Thierry Henry.

“I was really surprised because the Netherlands doesn’t usually play this way, but it’s clear that Koeman had a different vision,” the World Cup-winner said.

Zlatan Ibrahimović went as far as to blame Koeman for the defeat.

“It’s always sad to see somebody lose. But I think this loss is on Koeman because I didn’t recognize this Dutch team,” Ibrahimović said.

“And he lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity,” Ibrahimović continued. “And that makes me angry. Lose with your identity, and try always with that. That’s who you are. That’s who you represent.”

The Netherlands is now looking for a new manager who will lead the project for Euro 2028 and try to shake off this disappointing tournament.

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The U.S. men’s national team may have lost its World Cup group-stage finale on a last-second goal to Türkiye, but that hasn’t changed any of this squad’s objectives.

Wednesday’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 has the USA primed for a deep run at this tournament. The last time the USMNT won a knockout game was in 2002, so there is plenty on the line at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium against an upstart European side. 

Here is everything to know about the USA’s round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Key Storyline: The Stakes Are High

Although this has been a terrific World Cup for the USA so far — the team won two consecutive games for the first time in almost a century and its group with a match to spare, allowing the starters to rest and the reserves to gain valuable experience in the loss to Türkiye — it instantly becomes the biggest failure in program history if this squad can’t beat the Bosnians.

Zlatan & Thierry Henry Preview United States’ Round of 32 Matchup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

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That’s a hell of a swing. To be clear: The Stars and Stripes should win this game. They have a better lineup, a deeper bench and will be playing at home. Blowing this would take some doing. But being the clear favorite is tricky, and anything can happen in one game. So the U.S. must mitigate the risk by coming out flying and, crucially, scoring the first goal — something it has done in all three of its games so far. The longer the match remains scoreless, the more the visitors’ belief will grow, as will the pressure on the hosts to avoid disaster.  — Doug McIntyre

Not to be cliché, but I am going with Christian Pulisic. He’s only played 77 minutes total during this World Cup, and now that the U.S. is in the knockout stage, it’s a massive moment for him to shine. As Folarin Balogun told reporters earlier this week, the knockout stage is the time when “big players step forward, and the big players carry the pressure and make things happen.” 

On this team, there’s no bigger player than Pulisic. He masterfully contributed to the team’s first two goals vs. Paraguay, but then was forced to miss the next match vs. Australia with that calf injury. He came on in the second half vs. Türkiye and immediately lifted the quality of play. 

On Tuesday, Pulisic told reporters that he’s “feeling good.” We expect him to start against Bosnia and Herzegovina and be the star this team needs to keep pushing through the World Cup. — Laken Litman

Projecting USA’s Starting Lineup

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese

Defender: Antonee “Jedi” Robinson

Defender: Tim Ream

Defender: Chris Richards

Defender: Alex Freeman

Midfielder: Tyler Adams

Midfielder: Malik Tillman

Midfielder: Weston McKennie

Attacker: Christian Pulisic

Attacker/Defender: Sergiño Dest

Forward: Folarin Balogun

In a tournament setting, when Mauricio Pochettino finds a formation and lineup he likes, he tends to stick with it. We saw this at the 2025 Gold Cup when he kept a consistent lineup through the knockouts. As we saw against Australia when Pulisic was hurt and Pochettino went with a two-center-forward formation, he can adapt in interesting ways when he must. Now, he has no restrictions as yellow cards have been wiped clean (meaning Adams, McKennie, Richards and Balogun are back). Pulisic is also available, while both Ream and Robinson are rested. 

The good thing about this lineup is there are a number of very versatile players that offer Pochettino ways to adjust without making a substitution. McKennie and Tillman can sit deep or move into a No. 10 or winger role if needed. Pulisic can cut in and play as a No. 10 or second striker. Dest can play as a winger or as a right back. 

This was the lineup Pochettino chose in the very important opening game. It is hard to see him changing something that worked so well. — Brian Sciaretta

What To Expect From Bosnia And Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s approach will be similar to what the USA saw against Paraguay. I’m expecting more of a mid-block instead of a low one, like what Australia played. Bosnia will defend higher up the field but still won’t leave itself too exposed.

Bosnia and Herzegovina had the third-fewest entries into the opponent’s 18-yard box and the lowest of any team that advanced to the round of 32. That should give you an idea of what to expect from them in this match.

That should not sound like I’m discrediting what Bosnia and Herzegovina is capable of, since the squad does have a couple of players who are more than capable of making an impact in attack. — Walker Zimmerman

USA Related Stories

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — Malik Tillman likes watching penalty shootouts. But participating in them? Not so much.

“I try to avoid it,” the American midfielder said before training on Tuesday. “Everyone tries to avoid it. But sometimes, it happens, and, of course, you have to be ready for it because you never know. We’ll give our best to finish the game in 90 minutes.

The U.S. men’s national team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Wednesday night. With the 2026 World Cup now in the knockout stage, any match that remains tied after regulation and extra time comes down to one thing: the dreaded, stomach-churning penalty shootout.

On Monday, Germany and the Netherlands were both sent home after cruel and dramatic penalty shootout losses to Paraguay and Morocco, respectively. Across the two shootouts, players missed 10 penalty kicks, setting a World Cup record for the most misses in a single day. It was the first time in history the four-time champion Germans left the World Cup via penalties.

It was a stark reminder of the stakes now facing the U.S. because, in the knockout stage, one mistake can send a team home.

“We’ve seen two big boys fall,” defender Chris Richards told a group of reporters. “So it’s just a matter of us getting through this game and putting on a good performance, and, hopefully, we continue that.”

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The last time the USA found itself in a penalty shootout was exactly one year ago, when it beat Costa Rica in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals after a six-round thriller. The win came largely thanks to Matt Freese’s heroics in goal, as he made three saves to send the squad through.

Tillman, who missed a penalty in the first half of that match, bounced back by converting in the shootout. He said that while players can practice penalties all they want, it’s “impossible” to replicate what it actually feels like in that spotlight.

U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino agrees. That’s part of why the squad has used sports performance company neuro11 for the past 18 months. The company works with elite athletes and teams around the world — including Liverpool F.C. and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez — using innovative brain-based training and neurofeedback to help athletes stay sharp and composed under pressure.

Pochettino has a dedicated group of coaches and analysts focused on neuro11 and penalty kicks, working to improve the team’s execution from the spot and expand the pool of PK takers, much like another group uses TrackMan technology to aid in set pieces.

“I don’t want to say too much,” Pochettino said Tuesday, careful not to reveal information that could give a future shootout opponent an edge. “As a coaching staff, we believe that we can provide some tools to the players to be better or to improve or to try to find the best way to face this type of situation, knowing that it’s impossible to replicate the emotional stress and the pressure and expectation, how you are going to feel.

“Because it depends on your performance – if you came from the bench, if you played 120 minutes, if you are tired, if you are not tired. If you feel something in your body, that is impossible when you practice penalties to have the same feeling.”

Pochettino added that he and his staff choose the penalty kicking order.

“It is going to be our decision – the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5,” Pochettino said. “We are trying to arrive at this moment and not ask the player if they feel confident or not confident.”

Malik Tillman and the art of the penalty. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)

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According to a German media report, there was controversy over who would take Germany’s sixth penalty, as some players didn’t want to. Ultimately, it was Jonathan Tah, whose miss proved decisive and allowed Paraguay to convert and advance.

“I don’t know about that situation, but yeah, it’s a difficult thing,” star forward Christian Pulisic said when asked about Germany’s exit. “The guys who feel the most confident to go up and shoot will want to go shoot. I think that’s normal. There will be some players that maybe don’t practice them as much and don’t feel as good. I don’t think it’s necessarily a big problem.

“Haven’t been in many shootouts with these guys, but I feel like it’s a pretty brave, courageous team. I feel like guys will give it a go.”

How Do USA Players Take Penalties?

Penalty kick style and technique have evolved over the years. Some players opt for stutter steps and elaborate long or short run-ups, while others simply place the ball and strike it.

Tillman said he’s experimented with different approaches throughout his career and doesn’t necessarily take them the same way he once did. Still, he added, “I’m confident in the way I take them.”

Richards, who scored a penalty for Premier League club Crystal Palace last season, doesn’t overthink it.

“I don’t want to give away too much,” Richards said with a big smile. “Some guys change it up. Me personally, I’m a defender for a reason, so I’m gonna put it down and place it where I think it needs to go.”

Chris Richards and Matt Freese were part of the USA’s penalties against Costa Rica at the 2025 Gold Cup. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

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Pulisic doesn’t read too much into everyone else’s process.

“Everyone has their own style,” said Pulisic, who also noted that he’s feeling good after dealing with a calf injury that has limited his time on the field. “I don’t think you watch [the Germany and Netherlands shootouts] and can take so much away and try to change your style in one day. I mean, it’s just part of the game. 

“It’s an extremely hard thing to do for sure. It takes a lot of courage and it’s not easy. Goalkeepers are getting better and better every single year. Everyone has their individual style, and you just go with what you feel most confident with.”

All this is to say, the U.S. hopes any penalty shootout talk is moot during their run in this World Cup.

“Ultimately, you don’t want to get there,” Richards said. “But honestly, we’ve done a lot of training with penalty shootouts, so if it comes down to it, I think every guy on this team is going to step up and take it.”

Zlatan & Thierry Henry Preview United States’ Round of 32 Matchup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

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France blew past Sweden with a 3-0 victory to advance to the round of 16. Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net twice, curling a shot around the goalkeeper with his right foot in the first half. He latched onto Bradley Barcola’s through ball for a right-footed finish in the second half. Then Barcola got on the scoresheet for good measure. 

After the impressive win, what’s next for France at the World Cup? Here is who it will play in the round of 16 and the potential path to making the World Cup final. 

Kylian Mbappé Scores Brace vs Sweden 🇫🇷 His Third in 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Who Will France Play In The Round Of 16?

After beating Sweden in the round of 32 on Tuesday, Francewill face Paraguay, which beat Germany on Monday. The round of 16 match between France and Paraguay will be Saturday, July 4, at 5 p.m. ET at Philadelphia Stadium (watch on FOX and stream on FOX One). 

Who Could France Face In The Quarterfinals?

If France defeats Paraguay in the round of 16, it has two potential opponents in the quarterfinals. Canada or Morocco are France’s potential quarterfinals opponents. Canada beat South Africa on Sunday to advance to the round of 16, while Morocco topped the Netherlands on Monday. 

In FIFA’s rankings, Canada is ranked No. 30, while Morocco is No. 6.

If France reaches the quarterfinals, it’ll play at Boston Stadium on Thursday, July 9, at 4 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

Who Could France Face In The Semifinals?

There are eight possibilities for France in the semifinals: Portugal, Croatia, Spain, Austria, USA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium and Senegal. 

If Francereaches the semifinals, it’ll play 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 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t complete yet, but we’re starting to get a look at what the round of 16 will look like.

As the biggest World Cup ever continues, the round of 32 will be completed on Friday, July 3, and the round of 16 will commence on Saturday, July 4. 

So, with tickets being punched into the next round, here is what the round of 16 looks like: 

Saturday, July 4

Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

The first matchup of the round of 16 is set.

Morocco defeated the Netherlands in penalty kicks on Monday night, advancing to the round of 16 for the second time in as many World Cups. It’s also the third World Cup that Morocco has reached the round of 16.

Canada became the first team to punch its ticket into the round of 16 with its dramatic victory over South Africa on Sunday. It marked Canada’s first knockout stage win as it’ll play in the round of 16 for the first time ever.

Morocco was ranked seventh in the most recent World Cup rankings, while Canada was ranked 30th.

Netherlands vs Morocco Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Philadelphia Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Paraguay upset Germany in the round of 32, defeating Germany in penalty kicks. It’s the first time since 2010 that Paraguay has advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup. Paraguay didn’t qualify in each of the last three World Cups, either. 

Germany vs Paraguay Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Sunday, July 5 

New York New Jersey Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Brazil became the second team to punch its ticket into the round of 16 with its comeback win over Japan on Monday. In the final minutes of stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli scored the game-winning goal to give his side a 2-1 victory. It marks the 11th straight World Cup that Brazil has reached the round of 16. Norway took down Ivory Coast 2-1 off the heels of a late Erling Haaland goal to set up an epic showdown between Norway’s talented goalscorer and the dynamic presence that is Vinícius Júnior.

Brazil vs Japan Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Mexico/Ecuador vs. England/DR Congo

Mexico City Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Monday, July 6

Portugal/Croatia vs. Spain/Austria

Dallas Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

USA/Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Belgium/Senegal

Seattle Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Tuesday, July 7

Argentina/Cape Verde vs. Australia/Egypt

Atlanta Stadium (Noon ET, FOX, FOX One)

Switzerland/Algeria vs. Colombia/Ghana

Vancouver Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

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Lionel Messi broke the all-time record for goals at the FIFA World Cup early into this year’s tournament; Kylian Mbappé is doing everything he can to make sure that Messi doesn’t leave with it.

In France’s 3-0 win over Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday, Mbappé added another two goals to his all-time World Cup tally, bringing his total number of career World Cup goals to 18, one away from Messi’s record-breaking 19. Mbappé has reached 18 goals in 18 World Cup games; Messi has played in 29 World Cup games in his career.

Mbappé also scored his 9th and 10th World Cup knockout stage goals against Sweden, breaking a tie with Brazilian greats Leonidas and Ronaldo for the most in the history of the tournament.

After a give-and-go with Ousmane Dembélé, Mbappé scored on a terrific individual effort in the 45th minute. Mbappé crossed over Viktor Gyökeres before firing his shot past Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström.

The 27-year-old Mbappé ran immediately to coach Didier Deschamps after scoring. This was Deschamps’ first game back on the sideline after missing the group stage finale to fly back to Europe for his mother’s funeral.

Mbappé scored his second goal of the match — and sixth goal of the tournament — in the 74th minute to give France a commanding 3-0 lead. Michael Olise played a ball into the box for a darting Mbappé, who finished it calmly with his right foot.

Mbappé’s sixth goal of this year’s tournament tied him with Argentina forward Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Both players have now played four matches.

France will now play Paraguay in the round of 16 on July 4 at Philadelphia Stadium. Paraguay upset Germany on Monday to knock them out of the tournament.

France vs Sweden Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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 The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage delivered fireworks and drama that set up knockout stage chaos. The superstars have shown up and put everything on the line for their nation.

Now is the perfect time to check in on the tournament’s biggest futures markets on FanDuel. As champion odds, the Golden Boot and other awards continue to shift after every knockout result, FanDuel has everything covered.

So far, France has looked undeniable and on a collision course to the final. Argentina hasn’t slowed down much either, led by their star, Lionel Messi, who continues to light up the tournament.

Will Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland or Lionel Messi run away with the Golden Boot or will someone join them and even overtake them?

With each round of 32 match shifting the odds, bettors can lock in their odds now and watch the drama of the World Cup unfold. FanDuel has updated World Cup futures throughout the knockout stage.

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Golden Boot Winner

• Kylian Mbappé (France): -110
• Lionel Messi (Argentina): +145
• Harry Kane (England): +1800
• Ousmane Dembélé (France): +1800
• Erling Haaland (Norway): +2700
• Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain): +3000
• Vinícius Júnior (Brazil): +3000
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): +6000
• Jonathan David (Canada): +7000
• Lamine Yamal (Spain): +7000

World Cup Winner

• France: +190
• Argentina: +440
• Spain: +650
• England: +750
• Brazil: +1100
• Portugal: +1500
• Norway: +2200
• USA +3500
• Mexico: +4000

Who Will Reach Quarter Finals?

• France: -1000
• Argentina: -400
• Morocco: -260
• England: -190
• Brazil: -175
• Spain: -145
• Colombia: -105
• USA: +105
• Norway: +115
• Portugal: +175

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John Mozeliak has a lengthy to-do list as interim general manager for the Los Angeles Angels, but the hiring of a new manager to replace Kurt Suzuki is not among his priorities.

“I met with Kurt and most of (the coaches) this morning, and I told them they’re all fine for this year,” Mozeliak, the former St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball operations head, said at a news conference before Saturday night’s game against the Athletics.

“There’s nothing they have to worry about. … They all have jobs moving forward. There’s no reason for massive change right away.”

As for the rest of his agenda, which includes transforming a club that has suffered 10 straight losing seasons and entered Saturday with an American League-worst 34-39 record into a winner, Mozeliak plans to dive right in.

“There’s a short view and a long view, and the short view is going to be coming through the draft, addressing the trade deadline, finding another new general manager,” Mozeliak said. “And then, ultimately, hopefully, we lead to that foundation and structure that provides perpetual winning for the Angels.”

Mozeliak, who replaced the fired Perry Minasian on Friday, said he will have a limited role in a July 11-12 draft in which the Angels have the 12th overall pick, leaving the selections to scouting director Tim McIlvaine.

“My philosophy on the draft is, let the scouting director and his team do their jobs,” Mozeliak said. “Even when I sat in the GM seat for 18 years, I never scouted amateur players. I felt that was their responsibility. So they’re going to have a lot of autonomy to do it.

“The only real input I’m gonna have is understanding their process … and if there are some financial decisions that are being baked into who we pick and why.”

Mozeliak said he has not received any direction from owner Arte Moreno or team president Molly Jolly on whether the Angels should embark on a rebuilding process by trading valuable pieces such as pitchers Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano and outfielder Jo Adell.

USA Today reported last week that Moreno prefers to retain those players.

“In time, I think we will come up with a trade-deadline strategy that we are all comfortable with, from ownership to Molly,” Mozeliak said. “And my job will be to help execute it.”

Mozeliak said he has already formed a list of GM candidates and will begin seeking permission from teams to interview them after the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

He hopes to have a new GM in place well before his contract expires in December, though he didn’t completely rule out the possibility of remaining with the Angels longer.

“When my contract ends, depending on who ends up getting hired, what the team looks like, there could be a position or a role that makes sense for me to stay around. … But on a personal level, I’m just not ready to give away my life again for, you know, 80 hours a week, 100 hours a week, to just do baseball,” he said.

Mozeliak spent 30 years with the Cardinals, including his final 18 seasons leading baseball operations. Under his guidance, St. Louis reached the postseason 10 times, won six National League Central Division titles, captured two NL pennants and won the 2011 World Series.

He joined the Cardinals in 1996 as an assistant in the scouting department and quickly rose through the organization, serving as an assistant scouting director, scouting director, director of baseball operations, assistant GM, GM and president of baseball operations.

He helped build one of baseball’s better farm systems, producing several franchise cornerstones and future Hall of Famers, including three-time National League most valuable player Albert Pujols; 10-time All-Star Yadier Molina; and three-time All-Star Adam Wainwright.

Minasian’s firing, announced before Friday night’s 9-3 loss to the Athletics, ended his 5 1/2-year run as GM, which included the departure of Shohei Ohtani after 2023, the firing of three managers — Joe Maddon, Phil Nevin and Ron Washington — and a number of failed free-agent signings, including David Fletcher (five years, $26 million) and Robert Stephenson (three years, $33-million).

Minasian, 46, was unable to stem a streak of losing seasons or drastically improve a farm system that is considered to be among the majors’ worst.

The Angels went 392-500 under Minasian, the 13th GM in franchise history. They never finished with more than 77 wins or finished higher than third place in the AL West. They lost a franchise-record 99 games in 2024.

Moreno, who has often meddled in baseball decisions and been reluctant to spend aggressively for free agents in recent years, is notoriously difficult to work for. He raised the ire of Angels fans this spring when he claimed that, according to surveys, affordability was more of a priority for fans than winning.

Sections of Angel Stadium have been filled in recent weeks with shirtless fans imploring Moreno to sell the team.

“I know what’s happening. I see it.
I hear it,” Jolly said. “Fans have a right to have their voices be heard. It didn’t influence the decision that I wanted to make, but we all want to win. Our owner wants to win. I do. The fans deserve that, and that’s what we’re going to work toward. “

Mozeliak said he is looking forward to building a relationship with the mercurial owner.

“My job is to have a healthy relationship with him, and I think the short term focus for me is just, what does that communication line look like, and making sure he understands what our direction is,” Mozeliak said.

“I haven’t met Mr. Moreno (since taking the Angels job) but I can tell you this — he does care. He does want to win … I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t think he truly loved this team and cared about this city and wanted this to work.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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