Tag: Movies - Page 30

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

USA’s Christian Pulisic Is In High Spirits

U.S. World Cup Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) — Can I guess the first question?

Christian Pulisic knew what was on everybody’s mind. When the superstar forward approached a group of reporters before U.S. men’s national team training on Wednesday, he flashed a smile, already anticipating the topic of conversation.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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“How are you feeling?” one reporter asked. He grinned again.

“I’m feeling good,” said Pulisic, who has only played 45 minutes of this World Cup so far due to a left calf injury.

“I’ve obviously joined the team in the last few days, so I’m feeling good, positive going into it, and hopefully I’ll be able to play a part tomorrow.”

Pulisic has not played for the USA since getting subbed off at halftime of the Americans’ World Cup opening 4-1 win over Paraguay nearly two weeks ago. He sat on the bench for the 2-0 victory against Australia last week and is hopeful of seeing the field Thursday when the U.S. faces Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium.

Pulisic explained on Wednesday that he “took a big kick to the calf” a couple of days before the team’s first game. Asked who kicked him, Pulisic joked, “I will not disclose that.”

He proceeded to start against Paraguay and played a role in the first two goals. But he began to feel the injury as the match wore on. Pulisic believes adrenaline helped mask the severity of it at the time, which is why he downplayed the issue when he spoke to reporters afterward.

Ultimately, though, the injury proved significant enough to sideline him from full training and force him to miss the next match.

Pulisic still isn’t quite sure what to call his injury — he described it as a “pretty strong contusion, strain, whatever you want to call it.” And he’s anxious to get back on the field. The past 12 days have been difficult.

“Honestly, it was tough after the first game for sure, just knowing that I felt a little something,” Pulisic said, candidly. “I never really feared the worst, but I obviously didn’t want it to keep me out any longer than I had to, and I was really trying to get ready for the last game. I feel like I could have gone, but it just wasn’t quite there.”

Pulisic experienced “tough emotions” in Seattle knowing he would be a spectator. Winning — and subsequently clinching first place in Group D — made it a little bit easier.

Pulisic appeared happy and light ahead of training. All week, he’d seemed unburdened and at ease with his teammates as they practiced in sunny Southern California where the temperatures have rarely climbed higher than the 70s. After the Australia game, cameras caught Pulisic smiling and singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” while walking around the field and enjoying the moment with his teammates.

“World Cups are so special,” Pulisic said. “Getting two wins in the first two games, sending yourself to the next round, it was just a fun moment with the team. They played a song we all knew, and I just can’t explain it — it gives you chills. It’s so much fun to be here, be a part of this team, whether I’m playing or not. Honestly, it’s just like, it’s the best experience that you can ever live. So I’m just loving it.”

It remains unclear whether Pulisic will play against Türkiye. U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino has not revealed his starting lineup to players before match day, so Pulisic said he doesn’t know what role he’ll have Thursday. He doubts he’d be asked to go the full 90 minutes after missing time.

Still, Pulisic brushed aside the idea that he’s been out for two weeks, noting that he’s trained individually every day and continued to get touches on the ball. As far as he’s concerned, he hasn’t lost any sharpness.

Beyond Pulisic’s availability, Pochettino has broader squad decisions to manage ahead of the final group game. The Americans have already clinched a spot in the knockout stage and will face a to-be-determined third-place finisher (although it’s likely going to be Bosnia and Herzegovina) on July 1 in Santa Clara. Additionally, Chris Richards, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun are all one booking away from suspension.

Although yellow cards are wiped after the group stage, suspensions are not and another caution against Türkiye would force them to miss the round of 32.

Christian Pulisic’s only appearance so far was in the opener against Paraguay. (Getty Images) –>

Pochettino could roll out an entirely different lineup from the first two matches, or he may choose a mix of regular starters and players who have yet to see action.

“Everyone on this team is ready to step up, so I feel like it would just be a normal thing for us,” Pulisic said when asked about teammates who have not played yet. “We’re going to support and push everyone the same way, whoever gets the opportunity tomorrow to play, whatever the decisions may be. Everyone is going to be ready, and it just shows how much more depth and what a strong team we have.”

Regardless, the squad feels strongly about sweeping the group to give them momentum into the knockout round.

“When you win your last game, you go into the next with that little bit of extra — I don’t know — just a good feeling,” Pulisic explained matter-of-factly. “That winning mentality feeling just sticks with you. Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win, so that’s why we’re going to push for it.”

Doing the opposite would go against everything Pochettino stands for and the mantra of “Why Not Us?” that he’s instilled in the group.

“I always believe that anything is possible,” Pulisic said. “And it’s like, I don’t feel like we necessarily need some miracle to go far in the World Cup. I think we have a really good team. I think we can do it. Things have to go your way, just like for everyone. I just always feel like believing is better than not.”

United States vs Australia Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

USA Awaits? 4 Takeaways From Bosnia and Herzegovina vs

Bosnia and Herzegovina rose to the occasion to defeat Qatar 3-1 in Seattle, and likely put itself into the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.

Sergej Barbarez’s team was aggressive in the first half behind standout performances from teenager Kerim Alajbegovic and legendary 40-year-old captain Edin Džeko to propel the team to a defining World Cup victory.

The full rankings of third-place teams will not be known until later in the week, but Bosnia and Herzegovina is now in great shape to advance. Here are my four takeaways from the match:

1. Youth Is Served For Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) –>

In a World Cup that has been dominated by some of the greatest players to ever play the game, Bosnia and Herzegovina is all-but-assured to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in its history, thanks to major contributions from its youth, including its youngest-ever goalscorer in winger Kerim Alajbegović (18).

Born in Cologne, Germany, to Bosnian parents, Alajbegović took a ball from Ivan Basic and evaded several Qatari defenders and fired a brilliant and unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a promising group of younger players within its system and Alajbegović is a big part of the team’s future. Now at Salzburg, he is set to join Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Kerim Alajbegović scores an absolute screamer, taking the lead vs Qatar | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Even aside from the goal, Alajbegović had a very good and complete performance where he was routinely dangerous and always looking to make a difference. That is why this tournament can be so much fun. It is not just for established stars; it is also a place where stars are made – and Alajbegović just scored what is arguably the biggest goal in the history of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

In addition to Alajbegović, Ivan Basic was also very dangerous for Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout the game. Basic not only assisted on Alajbegović’s goal, he also set up Džeko for a shot off the post. He was the best passer in this game. At just 24, Basic is a player not just for this World Cup, but he will also be important to Bosnia & Herzegovina by a long stretch.

Finally, there is Ermin Mahmic, the 21-year-old who put the game out of reach with the third Bosnia and Herzegovina goal. Born in Austria to Bosnian parents, Mahmic played for Austrian youth national teams in the past. It was only last month, in May, when he completed a change-of-association switch with FIFA to play for Bosnia & Herzegovina. In doing so and then scoring in this game, he became one of the key pieces to this national team’s future.

Ermin Mahmić seals Bosnia and Herzegovina’s win vs Qatar with goal | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Bosnia and Herzegovina is well set up for the future with a talented base of young players. Most of these players were born outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a time when many families in the country were displaced in the 1990s. Now, many children born abroad to Bosnian parents in the years following the war are opting to play for Bosnia & Herzegovina.

In addition to Mahmic and Alajbegović, there is also Esmir Bajraktarevic, who started in this game and played a big role in World Cup qualifying. Bajraktarevic was born and raised in Wisconsin and played for the U.S. U-20 and U-23 teams (and one appearance with the full national team) before switching to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2. Džeko Still Important To Bosnia

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) –>

What was fun about this win for Bosnia and Herzegovina is that it was not just the youth of Alajbegović; it was also a very important performance from Edin Džeko, who at age 40 is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s all-time leading scorer. The Sarajevo native has over 400 career goals for club and country. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has 73 goals in 150 appearances.

Džeko did not score in this game, but he made the team’s second goal possible when he got on the end of a cross from fullback Sead Kolasinac deep in the box. He then attempted to send a header back across the goal, but it deflected off Sultan Al Brake for an own goal.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s lead extends with Qatar own goal | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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In the 38th minute, Džeko nearly put the game out of reach when he got on the end of a brilliant ball from Basic while in stride towards the goal. He took a left-footed shot that looked as if it was heading into the corner, but instead hit the post.

Džeko’s 150th cap ended in the 64th minute when he was subbed out. While he was technically not part of a goal contribution, it was a very good performance and the win was not possible without him.

Between Džeko and Alajbegović, it was a win that was made possible by two players 22 years apart in age, spanning multiple generations. It was a true “changing of the guard” moment for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

3. Qatar kept fighting

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) –>

When Qatar conceded its second goal in a five-minute span via an own goal to fall behind 2-0, it seemed as if Qatar was going to fold and make a quiet exit from the tournament. That was not the case at all.

Qatar responded by playing its best soccer of the tournament, by far. It began with a great cross from right back Pedro Miguel that found Edmílson Junior at the back post. He then was able to set up Hassan Al-Haydos for a close finish to pull one back and make it 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina. Then, just before the half, Miguel nearly equalized for Qatar but hit the post instead. While trailing in the later stages of the first half, Qatar enjoyed a long spell where it was on the front foot.

It was a positive response for Qatar and one that should make its fans proud that the team put up a fight and never gave up.

4. The U.S Awaits?

(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada. But with four points, that will certainly be enough to send the team through to its first-ever knockout appearances.

One of the likely scenarios now has this Bosnia & Herzegovina team facing the United States on July 1 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in what would be a huge occasion for both teams. For the U.S. team, it is a chance to win a rare knockout game on home soil. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, it will likely be the biggest game in the history of its national team.

Bosnia and Herzegovina matches up well with the United States. It has a nice blend of youth and experience that should give the team plenty of energy. It is also a strong and physical group. Under head coach Sergej Barbarez, the players all play hard and compete. That was how it enjoyed its defining moment of beating Italy in the playoffs of World Cup qualifying.

The U.S. team will scout Bosnia and Herzegovina extensively ahead of this potential matchup, and if the game materializes, Mauricio Pochettino will have to prepare his team for a very physical battle for 90 — or possibly even 120 minutes.

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Check out the full game highlights between Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Announced by Mark Scott and Cobi Jones.

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

4 Takeaways From Canada’s Group-Stage Finale Loss To Switzerland

Canada threw itself a party at home and Switzerland strolled in to rearrange the furniture. Two goals in the first dozen minutes of the second half settled it.

Switzerland and Canada both advanced to the knockout round as well. But the co-hosts’ 2-1 defeat in Vancouver was a reminder that hosting a World Cup gets you a great crowd, not a free pass.

Here are my takeaways from Switzerland’s win over Canada:

1. Swiss Banking: The Swiss Take Group B, Canada Cashes In Anyway

Switzerland emerged as the winner of Group B. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

Both teams arrived on four points, and both left with what they came for — sort of. Switzerland’s win lifts Murat Yakin’s side to seven points and first place in Group B, which should buy it the friendlier-looking half of the round of 32 bracket. Canada dropped to second. But here’s the part worth celebrating in Vancouver: second place still means advancing.

For a nation that went home pointless and goalless in 1986 and again in 2022, this is uncharted territory — the first time Canada has ever escaped a World Cup group. Losing the group on the final day dents pride, not the standings. Qualification was effectively secured before kickoff, and Canada is happy to take a knockout berth on home soil, however it arrives.

2. No Galáctico, No Hype — And Top Of Group B Anyway

Here’s a fun exercise: name a Swiss superstar. Take your time. Switzerland just won Group B without a single player who the casual fan would cross a room to watch.

Captain Granit Xhaka is a 33-year-old metronome rebuilt at Sunderland. Defensive rock Manuel Akanji quietly anchors Inter Milan. Gregor Kobel keeps goals out of the net for Borussia Dortmund, and Breel Embolo leads the line for Rennes. All solid players at the club level, but not one is a household name — and that’s precisely why everyone keeps sleeping on them.

Murat Yakin’s side is organized, compact, ruthless in transition and lethal from set pieces — the footballing equivalent of the kid who always did the homework and stayed after class for extra help. Switzerland reached the quarterfinals at each of the last two Euros. Overlooked suits the squad just fine. It only means nobody enjoys drawing the team that quietly keeps advancing.

Canada’s Luc de Fougerolles passes the ball under pressure from Switzerland’s Breel Embolo. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

3. Hot, Cold, And Through: The Jesse Marsch Verdict

Three group games, three completely different versions of Canada. A flat 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina to open, despite being ranked 34 places higher. Then a 6-0 demolition of Qatar that smelled like a breakout. Then this: busy, competitive and ultimately second-best.

That’s the Marsch experience in a sentence: high-energy, high-press, gloriously unpredictable, occasionally combustible. What did Wednesday teach us?

That the press can be split by quick, direct play, and that two soft moments after halftime — including a goalkeeper who got a hand to the second goal but only helped it in — will sink you against good teams. But also that this group doesn’t fold; Canada outshot Switzerland and pulled one back through substitute Promise David.

The verdict is a genuine knockout side with a wobble in it. Dangerous on a good day, beatable on a bad one.

4. The Kid From Geneva: Johan Manzambi Has Arrived

Remember the name, because Switzerland already has. Johan Manzambi — a 20-year-old box-to-box midfielder from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg — delivered the breakout performance of the Swiss tournament. He set up Rubén Vargas seconds into the second half, then doubled the lead himself with a direct shot that squeezed past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

This was no fluke. The Geneva-born youngster — son of Angolan and Congolese parents — had already come off the bench to score twice against Bosnia and Herzegovina, becoming the youngest Swiss player ever to score a brace at a World Cup. Manzambi has three goals and an assist in his first tournament, at 20, from midfield.

Murat Yakin has spent the group stage learning what Freiburg already knew, and Premier League scouts are circling.

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

Lionel Messi Won’t Rule Out Playing at 2030 World Cup:

Lionel Messi has left the door open for a sensational appearance at the 2030 World Cup after cementing his legacy as the greatest goalscorer in the history of the competition. The Argentina icon, currently leading the Albiceleste’s charge at the 2026 tournament in North America, recently surpassed Miroslav Klose to take his total tally to 18 goals across six editions.

The GOAT Refuses to Say Goodbye

Despite turning 39 this week, Messi is showing no interest in discussing his retirement from the international stage. When quizzed about the possibility of featuring in the 2030 World Cup, which will celebrate the tournament’s centenary, the Inter Miami star remained evasive but optimistic about his longevity. “I don’t know. The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present,” Messi told reporters, per ANI.

The veteran forward, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in their opening two group matches against Algeria and Austria, insisted his continued participation depends entirely on his physical state. Messi added: “Yes, yes… I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates… I will keep playing.” His comments suggest that the dream of seeing him compete at age 43 remains very much alive for football fans globally.

Record-Breaking Exploits On The World Stage

Messi’s current form suggests that age remains little more than a number for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. By netting a brace in the 2-0 win over Austria, he became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, moving past the previous record of 16 goals. It has been a clinical start to the 2026 campaign, following his hat-trick in the opening match that also made him the oldest player to score a treble in the competition’s history.

The former Barcelona star was humble when reflecting on his milestone, even after missing a penalty earlier in the match. “The truth is that it is spectacular how it happened,” Messi admitted. “Today I had the penalty that I could have increased the score with, but if I had scored the penalty, perhaps I wouldn’t have scored the other two. You never know, but I’m happy with the result.”

Peak Physical Condition at 39

While most players have long since retired by their late thirties, Messi continues to stun observers with his fitness levels. While celebrating his 39th birthday, the Argentine captain shared footage of himself performing perfect pull-ups at the Albiceleste’s training base, demonstrating the rigorous gym work behind his on-field success. This physical dedication has convinced many that he could follow in the footsteps of other sporting icons who played well into their forties.

Pundits are already speculating on what his next club move might be, with former England international Gabby Agbonlahor agrees that a 2030 World Cup appearance is on the cards. Agbonlahor even suggested that if Messi were to make a shock move to the Premier League with Aston Villa, he would lead them to both domestic and European glory.

Defending The Title in North America

For now, the primary focus remains defending the World Cup trophy. Argentina have already secured their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare, allowing manager Lionel Scaloni to potentially rest his stars for their final Group J encounter against Jordan. Scaloni has been vocal about his desire to keep his captain happy and thriving, noting the positive atmosphere within the squad as they pursue back-to-back world titles.

“We believe it’s the group that gets through both the good and the bad moments. We know that being beside a friend always makes things better. That’s how we all feel, and I imagine Leo feels the same way, based on what he said,” Scaloni remarked. With the knockout rounds looming, Messi’s record-breaking form and elite physical condition suggest that Argentina remain the team to beat as they march toward the final in New York.

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

How Boys & Girls Clubs Of America, FOX Sports Are

The last time the United States hosted a World Cup, back in 1994, a spike in interest in youth soccer followed. As the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada, a similar increase in interest is expected, but as in other sports, there is a persistent barrier to entry for many kids across the country.

That’s where the Boys & Girls Clubs of America come in. The organization is ready and eager to help not only with promoting the sport but also with increasing accessibility and opportunity.

(Courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of America)

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“The next generation of soccer players, fans and leaders are already out there in communities across America — they just need the opportunity to step onto the field,” USA goalkeeper Matt Turner told the organization recently. “Boys & Girls Clubs of America is helping open those doors for young people who may not otherwise have access to the sport, and that’s how we preserve the game’s legacy.”

Financial hurdles are among the biggest challenges. The cost of participating in youth sports continues to jump significantly, with a 46% increase in family spending across a five-year period and a correlated decline in youth participation, according to the Aspen Institute’s 2025 Project Play survey. Transportation challenges add another barrier, particularly among low-income families.

To help lower participation costs and promote soccer, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America teamed up with FOX Sports, among other partners, to focus on and improve these key areas:

Reducing Cost Barriers to Youth Soccer Participation
Investing in Soccer Infrastructure to Expand Safe Places to Play
Training, Supporting and Developing Youth Soccer Coaches
Increasing Participation and Retention for Girls in Soccer
Shifting Youth Soccer from ‘Pressure’ to ‘Play’

Recently, FOX Sports — along with its parent company, Fox Corporation — committed a $500,000 investment in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help improve the level of affordability for more than 26,000 Club youth around the country.

Other Boys & Girls Clubs of America partners include New York Life Foundation, Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation and U.S. Soccer Foundation.

“You know the World Cup is a legacy. Sports are a legacy,” FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas told FOX & Friends in May. “We want to make sure that there are the resources to give people the opportunity to play and kids the opportunity to play.”

Another soccer participation report from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative highlighted that 32% of respondents noted team fees are a major participation hindrance. That number jumps to 41% among low-income families.

Financial donations and contributions are about more than solely helping lower the cost of participating. They’re also geared toward improving youth soccer development and building pipelines for upcoming generations, which can include life skills like teamwork, confidence and learning from missteps.

As the Boys & Girls Clubs of America noted, this funding is aiding existing programs while increasing community soccer events and expanding to train dozens of youth referees and more than 160 new coaches.

These and so many other efforts are aimed at helping kids get excited about and involved in soccer, developing the next generation of fans and on-field stars – in the World Cup, and beyond.

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

Neymar Starts On Bench For Brazil’s Group C Finale vs

Neymar will start on the bench for Brazil’s Group C finale against Scotland on Wednesday at Miami Stadium.

Neymar arrived with Brazil and is available to make his debut at this year’s tournament after missing the first two matches. He was one of the final players to get off Brazil’s bus Wednesday afternoon, flashing a thumbs-up, giving a wave and slapping hands with a few well-wishers as he made his way inside the stadium and toward the team’s locker room.

“He is available. He trained very well this week,” Ancelotti said Tuesday, without confirming that Neymar would take the field against Scotland. “He is fit and able, ready to play. We are very happy that he is back. He is a high-quality player.”

Neymar has been dealing with a right calf injury, one that has sidelined him from all matches for more than a month. He went through a training session with Brazil on Sunday, prompting the belief that he could finally be set to play.

Neymar is Brazil’s career scoring leader with 79 goals in 129 international appearances. The 34-year-old forward appeared in each of the past three World Cups for Brazil, scoring eight goals.

His role — and whether he deserves to be on this team at all — has been a major talking point among Brazil’s passionate fans for some time. Neymar has struggled since returning from tearing the ACL in his left knee in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier, and has four goals in eight matches for his Brazilian club Santos this season.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

‘San Memo’ Arrives: Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa Plays At World Cup

Mexico fans had to wait a little longer than expected, but Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa made his World Cup appearance in Wednesday’s 3-0 win against Czechia.

Having already clinched its spot in the World Cup knockout rounds after two wins over South Africa and South Korea, the question was whether the legendary keeper would get playing time for El Tri.

The 40-year-old keeper made his grand entry in the second half, coming in for starter Raul Rangel as the fans at Mexico City Stadium cheered “Memo” onto the pitch.

Ochoa has already made history as being the first goalkeeper to participate in six World Cup editions and joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only three men’s players to take part in that many tournaments. An unused substitute in 2006 and 2010, Ochoa has now played in four World Cup tournaments – in 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026.

Aguirre – in his third stint as Mexico’s manager – had defended his decision to include Ochoa in Mexico’s 26-man squad, deflecting opinions that it was only for sentimental reasons.

“I have always said since I returned that whoever is here, is here on ⁠their own merit,” Aguirre said before the Czechia game.

Ochoa is one of the most decorated players in the history of Mexican soccer, having made 154 appearances. He was recalled to the national team after an injury to presumptive starter Luis Malagón in March.

Ochoa currently plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, his latest stint at a European club that has seen him play in Spain, France and Italy. He has also played for Club América in Liga MX.

For Mexico, he has won six CONCACAF Gold Cups and helped the Olympic team win bronze in 2004 and 2021.

Czechia vs Mexico Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

Jesse Marsch Leads Canada to First-Ever Knockout Stage: ‘We Believe

The final whistle brought disappointment, but it also delivered history. Despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland on Wednesday afternoon, Canada, under coach Jesse Marsch, secured its first-ever trip to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.

Marsch has transformed Canada from a nation primarily known for hockey into a team that believes in itself. That belief has been evident throughout the tournament as Canada looks to make an impact on the World Cup stage.

“One thing I know about our team is we have heart, and we won’t stop,” Marsch said. “We’re so committed to the game and to each other, so that part I’m really proud of. We have to now take that performance and make sure we apply that from the start when we go down to LA.”

Switzerland is one of the most complete teams in this year’s tournament, but that didn’t shake Marsch’s belief in his squad. His ambitions extend beyond a single match, as he believes this Canadian team is capable of something special.

“We knew that this team [Switzerland] was more established and the goals are bigger than just one goal, one point or one win,” Marsch said. “We want to really make a run at it because we believe in our group.”

Marsch said injuries played a role in Wednesday’s loss, saying that Canada has struggled to get players healthy throughout the tournament. Still, he added that the team expects captain and star player Alphonso Davies to return for its next match.

“One of the things that’s been a little bit unlucky is trying to get guys healthy again,” Marsch said. “Alphonso Davies will be ready to go next game, so that’s a good sign. Everyone here puts so much into it, and they care so much about this program.”

Adding Davies back to the lineup will be key for a Canada team set to face one of Group A’s qualifiers: South Korea, Czechia or South Africa. Canada will need a full-strength squad if it hopes to continue its World Cup run.

“It’s an honor to coach this national team,” Marsch said. “We’re going to go down to LA and make sure that we put our best performance forward.”

Switzerland vs Canada Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

Scouting USA vs. Türkiye: 2022 World Cup Defender Previews Group

There might not be anything to play for in terms of Group D standings when the USA takes on Türkiye on Thursday — but that doesn’t mean this one is meaningless in terms of reps and lessons. That said, it’s a juggling act for Mauricio Pochettino to keep his guys fresh but not take any unnecessary risks.

If I were Poch, I’d be hesitant to play Christian Pulisic in this game. I get the idea of wanting to keep him sharp, but there’s more to lose than there is to gain. These players are already fit, so playing 90 minutes wouldn’t be a concern.

Instead, I expect we’ll see a rotated United States team with players starting who will be hopeful of making a positive impact in their first extended action of the tournament.

Here’s what I think we’ll see from the USA and Türkiye on Thursday night in Los Angeles.

What To Expect From The USA

I expect the USA to heavily rotate here. The guys who are one yellow card away from a suspension or carrying minor knocks are the ones who I especially do not expect to play.

You may see some of the other players who have been active so far in this tournament start before getting subbed off, before they play the entire 90 minutes. I’d expect to see guys who start but haven’t gotten much action in the tournament play close to the entire game.

What I’m not expecting is to see a less competitive United States team. The guys who haven’t gotten many minutes but will play are likely to want it even more than the ones who have been. This is their chance to get a start at the World Cup, and it’s their opportunity to show that they’re capable of stepping up during the knockout stage.

That will especially be the case in attack. We’ve seen early goals against Paraguay and Australia, so most of the USA’s minutes have been playing with a lead. If that doesn’t happen again and attacking changes need to be made in the knockout stage, I want to see who can step up.

We saw Ricardo Pepi get a start in place of Pulisic against Australia, but who will be the first name(s) off the bench when the USA might need a goal later in the tournament? Will it be Tim Weah or Alex Zendejas? Haji Wright? Brenden Aaronson? We don’t know yet.

The one attacking player who has made an impact is Gio Reyna, who scored the fourth goal against Paraguay after coming on in the 82nd minute.

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What I’m most curious to see with Gio is how he is deployed. I thought he was going to start on the left wing in place of Pulisic against Australia, but Mauricio Pochettino opted for a second striker with Pepi instead.

Assuming Gio starts this game, is he on the wing? Is he playing as an “8” in more of a central role in midfield?

This will be a big opportunity for Reyna to show why he should be the go-to guy off the bench. I want to see him grind on both ends of the pitch and show why he thinks he should be starting.

What To Expect From Türkiye

Türkiye may be the most unlucky team in the World Cup and will feel hard done by entering this game. Of all the teams that are at the bottom of their group, especially the ones that have already been eliminated, the Turks are probably the most talented.

Türkiye had 62 shots in its first two games without scoring a goal. Against Australia in the opener, Türkiye faced a side that defended extremely well and happened to get an early goal. After that, the Aussies were able to sit back and defend in a low block that was really well-executed.

Then, against Paraguay, it was an even earlier goal that put Türkiye behind. Then, the Turks played against 10 men for 50 minutes but still couldn’t score.

When you look at Türkiye’s xGs (expected goals) and total number of shots, you’d be shocked that it lost both matches and didn’t even get a point from either. But, in reality, this team is going home after this game regardless of the result.

Conceding early has especially been tough for Türkiye. It makes for a weird game because the Turks have been in control, so there’s initially a sense of confidence that the goal will come. Then, as the game goes on, it gets more and more frustrating.

Arda Güler has been left frustrated by Türkiye’s lack of goals at this tournament. (Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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Güler has a great ability to find the final pass or shoot effectively from distance. The surprising thing so far in this tournament is that he has not been efficient with either of those skills. Something has just been a little off.

You can tell when Güler gets on the ball, though, that he’s the player trying to make things happen. He gets on the ball, and the rest of the team perks up.

The other key attacker for Türkiye is winger Kenan Yildiz, who came on at halftime against Australia and played all 90 minutes against Paraguay. He’s a different type of player from Güler, one who thrives in one-on-one situations.

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Posted on June 25, 2026 by Eternity Lab

World Cup Knockout Round: Who’s Advanced Out Of The Group

As the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup proceeds, teams will secure their spot in the knockout stage, which begins on June 28 and wraps up with the World Cup final on July 19.

The field of 48 will be whittled down to 32, and then the titular knockouts will begin, with extra time and penalty shootouts occurring as needed to determine a winner. Here are the teams that have managed to punch a ticket to the knockout stage of the World Cup so far.