Sports

U.S. Men’s National Team Meets Belgium in FIFA World Cup Knockout Match in Seattle

Published

3 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

SEATTLE (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team will continue its FIFA World Cup 2026 journey Monday night when it faces Belgium in the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET), with live coverage on FOX, Peacock and Telemundo.

USMNT Riding Momentum into Knockout Stage

The United States advanced after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, marking the nation’s second-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory. The Americans previously earned a knockout win in 2002 with a 2-0 victory over Mexico.

After winning Group D with two victories in three matches, the U.S. has scored 10 goals in four World Cup matches and has produced at least two goals in every tournament match.

The Americans enter Monday’s match with victories over Paraguay (4-1), Australia (2-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). Their lone defeat came against Türkiye (3-2) during group play.

Balogun, Tillman Lead U.S. Attack

Forward Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the tournament’s top scorers with three goals, becoming only the third American to score at least three goals in a single FIFA World Cup, joining Bert Patenaude (1930) and Landon Donovan (2010).

Midfielder Malik Tillman delivered one of the tournament’s signature moments with a spectacular free-kick goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina after the United States was reduced to 10 players. The goal secured a 2-0 victory and earned Tillman Man of the Match honors.

Roster Notes

Twenty-three of the 26 players on the U.S. roster have appeared during the tournament.

Seven players have featured in all four World Cup matches:

Sebastian Berhalter
Sergiño Dest
Alex Freeman
Weston McKennie
Ricardo Pepi
Gio Reyna
Malik Tillman

Goalkeeper Matt Freese enters the Round of 16 with three World Cup victories, the most by any U.S. goalkeeper in tournament history, while also recording two clean sheets.

Veteran captain Christian Pulisic, with 89 international appearances, is the most-capped player on the U.S. roster.

History Against Belgium

Monday’s match marks the eighth all-time meeting between the United States and Belgium.

The Americans hold a 1-6-0 all-time record against the Red Devils. Their lone victory came in the opening match of the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, a 3-0 win.

Belgium has since won six consecutive meetings, including a 5-2 victory over the United States in an international friendly on March 28, 2026, and a memorable 2-1 extra-time victory in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Belgium Brings Experience

Belgium enters the match with one of the tournament’s most experienced squads.

The roster features several internationally recognized stars, including:

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois
Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne
Midfielder Youri Tielemans
Forward Romelu Lukaku
Forward Jeremy Doku
Forward Leandro Trossard

The Red Devils advanced after overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time during the Round of 32.

Belgium has not lost a match since March 2025, compiling an 11-1-6 record under head coach Rudi Garcia.

Seattle Has Been Friendly to the U.S.

Seattle Stadium has become a stronghold for the Americans.

The USMNT owns a perfect 7-0-0 record at the venue, including a 2-0 victory over Australia during group play earlier in the tournament.

With a trip to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the line, the United States will look to capitalize on its home-field success while attempting to end Belgium’s six-match winning streak in the all-time series.

Central Florida News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Training Camp Roster Moves Ahead of 53-Man Cutdown

Published

4 hours ago

July 30, 2026

FNN SPORTS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of roster moves Tuesday as the team continues preparations for the 2026 NFL season.

The Buccaneers waived safety Ja’Qurious Conley with a non-football injury designation.

In addition, Tampa Bay placed cornerback Chase Lucas and defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.

Players placed on the Active/PUP List count toward the club’s 90-player offseason roster and remain eligible to return to practice at any point before the NFL’s deadline to reduce rosters to the regular-season 53-player limit.

The moves come as the Buccaneers continue evaluating their roster during training camp in preparation for the upcoming preseason schedule and the start of the regular season.

What the Moves Mean

A player waived with a non-football injury (NFI) designation has sustained an injury or medical condition that did not occur during NFL football activities. If Conley clears waivers, the Buccaneers’ next steps will depend on league rules and his injury status.

The Active/PUP List is reserved for players who are unable to practice because of football-related injuries at the start of training camp. While on the Active/PUP List, Lucas and Ndubuisi may participate in team meetings and receive medical treatment, and they can be activated at any time before the team’s final roster reduction.

Sports

Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp

Published

4 days ago

July 27, 2026

FNN SPORTS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Sunday that offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio and Cole Van Lanen have been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as the team continues preparations for training camp.

Players on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.

The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.

DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.

The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.

Sports

Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0

Published

3 weeks ago

July 11, 2026

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.

Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion

Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.

Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.

Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals

The Pride wasted little time after the break.

Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.

The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.

Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.

Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.

Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead

The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.

Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.

Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal

Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.

After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.

The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.

Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.

Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.

Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.

Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance

Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.

“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”

Hines continued:

“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”

Match Highlights

49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)

Match Notes

Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.

By the Numbers

Final Score

Orlando Pride 3
Kansas City Current 0

Attendance: 8,058

Team Statistics

Category	Orlando	Kansas City
Possession	45%	55%
Shots	11	20
Shots on Goal	5	9
Saves	9	2
Corners	1	4
Fouls	5	3

Heineken Star of the Match: Marta

Up Next

The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.