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

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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.

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Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time to Advance at FIFA World Cup 2026

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21 minutes ago

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July 6, 2026

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Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — Argentina avoided what could have been one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, surviving a major scare from Cabo Verde with a 3-2 extra-time victory Friday in the Round of 32.

Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Argentina Survives Despite Lackluster Performance

The defending World Cup champions delivered an uneven and uninspiring performance, appearing too comfortable after taking a 1-0 first-half lead on a goal by Lionel Messi.

But Argentina’s complacency proved costly as Cabo Verde, one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories, continued to press and eventually found an equalizer through Deroy Duarte.

Messi Goal Not Enough to Settle Match

Messi gave Argentina the early advantage, but the team failed to build on the lead or control the match with authority. Argentina’s attack lacked urgency for long stretches, allowing Cabo Verde to grow in confidence and push the match into extra time.

 

Extra-Time Drama

Argentina regained the lead in the 93rd minute when center back Lisandro Martínez scored to make it 2-1. Cabo Verde answered 11 minutes later with a stunning equalizer from Sidny Cabral, who curled a spectacular shot past Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez from the corner of the box.

The dramatic strike may stand as one of the best goals of the tournament.

Argentina Advances to Face Egypt

Argentina finally escaped when Cristian Romero headed a corner kick that glanced off a Cabo Verde player and into the net, giving Argentina the narrow win.

With the victory, Argentina advances to face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.

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Sports

Orlando Magic Add Veteran NBA Coaches, Player Development Leaders to Sean Sweeney’s Coaching Staff

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4 hours ago

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July 6, 2026

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Orlando Magic Add Veteran NBA Coaches, Player Development Leaders to Sean Sweeney's Coaching Staff

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced the complete coaching staff that will serve under new head coach Sean Sweeney for the 2026-27 NBA season, adding a mix of experienced NBA veterans, player development specialists and analytics experts to the organization’s basketball operations.

President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced that Joe Prunty, Greg Buckner, Popeye Jones, Tom Bialaszewski, Riley Crean, Jon Harris, Ben Johnson, Jacqlyn Poss and Mfon Udofia have been named assistant coaches.

In addition, D.J. Bakker will serve as assistant coach/director of player development, while Shannan Lum has been appointed assistant coach/director of coaching operations. In keeping with team policy, contract terms were not disclosed.

The Magic also announced the addition of Curtis Lewis as head video coordinator and Nicholas Russo as manager of basketball strategy within the basketball operations department.

Experienced NBA Leadership

Prunty returns for his second season with Orlando after joining the Magic in 2025. Entering his 30th NBA season, he brings one of the league’s most accomplished coaching resumes, including:

  • Three NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs (1999, 2003, 2005)
  • Four NBA Finals appearances
  • 22 NBA Playoff appearances
  • Three NBA All-Star Game coaching assignments
  • 2024 Emirates NBA Cup championship with the Milwaukee Bucks

Prunty has also served as interim head coach for both Milwaukee and the Atlanta Hawks during his coaching career.

Buckner joins Orlando after spending the past two seasons with Milwaukee. He previously served on the coaching staffs of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. A former NBA guard, Buckner played 10 seasons after being selected in the 1998 NBA Draft.

Jones arrives following a season with the Dallas Mavericks and previously helped the Denver Nuggets capture the 2023 NBA championship. The former NBA center enjoyed an 11-year playing career and led the league in offensive rebounds during the 1994-95 season.

Player Development Emphasis

The Magic strengthened their player development department by naming Bakker assistant coach/director of player development.

Bakker spent the past two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets while simultaneously serving as head coach of the NBA G League’s Greensboro Swarm. He guided Greensboro to a 70-36 record, its first winning season and playoff appearance before leading the franchise to the 2025-26 NBA G League championship.

He also previously worked within the Magic organization as a regional advance scout during the 2013-14 season.

Coaching Operations and Analytics

Lum joins Orlando after serving as an assistant coach with the NBA G League’s Texas Legends following four seasons with the Mavericks organization.

Poss earns a promotion after spending more than three seasons as Orlando’s senior data scientist in basketball operations, reflecting the organization’s continued emphasis on analytics in player development and game preparation.

Additional Coaching Additions

The remaining assistant coaches bring diverse experience from the NBA, G League, college basketball and international competition.

  • Tom Bialaszewski most recently served as an advance scout for the San Antonio Spurs.
  • Riley Crean spent four seasons with the Mavericks organization, rising from video intern to head video coordinator.
  • Jon Harris arrives after four seasons with San Antonio, most recently working in player development.
  • Ben Johnson previously served as head coach at the University of Minnesota.
  • Mfon Udofia spent the past three seasons as head coach of the NBA G League’s Long Island Nets and has also coached Nigeria’s national team in international competition.

Supporting Basketball Operations

The Magic also expanded their basketball operations staff with the additions of:

  • Curtis Lewis — Head Video Coordinator
  • Nicholas Russo — Manager of Basketball Strategy

The new staff will support Sweeney, who was named Orlando’s head coach on June 1, as the Magic prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season.

#OrlandoMagic #MagicBasketball #NBA #SeanSweeney #JeffWeltman #JoePrunty #GregBuckner #PopeyeJones #NBACoaching #PlayerDevelopment #CentralFlorida #Basketball #MagicNation #FNNNews #NBANews

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South Florida News

Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens

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3 weeks ago

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June 16, 2026

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FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.

The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.

Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE

While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.

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