47/52nds of the World Cup
The last remaining co-hosts of World Cup 2026 are the United States. They have sputtered out the Round of 16 in 3 of the last 4 World Cups, and never qualified for a 4th. This time around, reaching the Round of 16 meant getting through the Round of 32 where they won a playoff match at the World Cup for the first time since 2002. The hurdle in their path was Belgium. The Red Devils are looking for a return to their form of the 2018 World Cup where they were edged out by eventual Champions France in the semi-finals. Of particular note was the suspension of the suspension of Folarin Balogun. The questionable overturning of his Red Card will be discussed for years to come. What stood to be determined was if his presence would have an impact on this match. Charles de Ketelaere started quickly to make sure that didn't happen. His 9th minute goal gave Belgium the lead and placed momentum firmly in Belgium's hands. A second Malik Tillman free kick goal in the tournament seemed to give the Co-hosts life as the match was tied at 1 in the 31st minute. Belgium quickly extinguished any US momentum as Charles de Ketelaere would score a second goal in the 33rd minute. The second half furthered the gap as Hans Vanaken would make it 3-1 in the 57th minute. Romelu Lukaku would put the cherry on top of the sundae as he scored a 4th goal in the 3rd minute of 2nd half stoppage time. Christian Pulisic was a non-factor in the match, coming off in the 59th minute with an apparent injury. As for Folarin Balogun, he would be subbed out in the 2nd minute of 2nd half stoppage time without any offensive production. The United States can hold their heads up high as they made it as far in this tournament as the other co-hosts Canada and Mexico. Belgium move on to their first real test in Spain in the Quarterfinals.
Two players picked Portugal and Spain to lock horns. One player selected the United States and Belgium to vie for a spot in the Quarterfinals. The player of the day opted for Spain to beat Portugal after correctly pairing the two in the Round of 16, and selected Belgium to win in their match, though against Norway and not the United States. Snatching back 1st place after one day in 2nd, congratulations to MalumSigma!
Tomorrow the final 2 Round of 16 matches to determine the last of the Quarterfinals will be played. At 12 noon, Argentina will meet Egypt as they continue to defend their title. That match will be played in Atlanta, Georgia. At 4:00 pm Vancouver, Canada will host Switzerland and Colombia. It may feel like your brackets are coming undone. As long as your predicted Champion remains, and some of the other top 4 teams, you always have a shot.
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