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The World Cup started with 2 matches in June 11. There have been at least 2 matches every day since then (except 1 match on one of the days), that’s 96 matches.
Until today - No matches on Wednesday, July 8.
8 Matches remain, pencil in these starts - all late afternoon in the US (expect Messi)
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9 3p cst
France v Morocco
Friday, July 10 2p cst
Spain v Belgium
Saturday, July 11
Norway v England (3p)
Argentina v Switzerland (8p)
Semi-Finals
Tuesday, July 14 2p cst
TBD v TBD
Wednesday, July 15 2p cst
TBD v TBD
Finals & 3rd Place
Saturday, July 18 4p cst
3rd 4th place game
Sunday, July 19 2p cst
FINALS
Current Knock Out Matchups 🥊🥊
QuarterFinals ⚽⚽
Thursday, July 9
France to Win -179
Morocco to Win +519
Draw +293
France to Qualify -440
Morocco to Qualify +290
Friday, July 10
Spain to Win -185
Belgium to Win +435
Draw +285
Spain to Qualify -370
Belgium to Qualify +250
Saturday, July 11
Norway to Win +285
England to Win -125
Draw +255
Norway to Qualify +165
England to Qualify -230
Argentina to Win +285
Swiss to Win -125
Draw +255
Argentina to Qualify +165
Swiss to Qualify -230
Tuesday Match Recap🧢🧢
Argentina 3-2 Egypt
After the match
MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT - So Far.
Egypt controlled the play for 70 minutes. Argentina looked tired and the Pharos were flying.
Egypt scored firsts at 15’.
It looked like Egypt scored again around 60’ but the goal was called off by VAR WELL AFTER the foul occurred. Terrible look.
Egypt went up 2 anyway with a goal at 67’.
Argentina got one back at 79’.
Messi with a Goalazo at 83’ to tie it up. Messiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii (watch - sound up)
All the momentum was with Argentina and they finish the comeback off with a goal at 90+2’.
Egypt was furious, and rightly so, with the poor luck they had with the referee and VAR.
Messi and Argentina were very emotional after the win.
What.A.Match.
Colombia 0-0 (3-4) Switzerland
As expected, the defenses came to play. Possession was basically even. Shots and chances slightly favored Colombia, but this was an even match. Great saves. Missed opportunities. Very pro Colombia crowd.
Came down to Penalty Kicks and the Swiss showed the most poise and advance. THE WINNER (Watch)
The Final Eight
For some fun information on the remaining eight teams, see the CS story on each team below.
Nations of the 8. Europe flexing their dominance.
Europe 6 teams.
S America 1 team.
Africa 1 team (although Morocco is about as European as you get for Africa).
N America, Asia, Oceana - 0 teams.
1’s & 2’s.
6 teams won their group.
2 teams finished 2nd in their group.
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Visiting?
Mountains, scenery, lakes, old time cities, chocolate, cows.
Too many things to put in a couple bullet-points.
Just go there.
Switzerland
Population: 8.5 M
Area: 16,000 Miles2
Region: Central Europe
Capital: Bern
Language: German, French, Italian & Romansch
Greeting: Gruezi
Cuisine: Fondue. Cheese and potatoes. Dried and cured meats. More Italian influence in the south, French in the East, German in the North, Central and West.
Nati, A-Team,
Rossocrociati “Red Crosses”
Group B
World Ranking 19
WC Apps. 13
Best WC Finish: QF 3 times, 1934, 1938, 1954.
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Murat Yakin (Swiss)
Captain: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
All Time Top Scorer: Alexander Frei (84 caps, 42 goals) in the 2000’s.
About the Team
Switzerland have appeared at the World Cup 13 times, with quarter-final finishes in 1934, 1938, and 1954 as their best results. They have become regular qualifiers in the modern era, consistently reaching the round of 16. Their biggest achievement is that historic trio of quarter-final runs, plus recent campaigns that have shown they can compete with anyone on their day.
The Fans
Swiss fans are loyal, colorful, and increasingly vocal. Switzerland has 4 main influences, mostly German, 4 languages and that multilingual fan base marches, has brass bands, and creative ultras displays. Despite the 4 languages the Nati fans have a cohesive, passionate atmosphere that travels well and adds real energy to tournaments.
Players to Watch
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) - Captain
Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan)
Breel Embolo (Rennes)
Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) – Goalkeeper
Morocco
Visiting?
Explore Marrakech, a vibrant city that includes The Medina of Marrakech, a World Heritage site.
Check out the Atlas Mountains, the start of the Sarah Desert or the rugged coastline and beaches of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Feel the blend of Europe and Africa in the port of Tangier. Just 8 miles separate Spain and Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Allah, Al Watan, Al Malik - “God, the Nation, the King”
Population: 36 M
Area: 172,000 Miles2
Region: Northern Africa
Capital: Rabat
Language: Arabic & Berber.
Greeting: Lebas? (how are you)
Cuisine: Lebas (Couscous) with meat, often lamb, and veggies. Seafood is also prevalent and available from long Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean coastline. Bread is a staple at every meal and mint tea is a favorite at teatime.
Atlas Lions
Group C
World Ranking 12
WC Apps. 6
Best WC Finish: 4th place in Qatar 2022.
FIFA Governing Body: CAF
Head Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi (Belgian-Moroccan)
Captain: Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
All Time Top Scorer: Ahmed Faras (94 caps, 36 goals) in the early 1960’s & 1970’s.
About the Team
Morocco were the first African team to top a WC Group and reach the knockout stage, in 1986. They also have the best ever finish by an African team, 4th.
The Fans
The Rosso Verde, “Red & Green”, Moroccan supporters are among the most passionate and vocal in the world. The “Atlas Lions” fans—huge in number, especially with their proximity and European influence. Expect the fans to create significant noise with flags, drums, and chants.
Players to Watch
Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – The lightning-fast leader and attacking full-back who sets the tone.
Youssef En-Nesyri Fenerbahçe) – The proven goal poacher and 2022 hero.
Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) .
Yassine Bounou (goalkeeper, Al-Hilal).
Belgium
Visiting?
Head to the North Sea and sample fresh herring.
Find your favorite dark ale at any of the pubs across the country.
Walk around Brugge and take in the culture.
“The Kingdon of Chocolate” (CS’s favorite)
Population: 12M
Area: 11,000 Miles2
Region: Northern Europe
Capital: Brussels
Language: Flemish, Dutch, French, German
Greeting: Bonjour, Hallo, Guten Tag
Cuisine: Beer, Chocolate, Waffles, French Fries. Steak and fries or Mussels and fries is considered the national dish. And yes, you eat the fries with mayo. And the waffles are not a breakfast food. They do not have syrup, but do have cream, berries, powdered sugar, and chocolate.
De Rode Duivels
“The Red Devils”
Group G
World Ranking 9
WC Apps. 14
Best WC Finish: 3rd 2018
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Rudi Garcia (French)
Captain: Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
All Time Top Scorer: Romelu Lukaku (124 caps, 89 goals) sill play this tournament
About the Team
“The Golden Generation” of Belgian soccer is now at the end of their careers and there are several young talents on the roster, the question is how the handoff will occur and will it create results on the pitch. Stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku need to lead and mesh with a wave of young attackers in Jeremy Doku, Lois Openda and Charles De Ketelaere who are among the most exciting young players in European soccer.
The Fans
The Red Devils are passionate, colorful, and unified - even bridging Belgium's linguistic divides (Flemish, Walloon, and German-speaking communities). Red is the color emphasized.
Players to Watch
Jérémy Doku (Manchester City)
Lois Openda (Juventus)
Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)
Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli)
Romelu Lukaku (Napoli)
Axel Witsel (Atlético Madrid)
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg) – GK.
Spain
Visiting?
Hike the Pyrenees in Catalonia
Stroll Barcelona.
Check out three of the best art galleries in the world in Madrid, “the golden triangle of art”.
Sleep in. Dinner isn’t until after 9pm and the night life goes late.
“The Land of Sun and Wine”
Population: 50M
Area: 195,000 Miles2
Region: Europe
Capital: Madrid
Language: Spanish
Greeting: Hola
Cuisine: Bold flavors, regional uniqueness and an old history is celebrated. Olive oil, fresh produce, seafood and simple preparation. Basque region - pintxos and bold flavors. Catalonia - Mediterranean seafood and sauces. Galicia - Atlantic seafood stews. Valencia - Rice, paella. Castile - stews and lamb.
La Roja
“The Red One”
Group H
World Ranking 2
WC Apps. 17
Best WC Finish: Won 2010
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Luis de la Fuente (Spanish)
Captain: Alvaro Morata (Como)
All Time Top Scorer: David Villa (98 caps, 59 goals) in 2000’s & 2010’s
About the Team
Spain’s recent European success has created a smooth handoff between the established core and an exciting new generation, with the question now being whether the young stars can deliver on the biggest stage. Stars like Rodri and Pedri provide world-class control and leadership, while a wave of dazzling young attackers in Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal give La Roja some of the best talent in the tournament.
The Fans
La Roja supporters are passionate, festive, and fiercely unified, turning every match into a vibrant celebration that brings the whole country together. Red (with gold accents) is the dominant color.
Had to choose this as the Spain fan picture as these are fighting words to us Germans. s/o to Alamy for the pic.
Players to Watch
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Rodri (Manchester City)
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Pedri (Barcelona)
France
Visiting?
Quaint coastal Mediterranean.
Mountain life in the Alps.
Explore the regions by wine - for example taste Champagne in the ancient cellars at Reims.
Paris - art, bistros, and Parisians, who are proudly unique.
“l’Hexagone”
Population: 68M
Area: 210,000 Miles2
Region: Europe
Capital: Paris
Language: French
Greeting: Salut
Cuisine: Technique, regional, culinary. Breads, pastries, baguettes, croissants, tarts. Alsace-Lorraine region - German influence, hearty and beer friendly. Normandy - Butter, cream apples and seafood. Paris - classic bistro like steak and frites. Provence - Mediterranean, olive oil based, like ratatouille and bouillabaisse. Burgundy - wine centric, slow cooked ans savory. Auvergne - mountain comfort food like cheesy mashed potatoes. Occitanie - Rustic stews. Brittany - seafood and buckwheat. French Riveria - Light, coastal.
Les Bleus “The Blues”
“The Trio” - referring to the colors of the flag.
Group I
World Ranking 1
WC Apps. 17
Best WC Finish: Winners x2 1998 & 2018
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Didier Deschamps (French)
Captain: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
All Time Top Scorer: Olivier Giroud (137 caps, 57 goals) in 2010’s & 2020’s
About the Team
France sailed through qualifying with a resounding 3-1 victory over the Netherlands on the final matchday. The squad represents a seamless handoff from the 2018/2022 golden era into a new wave of talent, with the question now being whether the youthful firepower can deliver under pressure on the biggest stage. Stars like Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann provide leadership and match-winning quality, the Blues have the best front line in the tournament - some of the most dynamic talents in the world. PSG just won the Champions League and much of that team will be plying for Les Bleus.
The Fans
Les Bleus supporters are passionate, stylish, and fiercely united, turning every match into a sea of noise and choreography that unites the nation. Blue is the color emphasized, and the fans will travel in big numbers.
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Antoine Briezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Desire Doue (PSG)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
N’Golo Kante (Fenerbache)
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Norway
Visiting?
Described as the supermodel of Scandinavia.
The Fjords.
Take the 7-hour long Oslo-Bergen train ride and just enjoy the views.
A lot of Norway sit above the Arctic Circle, make sure to check out the Northern Lights, outside of summer.
“The Land of the Midnight Sun”
Population: 5.5M
Area: 125,000 Miles2
Region: Northern Europe
Capital: Oslo
Language: Norwegian
Greeting: Hei
Cuisine: Sea centered, shaped by cold climate and long winters. Curing, smoking and fermenting. Lamb stews and veggies. Simple and clean.
Red, White & Blue
Group I
World Ranking 31
WC Apps. 4
Best WC Finish: Round of 16
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Stale Solbakken (Norwegian)
Captain: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
All Time Top Scorer: Erling Haaland (49 caps, 55 goals) will play in this World Cup
About the Team
Norway qualified directly by finishing top of their group beating out fellow WC qualifier Austria. Stars like Erling Haaland (the undisputed leader and goal machine from Man City) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) provide world-class creativity and finishing, while defenders such as Kristoffer Ajer and young prospects like Oscar Bobb add pace and dynamism, creating a competitive, attack-minded team built for big moments. This team is physical.
The Fans
The Norwegian fans are passionate, loyal, and increasingly vocal, painting the stands in red and creating an atmosphere full of Viking chants and national pride that has grown with the team’s resurgence. Red is the color emphasized, worn with the same intensity whether at home or traveling in strong numbers.
Players to Watch
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – Scorer.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) – Captain.
Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford)
Alexander Sorloth (Atlético Madrid) – Striker.
Oscar Bobb (Fulham)
Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund)
Orjan Nyland (Sevilla) – GK.
Argentina
Visiting?
Explore the highest Andes Mountain peak, Aconcagua, and the world’s southernmost city of Ushuaia and all of Patagonia in between.
If you like late night nightlife, Buenos Aries is for you. Maybe attend a tango show.
Visit the Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder of the world.
“The Land of Silver”
Population: 46M
Area: 1,075,000 Miles2
Region: South America
Capital: Buenos Aires
Language: Spanish
Greeting: Hola
Cuisine: Fire and Beef. Grilling, with an Italian influence. Asado is wood-fired grilling. Pasta, pizza, gelato. Lamb, trout, berries. Yerba Mate is a social beverage and national symbol.
La Seleccion “The Selection”
Group J
World Ranking 3
WC Apps. 19
Best WC Finish: Winners 1978, 1986 & 2022
FIFA Governing Body: CONMEBOL
Head Coach: Lionel Scaloni (Argentinian)
Captain: Lionel Messi (Miami MLS)
All Time Top Scorer: Lionel Messi (198 caps, 116 goals) will be playing in this World Cup
About the Team
Argentina qualified directly by finishing top of the CONMEBOL standings. The squad represents the perfect evolution of the 2022 golden generation, with the question now being whether the young wave can carry the legacy on the biggest stage. Stars like Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez provide world-class finishing and leadership, while a wave of dazzling young talents in Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte and Thiago Almada—some of the most exciting prospects in world soccer—give La Albiceleste genuine depth and creativity across the pitch.
The Fans
La Albiceleste supporters are passionate, emotional, and fiercely loyal, turning every match into a sea of sky-blue and white that unites the entire nation. Also called “hinchas” (fans), they are known for their “festejos” (street parties). FIFA awarded them “Best Fan” in 2023 after their iconic celebration after winning the 2022 WC where 5 million people welcomed the team home to Buenos Aires.
Players to Watch
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United
Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
England
Visiting?
Walk around London, look kids, Big Ben - Parliament. Buckingham Palace. Hyde Park. Piccadilly Circus. London Bridge.
Pubs. Grab a Cask Beer, a non-carbonated ale.
Explore the architecture, cathedrals and castles.
“The Land of Hope and Glory”
Population: 55M
Area: 50,000 Miles2
Region: Europe
Capital: London
Language: English
Greeting: Hello
Cuisine: Roasts, pies, dairy and breads. Fish & Chips. Ales. Full English Breakfast with eggs, ham, beans and toast. Shepherd’s Pie. Yorkshire Pudding.
The Three Lions
Group L
World Ranking 4
WC Apps. 17
Best WC Finish: Winners 1966
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Thomas Tuchel (German)
Captain: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
All Time Top Scorer: Harry Kane (112 caps, 78 goals) will play in this World Cup
About the Team
England went unbeaten in qualifying. The squad shows a seamless blend of established stars and an exciting new generation, with the question now being whether the youthful firepower can deliver under pressure on the biggest stage. Stars like Harry Kane (still the captain and goal machine) and Jude Bellingham provide leadership and match-winning quality, while a wave of younger talent in Phil Foden, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer—some of the most exciting in European soccer—give the Three Lions genuine depth and creativity across the pitch.
The Fans
Just to be clear, love England Football fans and the EPL. That being said, want to know if England fans are the best in the world? Just ask them. Kidding aside, England fans are among the most passionate and recognizable in the world blending its long-standing soccer heritage, military history, and footballing culture. (using “football” to endure CS to England fans). “It’s Coming Home” will be the chant you hear in every English Pub across the USA.
Players to Watch
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) –
Marc Guehi (Manchester City)
Reece James (Chelsea)
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
