One of my traditions, let's call it a tradition, started 16 days ago as I've worn a different soccer jersey every day. These include the surprised-to-learn-it-fits 1998 Pearl Jam tour top, the too-tight-to-wear-outside-the-house USMNT 2010 blue sash and several ECS Pub League tops. Today's top is "None Shall Pass," the backup keeper’s kit from Shire United.
For the minnows it is their goalkeepers who become legend. With a shutout today, Vozinha, the Cabo Verde keeper, can push his tiny nation to the promised land of the knockout rounds. A win could take the group if the right kind of help comes from the Uruguay-Spain match.
The day starts with Group I, as Norway attempts unseat France in a contrast of mega-star styles. Senegal is in a must-win situation, one that could firm up that Africa is taking better advantage of the tournament's expansion than Asia.
Group G is special for Seattle. It's Pride Night, Pride weekend and Pride month. No matter who visits, our region feels that all neighbors who accept others are accepted. Iran and Egypt should be an excellent contest for those who get FS1. Either team could take the group. Without a win, Belgium will need help to advance. FOX choosing the more well known Belgium over the more competitive match is disappointing.
Dave Clark
Today's games
Norway v. France
Time: 12 pm (Pacific)
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston), Mass.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Senegal v. Iraq
Time: 12 pm (Pacific)
Where: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
TV: FS1, NBC Universo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Uruguay v. Spain
Time: 5 pm (Pacific)
Where: Estadio Akron, Zapopan (Guadalajara), Mexico
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Cape Verde v. Saudi Arabia
Time: 5 pm (Pacific)
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
TV: FS1, NBC Universo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
New Zealand v. Belgium
Time: 8 pm (Pacific)
Where: BC Place, Vancouver, B.C.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Charles Boehm
Egypt v. Iran
Time: 8 pm (Pacific)
Where: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, Cascadia
TV: FS1, NBC Universo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Audio-only English language coverage is available on iHeart
The new issue of IV: The Sounder at Heart magazine is now available for pre-order. Issue 2 will focus on Seattle’s role in the 2026 World Cup.
What’s interesting today?
- Average viewership in the United States as of Wednesday is over 10 million per match (combined English and Spanish coverage, cross platforms). Three matches prior to last night's USMNT match have passed 25 million (both prior US games and the Mexico opener).
- Attendance is also setting a record, passing the highest attendance record set in 1994. Capacity is over 99% to this point, even as hotel reservations were down and prices were up. This World Cup is much larger than 1994, as is interest in the sport.
- Mbappe and Haaland enter the day tied for second in the golden boot race, with four goals each.
- Players from MLS have the 7th most appearances of any league and are fifth for goals scored. Without Messi the goalscoring drops to 10th. The EPL leads the pack, followed by a tier with Germany, France, Spain and Italy. MLS sits in a third tier with Turkey, Netherlands and the Championship.
