World Cup 2026's final multi-game day is today, with one likely scintillating match between Norway and England followed by a possible dud between Argentina and Switzerland.
Where to watch
As the tournament winds down, so have many of the public spots to catch games. Here's a recap on where you can still hang:
- Brick Park: Pioneer Square continues to show all games through the end of the tournament (including a beer garden).
- Seattle Center Armory: Indoor only, unfortunately, but still available through the final.
- Pacific Place: No more "Seattle Soccer House", but they still have the games on!
- Westlake Park: Outdoor viewing here, operational through the final.
- Victory Hall: Across from T-Mobile Park, operational through the final.
- KEXP Gathering Space: Indoor option - you guessed it, available through the final.
- Nordic Museum: This option's already sold out. If you happened to get a ticket and forgot, here's your reminder!
Where to watch the World Cup around Puget Sound
It’s the world’s game. Celebrate it with the people who make the world great.
Dave Clark
Today's games
Norway vs. England
Time: 2:00 pm (Pacific)
Where: Miami Gardens, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Time: 6:00 pm (Pacific)
Where: Kansas City, MO @ Arrowhead Stadium
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
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?
- Norway's already made it as far as they ever have in a World Cup – only previously having made the Round of 16 in 1938 and 1998. This is already a success for them, and beating yet another talented team would be icing on the cake.
- Interestingly, every time Japan has made it to the World Cup, the team that beats the team that beat Japan has won the tournament (4 times so far!). Here's a little secret: Brazil beat Japan, and Norway beat Brazil. Following this trend would be utterly shocking and lead to just the 8th nation ever to win the World Cup.
- Just like Argentina, England faced a gigantic knockout scare against Mexico, having just 34% possession and was outshot 23:6. Once again, their match-winners showed out: Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to the rescue. I wrote a week ago that if those two don't show up, they don't have any match-winners. I still believe this. Beating a Norway team that is finally gelling, Ødegaard looking stellar the last two games and with Erling Haaland, will prove difficult even for a team as talented on paper as the English.
- England right back Jarell Quansah is suspended from this match and the semifinal if they advance. Four other England players are in danger of yellow card accumulation.
- Johan Manzambi is probably the rising star of this tournament... but has been confirmed out vs. Argentina by Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin. Switzerland managed just a single shot on target in the 32nd minute in their last match, and two shots total on the night. Without Manzambi, they look an entirely different team – devoid of ideas and creativity – and will need to rely on their stout defense and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel if they are to advance past the defending champions. The Swiss also attempt 22 throughballs a game. That's as many as the other three teams playing combined.
- After starting with two shutouts, Argentina has given up four goals in their two knockout games. Messi and La Albiceleste pulled off one of the most incredible come-from-behind wins in World Cup history against Egypt, looking all-but-out of ideas until the floodgates opened in the 79th minute. The Swiss are a better team and a better defense. Urgency from the outset will be key, especially if Switzerland did their homework studying Egypt's excellent game plan.
- The day features three of the top four in the World Cup Golden Boot race:
- Mbappe leads with 8 goals and 3 assists.
- Messi is in second with 8 goals and an assist.
- Haaland sits in third with 7 goals and no assists.
- Kane has 6 goals and an assist.
- Bellingham is the only player active on the day within a hat-trick of second, with his 4 goals and an assist.
- The four leaders play in four different leagues (Spain, MLS, England and Germany)
- Messi scored in each of his last six competitive internationals, a stunning number. Haaland scored in each of his last 10.
- If today’s favorites win, the semis will be the four teams ranked 1 through 4 when the tournament started.
