Saturday brings one last chance to watch Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé represent their countries. Also, we point to some ideas to improve the World Cup next time around.
Saturday's match is unique among all 104 matches in the 2026 World Cup. The teams involved have been eliminated and can't advance, but they're playing all the same.
But, unlike other third-place matches in the past, this is the first to feature two top-five teams, and in an alternate universe, France-England might have been an engaging final. There is still a Golden Boot race on the line, with Kylian Mbappé definitely in contention, and Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Ousmane Dembélé all just a hat trick away from making things interesting.
4 pm CT. Soccer's better than no soccer.
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Canada 1, South Africa 0
Monday, June 29
Brazil 2, Japan 1
Paraguay 1(4), Germany 1(3)
Morocco 1(3), Netherlands 1(2)
Tuesday, June 30
Norway 2, Côte d'Ivoire1
France 3, Sweden 0
Mexico 2, Ecuador 0
Wednesday, July 1
England 2, DR Congo 1
Belgium 3, Senegal 2
United States2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
Thursday, July 2
Spain 3, Austria 0
Portugal 2, Croatia 1
Switzerland 2, Algeria 0
Friday, July 3
Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2
Colombia 1, Ghana 0
Egypt 1(4), Australia 1(2)
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Morocco 3, Canada 0
France 1, Paraguay 0
Sunday, July 5
Norway 2, Brazil 1
England 3, Mexico 2
Monday, July 6
Spain 1, Portugal 0
Belgium 4, United States 1
Tuesday, July 7
Argentina 3, Egypt 2
Switzerland 0(4), Colombia 0(3)
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
France 2, Morocco 0
Friday, July 10
Spain 2, Belgium 1
Saturday, July 11
England 2, Norway 1
Argentina 3, Switzerland 1
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 14
Spain 2, France0
Wednesday, July 15
Argentina 2, England 1
Third-place match
Saturday, July 18
France vs. England, 4 pm, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Final
Sunday, July 19
Spain vs. Argentina, 2 pm, East Rutherford, N.J.
Where to watch
Since you might be making it a day with Austin FC via the open practice, you may want to take in Inn Cahoots as it winds down.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
Austin FC has a sixth straight Decision Day that doesn't impact its playoff chances. But its opponent from the Pacific Northwest has many scenarios to get into the postseason.
Brad Stuver was a surprising opening day starter in 2021, en route to becoming a six-year fixture in goal. For the last five years, he's been measurably one of MLS' best.
The 17-year-old Finnish youth international midfielder has officially signed with Verde through the 2030-31 season. What does it mean for a team that's most definitely rebuilding?
Austin FC let in four goals, making it the worst of Damian Las' six starting outings this season. However, Micah Burton and Ervin Torres connected on a goal that portends good things for the future.
Saturday's match is unique among all 104 matches in the 2026 World Cup. The teams involved have been eliminated and can't advance, but they're playing all the same.
But, unlike other third-place matches in the past, this is the first to feature two top-five teams, and in an alternate universe, France-England might have been an engaging final. There is still a Golden Boot race on the line, with Kylian Mbappé definitely in contention, and Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Ousmane Dembélé all just a hat trick away from making things interesting.
4 pm CT. Soccer's better than no soccer.
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Monday, June 29
Tuesday, June 30
Wednesday, July 1
Thursday, July 2
Friday, July 3
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Sunday, July 5
Monday, July 6
Tuesday, July 7
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
Friday, July 10
Saturday, July 11
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 14
Wednesday, July 15
Third-place match
Saturday, July 18
Final
Sunday, July 19
Where to watch
Since you might be making it a day with Austin FC via the open practice, you may want to take in Inn Cahoots as it winds down.
What to read
Ryan Rosenblatt has some really interesting ideas for improving the World Cup.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
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