The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, so this will be a particularly memorable July 4 while the World Cup carries on.
July 4, of course, is also a special day in the United States but this particular one comes during both the 250th anniversary of the country and during a World Cup in which the USMNT are playing well.
The USA have reached the round of 16 but will be without talisman Folarin Balogun after his red card. Who steps up in his absence? 🤷♂️
Balogun is the USA's top scorer with three goals ⚽⚽⚽
All the makings are there for a fantastic day, and here’s what soccer action you can tuck into throughout it.
Sadly, the USMNT are not scheduled to play on July 4.
There are other knockout games, however, to keep across.
Canada vs Morocco followed by Paraguay vs France on July 4
Indeed, World Cup favorites France play Paraguay – who beat Germany on penalties to shock the world in the round of 32 – at 5pm ET in Philadelphia.
Before that, co-hosts Canada meet Morocco at 1pm in Houston.
While it is a shame that Mauricio Pochettino’s team are not playing, there’s still plenty of drama to keep across.
Canada are enjoying their best World Cup run in history, while Paraguay have been one of the stories of the tournament thus far.
France, meanwhile, are certainly turning on the style. Star striker Kylian Mbappe has already scored six goals, while Michael Olise is racking up the assists (five).
Morocco are another fascinating story to keep an eye on. They became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final four years ago in Qatar and have looked strong in this tournament.
Technically African champions after the most controversial final in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, it will be fascinating to see if they can go as far as they did in the last World Cup.
Canada vs Morocco – 1pm EDT, Houston Stadium
Paraguay vs France – 5pm EDT, Philadelphia
Read more:
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Atlanta Stadium food prices for England game ‘felt like stealing’ compared to other World Cup venues
Mauricio Pochettino issues Folarin Balogun verdict after controversial USMNT red card
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