- Canada are on a high after their first-ever men's World Cup knockout win and now face Morocco in the round of 16 with a quarterfinal spot at stake.
- Morocco — who beat Canada at the 2022 World Cup — arrive in form after a dramatic win over the Netherlands; Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari are major threats.
- Matchups to watch: Jonathan David's finishing for Canada, Alphonso Davies returning from injury, and Tajon Buchanan's pace on the wing.
The news, distilled into what matters.
- The World Cup’s Round of 16 kicks off on July 4 — two big matches will decide who reaches the quarterfinals.
- Canada (Jonathan David, Cyle Larin) could get a boost from returning captain Alphonso Davies as they face a talented Morocco side led by Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari.
- France, firing on all cylinders with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, are heavy favorites as they take on Paraguay.
- Canada has been the tournament surprise and now faces Morocco in the Round of 16 — Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan will need to click for Canada to reach the quarters.
- Morocco are a serious test (they beat Canada in 2022) with match-winners like Achraf Hakimi and hot forward Ismael Saibari.
- France, heavy favorites, rely on Kylian Mbappé’s red-hot scoring form (six goals) and Michael Olise’s creativity, while Paraguay’s Matías Galarza and Julio Enciso can hurt them on the break.
- A widely shared photo shows a blindfolded, restrained man in Israeli custody, sparking outrage and concern.
- Two Palestinian mothers separately say they are sure the man is their own missing son after seeing the image.
- Israel says the photo is genuine and is investigating, but has not identified the detainee or disclosed where he is held.
- Chris "The Bear" Fallica is backing Vini Jr. to shine vs Norway — an anytime-scorer pick (+130) and a longer-shot 2+ goals/assists bet (+400).
- Brazil vs Norway looks set to be entertaining (Haaland chatter might fire Vini Jr.; Norway only just advanced), so goals and action are likely.
- England vs Mexico at Estadio Azteca promises a raucous atmosphere — Fallica sees extra time as very possible and even a surprising plot-twist in Mexico’s favor.
- Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest kicks off Fourth of July — Joey Chestnut is the heavy favorite aiming for his 18th title, and Miki Sudo is chasing her 12th in the women’s division.
- A full MLB slate features rivalry matchups (Braves‑Mets, Dodgers‑Padres, Cubs‑Cardinals) — plenty of baseball to follow throughout the day.
- The FIFA World Cup round of 16 begins, so knockout‑stage soccer adds international drama to the holiday.
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