- The round of 16 kicks off on July 4 — the host’s 250th anniversary — with matches in Houston and Philadelphia (near Independence Hall), a nice Independence Day backdrop for soccer fans.
- Canada faces Morocco in Houston — a 2022 rematch where Morocco are heavy favorites; Canada has improved under Jesse Marsch but Alphonso Davies’ fitness is uncertain.
- France vs Paraguay in Philly pits Mbappé (chasing World Cup scoring records) and in-form Dembélé/Olise against Paraguay’s stubborn, giant-killing defense (they just ousted Germany); an East Coast heat wave could affect the game.
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