For a country that, by and large, has not been a big fan of soccer, it's been something to watch the country have a good time with the World Cup. It's been a perfect accompaniment to America 250, as it has helped us to think again about all the things that have made us great as a nation, that some of our guests are only now discovering.
One of the things that's nice to recognize on the Fourth of July is that we have a team representing us that truly embraces that - they're actually proud to represent us, and they represent us well.
Mark McKenzie leads the @USMNT's postgame prayer after the victory 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RnI7WgFGIa
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
Here's Folarin Balogun when asked about the unfair red card that means he has to sit out a game. He doesn't whine or cry - he deals with it with grace, because he wants children and other American viewers know the team will comport itself with respect. This is grace, and looking beyond himself.
#USMNT striker Folarin Balogun on his immediate reaction to red card:
— Sanjay Sujanthakumar (@tha_Real_Kumar) July 3, 2026
“I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to…
“I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There's still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it's unjust.”
On shaking ref’s hand postgame: “As said, you can feel like something, injustice can happen to you. It’s not an excuse to be disrespectful… I'm aware that the World Cup might be the first time a lot of American viewers are tuning in. So it's important just to show people, whether things happen to you, good or bad, just to continue to be yourself.”
Then there was the play of the Cinderella team, Cape Verde. They'd made it to the Round of 32, with great determination, only to have to face one of the favorites, Argentina and Lionel Messi, on Friday. They gave it everything they had and nearly pulled it off, going into stoppage time tied, and then tying it up again in an incredible moment.
READ MORE: Cinderella World Cup Team Pulls Off Another Amazing Achievement
World Cup Freddy Rides Again With Special Lunch - and a White House Announcement
Sidny Lopes Cabral with an ABSOLUTE GOLAZO to bring Cape Verde level with Argentina in extra time 😱
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 2026
INCREDIBLE SCENES pic.twitter.com/ox1DColGJv
Unfortunately, Argentina scored one more time, dashing Cape Verde's hopes. But it was an incredible first-time run in the World Cup. While Cape Verde forward Nuno da Costa left it all on the field, his family was there to envelop him.
This is what the beautiful game is all about.
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 2026
A young Cape Verde fan shows love to his team after the hard-fought battle with defending Champions Argentina in the Round of 32 🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/jLVibWGYfK
That little boy was da Costa's son.
Cape Verde forward Nuno da Costa shares a moment with his family postgame 💙 pic.twitter.com/OJokBvRAbj
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 2026
Then there was a German visitor, Sebastian Krautz, who had been a bit worried because he'd heard about "shootings" and "crime" (thanks, liberal media). But like many others, he realized he'd been sold a bill of goods, that America touched him deeply. He admitted he'd fallen in love.
🚨#BREAKING: A German soccer fan who flew to the USA but was fearful about coming because of news about criminals and people being mean...
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) July 4, 2026
...breaks down into TEARS, live on air saying he has FALLEN IN LOVE with America after a random man named "Bob" in Boston gave him a ride… pic.twitter.com/7a2TKkiLKw
#BREAKING: A German soccer fan who flew to the USA but was fearful about coming because of news about criminals and people being mean... .
..breaks down into TEARS, live on air saying he has FALLEN IN LOVE with America after a random man named "Bob" in Boston gave him a ride home after he was stuck at a game with no way back to his hotel
The German soccer fan's name is Sebastian, he said after meeting Bob, he extended his entire trip. He said leaving America will hurt worse than watching Germany get knocked out of the World Cup.
"I fall in love with America. I'm sorry, it's just so emotional. Americans are not rude... if we are together, we can achieve great things." THIS IS THE AMERICA I KNOW!!!!!!
Then, if all that didn't get you going, this song from Jason Stills just might.
Greatest new song to come out of the World Cup! ⚽️❤️🇺🇸 Welcome To The Land Of The Free!🇺🇸❤️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/0MFxaWYq0I
— Tara LaRosa (@TaraLaRosa) July 1, 2026
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