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Host
Hello everybody. Welcome to Morning Update coming to you from New York. We're taking a quick pit stop here before heading over to Dallas for the semifinals. Yesterday Spain booked their spot in the semis. Today four more teams. We'll try and join them. Switzerland take on Argentina and England play Erling Haaland's Norway. It's double game day guys. Enjoy it whilst it lasts. This is your ultimate guide to day 30 of the world Cup.
Co-host
Yep.
Host
Hello and welcome to Morning cup date built by the Home Depot live from New York City. The Home Depot is your winning assist to host the ultimate watch party with fast free delivery to get your backyard matched. Stay ready, subject to availability. Now two quarterfinals down, two more to go everybody. And both are taking place today. The winners of each will meet on Wednesday in the semi final in Atlanta. First up in Miami at 5pm Eastern. Erling Haaland's Norway take on Harry Kanes England in Miami and I think this is going to be a tasty one. World cup oh yeah. Norway are living the dream. At their first World cup since 1998. They beat the Ivory coast in the round of 32 and then they shocked the world by beating five time champions Brazil 2 1. Their lead Viking Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway Went marching or rowing through to the quarters. A performance Haaland put down to the team thriving as the underdogs.
Guest Analyst
I think we played unbelievable. But to have 250 million or how many it is in Brazil to expect you to win a football game is not easy. So the pressure is on them and you could kind of see that today. We were just, we just played football and enjoyed it.
Host
Meanwhile, England played in one of the most dramatic World cup games I think we've ever seen as they beat Mexico 32 in Mexico City. Despite being down to 10 for most of the second half, Jude Bellingham scored two goals in two minutes while captain Harry Kane scored a second half penalty. Kane gave absolutely everything to see that win over the line, even his voice. Well, just look at him here.
Commentator
Incredible.
Co-host
Unbelievable support.
Commentator
Speechless. I can't even talk.
Host
And with nearly a week to prepare for this match, the banter between the two nations has been rising. First of all, you've got Britain, British Airways and Norwegian Airways making bets with each other on social media. Then England's former striker Wayne Rooney was catching a little bit of heat for saying this earlier in the tournament about Norway's chances.
Commentator
If Norway gets to the quarter finals,
Host
I'll go on the river Maze and I'll roll down. Get in your boat, Wayne. And a certain Mr. Haaland very much wants to make sure that this bet is paid in full.
Guest Analyst
Wayne Rooney, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.
Host
And if you wanted another storyline to whet your appetite ahead of this match, Haaland and Jud Bellingham's love story has been going viral. It is a bromance that started when they were at Borussia Dortmund together. It's like a football version of Romeo and Juliet. Best mates forced to be rivals on the biggest stage. Both battling for a place in the semi finals. Come on, someone write the play, please. It's like Shakespeare. But whilst Haaland might be the striker everyone is talking about now, and honestly, everyone is, he is very much loved out here in the usa. We'll get onto that at the end of the show. England's Jed Spence wanted to put a little bit of respect on his captain Harry Kane's name.
Commentator
What's his standout strength? Erling Harland. Finishing. Have you seen anything like it?
Producer
Yeah.
Commentator
Hurricane.
Host
That is such a good line from Jed Spence, isn't it? So, unsurprisingly, the good people of TikTok have already been hard at work with the edits.
Commentator
Have you seen anything like it?
Co-host
Yeah,
Host
That's actually producer Teddy that spent all day making that edit, so give it some love in the comments, please. Off the scale aura from Jed as well. He's just so cool, isn't he? Anyway, onto the game. Norway have no fresh injury issues going into this one, although there were some rumors of a sickness bug in the camp earlier in the week, something that the team doctor has played down a little bit. England do have some absentees themselves to worry about. Joel Quons suspension means he's unavailable at right back. Center Mark Gahey has a hamstring strain and will need to be assessed. And Declan Rice has had a sickness bug of his own. But good news. Reece James is looking good for a return. England's most reliable defender this summer has definitely been Aston Villa's ESRI Konsa and he will still play a vital role in stopping Norway's Erling Haaland. Let's dive into it. Today's drill down, brought to you by Makita is why Esricon Sir Martin might be the man to stop this tournament's most terrifying striker against Brazil. Gabriel could not cope with Haaland, but could concert be the secret weapon for the Three Lions? Well, you've just got to look at his record at Aston Villa. Haaland has faced Konsa five times in the Premier League for City, and in that time the Norwegians only scored one goal.
Producer
What?
Host
What? Can you believe it? Morgan Rodgers was full of praise for his Villa teammate concert earlier this week.
Commentator
I think he's one of the best centre backs in football, if I'm honest. I think at this World Cup, I think the ability that he's got and everything he can do everything as a centre back never gets beaten or strong in the air, strong in attack or unbelievable on the ball. I honestly don't know. A flaw in his game.
Host
The difficulty with Haaland is that it only takes one lapse in concentration and he will pounce like a lion. Against Brazil, he had the fewest touches of any player in the first half, but in the second half he pounced on Gabriel's slight hesitation and the game was done. One other thing that could have a big factor this evening is the temperature in Miami. The forecast says that it could feel as high as 110 degrees at kickoff. And neither the English or the Norwegians are famous for performing in extreme heat.
Co-host
Do you know it's going to stay hot that.
Commentator
That part of the forecast is not changing. That's been consistent for quite some time now.
Host
Oh, it's going to be a hot one, isn't it then. Also on Saturday night at 9pm Eastern, we've got an intriguing clash in Kansas City as Switzerland try to take down the world champions Argentina. Now the Swiss booked their SP spot with a penalty shootout win after an incredibly dull nil nil draw against Colombia. No one was bored during Argentina's last match though. The world champions look to be heading for the exit when Egypt took a shock 20 lead in Atlanta on Tuesday. But a controversial turnaround from Argentina secured them a dramatic 32 win with Enzo Fernandez scoring a stoppage time header to leave the Egyptians absolutely reeling. Safe to say it's been a bit of a bumpy ride for Argentina in the knockout. Stunned by Cape verde in the round of 32 and then they put their fans through the Wringer in the round of 16. Switzerland's knockout journey has been far less eventful. Keeping two consecutive clean sheets against Colombia, the Swiss badly missed their midfielder Johan Manzambi, who had a knee injury. He is the Swiss top scorer with three goals and two assists and has impressed. Yesterday he agreed to sign a deal at Newcastle. Unfortunately though, he won't be available for today's match either, so Switzerland may be forced to keep it compact. They've never made it past the quarter finals of a World cup before, so they will be hoping to make history. Okay, it is time to dive into yesterday's quarter final. Arsenal's Mikel Mourinho grabbed the winner in the 88th minute as Spain booked their place in the semis where they'll face France. Now Manchester United's keeper, Senior Larmans, who had to come off the bench to replace an injured Thibaut Courtois, won't want to watch that back again. He fumbled the ball which led to the winner. A cruel, cruel way for Belgium's crash out of the tournament. This is what Rory said on the nightclub.
Commentator
It was a regulation save. He should have caught it. It did, Boun, quite awkwardly. I'm not sure I would have saved it. I think I would have done a worse job, so maybe I shouldn't judge him too harshly, but for a professional that will be devastating.
Host
That goal meant Mikel Mourinho became the first player in tournament history to score the winner in two different knockout stage matches as a substitute.
Producer
What?
Host
Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead on the half hour mark before a beautifully worked Belgium goal, finished once again by Charles de Qutela, drew the Red Devils level and the first goal Spain had conceded. All tournament fun fact by the way, about Char. He was a Flemish tennis champion at the age of 10, but chose football instead, which I'm sure all of his fans are going to be very pleased about. Apparently, though, his tennis game was all about aggression. Smashing his rackets, swearing. I'd say in this World cup he couldn't be any more different to that. He looks more like a perfect class president. Those sort of vibes, I think. Anyway, three goals at this World cup for him. Back to the game. Although it ended in heartbreak for Belgium, Courtois spoke about the achievement of making it to the quarters.
Commentator
We are Belgium.
Guest Analyst
We're not England, we're not Spain, we're not France. We are a small country of not even 12 million people that on big tournaments are showing amazing things.
Host
Many people, including our very own Rory and a lot of you in the YouTube comments, had ruled Belgium out of this tournament, saying their squad contained the dregs of the golden generation and that they were simply too old to compete. Well, after knocking out host USA in quite some fashion, they gave a pretty good account for themselves, I reckon. But Spain's manager, Louis Luis de la Fuente, has now managed more games across the World cup and Euros without ever losing than any other manager. 12 wins and one draw. That is quite frankly ridiculous, isn't it? But have Spain reached the semis without hitting their full potential? Here's Rog.
Co-host
The German notion of the World cup that we always talk about is the tourney of manchaft, the team that plays themselves into form game after game. Don't look good at the beginning, but like every single game, find a rhythm, find a form, find a starting lineup, find an identity. Spain are not close to doing that. And yet. And yet they're in a World cup semi final.
Host
And if you were wondering, Lamina Mal's little brother was catching everyone's attention in the stands again. What a little legend he is. Shout out to him. Spain have a date in Dallas against the formidable France on Tuesday the 14th of July. Whack that one in your diaries because you will not want to miss it tonight. After the final whistle of Argentina, Switzerland, Roger Rory will be live for one of the last remaining episodes of Nightcut. Breaking down both of today's matches and looking ahead to the clashes of the titans that are the semi finals. Tune in right here on the men in Blazers YouTube. Right, everybody, it is prediction time. We are in the business end now for our prediction challenge. Yesterday I took on Sam Mewis and she correctly predicted a win for Spain whilst I went for Belgium, which means. Sorry, guys, it's a bit of fun, isn't It. We're not taking it that seriously. You don't need to put your head in your hands, George. Which means that Nightcup drew level and it is now 9 9. So it is all square. Rory, how are you feeling? Because predictions is getting serious now.
Commentator
Apparently. It's level pegging. Interesting. There's a lot of tension, pressure.
Host
Yes, it is. It's tight. Okay, let's start with England against Norway. Juicy game. I think it's probably going to be 31 to England.
Commentator
You'll go 31 England. I would go the same outcome, different stroller. I think it'll be quite tight. I think Norway might start off a little bit nervous, but England will have too much quality despite their own fears of Erling Haaland. So I'm going to say 2:1 to England.
Host
I thought you were going to do a draw and then penalties.
Commentator
I mean, I can see that. But I think. I think England will nick it. Maybe after extra time. Yeah, I think it'll be tight. Okay.
Host
Switzerland against Argentina. This is. This is probably going to be quite one sided, I think, isn't it? So let's. I'm going to say 2 nil to Argentina.
Commentator
So the thing is, every Erzentown game in the knockouts has been complete chaos. So it should be 2 nil to Argentina. That is the correct scoreline for like the gap in quality between the teams. But I think Switzerland will score first. Argentina will panic. They'll score with their first shot. Switzerland, Argentina will panic. It will end 1 all after normal time, 2 all after extra time and Argentina will win on penalties.
Host
Oh, my gosh. You're going for a thriller.
Commentator
That is a detailed. That's a detailed prediction. Betty, do I get bonus points?
Host
Yeah, you'll get a bonus point if all of that comes true.
Commentator
Perfect. All right, that seems like a deal. Apparently, that's not a deal.
Host
Producer Elizabeth is like, nate, I'm not going to be doing that. Thank you, Rory.
Commentator
Pleasure as always.
Host
Enjoy.
Producer
Thank you.
Co-host
As cruel fate smash your dreams of football in glory, join this FIFA World Cup. Fear not, you're now a sporting free agent with your choice of squads the opportunity to pick someone new. The teams with the catcher songs, the country you studied abroad in, the goalkeeper with the magnificent hair when your team's gone fun doesn't have to be because on the lay's bandwagon, every match is another excuse to grab a snack and pick a new favourite. There are no wrong answers, only good times and tasty snacks. So jump on and enjoy the rest of the tournament because lays Keeps the party going and the bandwagon has never tasted better. Lays, official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as cruel fates smash your dreams of football in glory during this FIFA World cup, fear not. You're now a sporting free agent with your choice of squads. The opportunity to pick someone new. The teams with the catcher songs, the country you studied abroad in, the goalkeeper with a magnificent hair. When your team's gone, fun doesn't have to be, because on the lay's bandwagon, every match is another excuse to grab a snack and pick a new favourite. There are no wrong answers, only good times and tasty snacks. So jump on and enjoy the rest of the tournament because Lays keeps the party going and the bandwagon has never tasted better. Lays, official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and as the world arrives in the United States for the biggest spectacle in sports, we're going coast to coast, host city to host city to meet the world with the men in blazers. Matchday Live tour. These are free college gameday style live events taking place just before kickoff at some of the biggest games of the summer, where we'll be taking the stage with celebrity guests in front of thousands of fans. It's going to be amazing. Come and be with us in person or From Afar on YouTube. Let's celebrate this some other way. It's meant to be celebrated is. Head to the events tab on meninblazers.com for all the details to the football to more together courage.
Host
On today's finishing touch, brought to you by Bear Paint. We're breaking down the top five reasons America is falling in love with Erling Haaland. That Viking soccer player is starting to cast a spell on me. Since the World cup has started, America has become obsessed with the Norwegian striker. He's gained over 18 million new Instagram followers, 900,000 new YouTube subscribers. And when you Google his name, this is what happens. As well as this. The Norway home shirt is sold out across the world. And a remixed version of a song he released when he was 15 has gone all the way to number one in Norway. But why is he so lovable? Well, number one, he's a funny guy.
Co-host
Y' all can kiss my Dallas.
Host
Despite being a global superstar, Haaland doesn't take himself too seriously.
Producer
Are y' all on the Norwegian soccer team?
Guest Analyst
Uh, no, not me.
Host
No, not you. I love it. Pretending that his producer was in fact the best striker on the planet. But he still posed for a photo. On to number two. The look. His secret six foot five Stature and long blonde hair certainly catches the eye.
Producer
When he became popular during this World Cup, a trend appeared on the Internet with people looking like him making videos. So I decided why not do the same.
Host
This Russian model went viral after people spotted a resemblance between the two. But she's not the only one. Whilst being compared to a spring onion may not be the most flattering, he does have a Hollywood lookalike.
Producer
But at this year's World Cup, Chan is embracing the Viking look. In fact, the Magic Mike star channeled
Host
Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland for the
Producer
Norway vs. France game at Boston Stadium June 26.
Host
Channing Tatum dressed up as Haaland for an ad campaign and was even spotted in the crowd wearing a blonde wig during Norway's game against France. Number three. He is a real life Viking as well as inspiring a hell of a lot of these. He is the living embodiment of the Nordic spirit, perfectly demonstrated in this iconic Viking inspired team photo. At number four, the goals.
Guest Analyst
I don't know. I think it's my speciality to score goals. It's like many other things. I'm just really good at scoring goals.
Host
Haaland is a goal machine. We all know that. He scored seven so far in this tournament, breathing down the necks of Messi and Mbappe. This is unprecedented for the Norwegian national team. Let's not forget they're enjoying their first World cup since 1998. And his pinch me, I'm dreaming energy is so infectious.
Guest Analyst
This is not normal for Norway to be so. It's super pressure.
Host
Number five. He just loves the usa.
Guest Analyst
I'm going to rodeo later.
Host
We've done a rodeo right now and the USA loves Haaland. Here he is blown away by the patriotism on show at the ice hockey game.
Guest Analyst
They have so much like pride for the country. They love the country so much. It's everything about it. National Amsterdam was incredible. Amazing. Had goosebumps all over.
Host
It is safe to say he's a big fan.
Guest Analyst
I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious as well.
Host
So there you have it. I'm starting to think that this mutual affection is going to be a lot more than just a summer romance. That is it for Morning cup date today. Built by the Home Depot. The Home Depot is your winning assist to host the ultimate watch party with fast free delivery to get your backyard match day ready, subject to availability. Now, as today is the last day of the tournament with multiple games, you have got to get yourself down to a bar to watch both of them. Luckily we have the Men in Blazers Bar Finder to help you find the perfect place. It has an interactive map with the best soccer bars across the country curated by thousands of our listeners. Recommendations? You've got to give it a look, find a pub and enjoy another beautiful day of football. Deuce of George get on it. Get on it. The link is in the notes below. We are going to be back on Tuesday. Tuesday as the semi finals get underway. That is ridiculously exciting. But until then, enjoy the football.
Episode: "Quarter Finals Continue: Norway vs England and Switzerland vs Argentina | Day 30 Preview"
Date: July 11, 2026
This episode of Men In Blazers is a spirited preview of Day 30 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, focusing on the remaining two quarterfinal clashes: Norway vs. England and Switzerland vs. Argentina. The hosts celebrate the drama and narratives that surround the tournament, with a particular focus on star players, tactical matchups, and the evolving folklore of World Cup football. Peppered with wit, light banter, guest insights, and detailed analysis, this episode serves as the ultimate prelude to a pivotal day of knockout football, while also recapping the previous day's action and indulging in the growing American fascination with Norway’s Erling Haaland.
[01:15–07:21]
Narrative Setting:
Norway are the tournament’s fairytale, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and shocking the football world with their upset of Brazil. England, ever dramatic, have just survived a “classic” against Mexico, winning 3-2 despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.
Star Focus:
Erling Haaland (Norway): “Lead Viking Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway went marching, or rowing, through to the quarters.” [01:28]
Guest Analyst describes why Norway felt less pressure:
“But to have 250 million or how many it is in Brazil to expect you to win a football game is not easy. So the pressure is on them and you could kind of see that today. We just played football and enjoyed it.” [02:39, Guest Analyst]
Harry Kane (England): Heroic performance in the quarters, visibly exhausted:
“[Kane] gave absolutely everything to see that win over the line, even his voice. Well, just look at him here.”
“Speechless. I can't even talk.” [03:18, Commentator]
Banter & Social Media Rivalry:
“If Norway gets to the quarter finals, I'll go on the river Maze and I'll roll down. Get in your boat, Wayne.” [03:44, Host] “Wayne Rooney, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.” [03:53, Guest Analyst]
Personal Storylines:
Tactical Preview:
“I think he's one of the best centre backs in football...never gets beaten… strong in the air, strong in attack, unbelievable on the ball. I honestly don't know a flaw in his game.” [06:27, Commentator]
[07:21–09:41]
Switzerland’s Calm Approach:
Argentina’s Rollercoaster:
“Switzerland may be forced to keep it compact. They've never made it past the quarter finals… hoping to make history.” [08:34, Host]
[09:41–11:42]
Late Drama:
“It was a regulation save. He should have caught it. …For a professional that will be devastating.” [09:28, Commentator]
Spain’s Clinical Consistency:
“Apparently, though, his tennis game was all about aggression. Smashing his rackets, swearing. I'd say in this World Cup he couldn't be any more different to that. He looks more like a perfect class president.” [09:49, Host]
Belgium’s Golden Generation:
“We are Belgium. We're not England, we're not Spain, we're not France. We are a small country… showing amazing things.” [10:33, Guest Analyst]
Managerial Genius:
“Quite frankly ridiculous, isn’t it?” [11:01, Host]
Spain’s Form:
“Spain are not close to doing that. And yet. And yet they're in a World Cup semi final.” [11:42, Co-host]
[12:47–14:10]
England vs Norway:
Switzerland vs Argentina:
“That is a detailed. That's a detailed prediction. Betty, do I get bonus points?” [14:01, Commentator]
[16:24–19:48]
The “Top Five Reasons America is Falling in Love with Erling Haaland”:
1. He’s Funny:
> “Y’all can kiss my Dallas.” [17:14, Co-host]
- Haaland jokes with US pop culture, doesn’t take himself too seriously.
2. The Look:
- Six-foot-five, long blonde hair, earning world-wide shirt sellouts and viral impersonations (including Channing Tatum dressing as Haaland at a game).
> “This Russian model went viral after people spotted a resemblance between the two.” [17:38, Host]
3. Viking Spirit:
- Embodies Nordic energy; team photos and personal style fuel the legend.
4. The Goals:
> “I'm just really good at scoring goals.” [18:44, Guest Analyst]
- Seven goals at this tournament; unprecedented for Norway and lifting them to historic heights.
5. Loves the USA:
- Attends rodeos and American sports events, openly admires US patriotism.
> “They have so much like pride for the country... National anthem was incredible. Amazing. Had goosebumps all over.” [19:31, Guest Analyst]
> “I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious as well.” [19:44, Guest Analyst]
“I'm starting to think that this mutual affection is going to be a lot more than just a summer romance.” [19:48, Host]
[02:54, Host]
“England played in one of the most dramatic World Cup games I think we've ever seen.”
[03:41, Host & 03:53, Guest Analyst]
“If Norway gets to the quarter finals, I'll go on the river Maze and I'll row down. Get in your boat, Wayne.” / “Wayne Rooney, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.”
[04:46, Host]
“That is such a good line from Jed Spence, isn't it?”
[06:27, Commentator]
“I think he's one of the best centre backs in football… I honestly don't know a flaw in his game.”
[11:21, Co-host]
“Spain are not close to [‘the German notion’ of peaking tournament form]. And yet… they're in a World cup semi final.”
[18:44, Guest Analyst]
“I'm just really good at scoring goals.”
[19:44, Guest Analyst]
“I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious as well.”
Friendly, banter-heavy, and passionate, the Men In Blazers episode brings anticipation, humor, and sharp analysis to a World Cup quarterfinal matchday. With a focus on both human stories and tactical insight, listeners are invited to savor the sport’s drama and personalities as much as the football itself.
For the full World Cup experience: Find a soccer bar (with the referenced Bar Finder), soak in the drama, and prepare for more memories as the tournament races toward its conclusion.