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Roger Bennett
For nearly two decades, almost as long as Tim Ream has been in the U.S. men's National Team, All State has bat the growth of this game in every corner of this great footballing nation, from grassroots pitches to the biggest stages, they've been here believing in it, protecting its future. Because supporting soccer, it's not just about match days. And that's why All State offers affordable coverage at personalised rates, so you can spend less time worrying and and more time watching. Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. Visit allstate.com or call a local agent today. Allstate. You're in good hands. Potential savings vary subject to terms and availability. Allstate North America Insurance Company and Affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. We are delighted to bring you the Men in Blazers City Guides presented by Visa, a joyously assembled guide to the best places to eat, drink and explore and watch the beautiful game across the country Enjoyed. Aimed at helping fans experience the city as a local. It's built by you, our listeners, recommending some of the best small businesses in your communities, like the finest Fiat Cajun in Houston. Yes. The best burrito in San Francisco. Yes. Where to save a lemon pepper wet in Atlanta. Yes. Yes. Yes. A massive shout out to our sponsor, Visa, who's made this guide possible. Visa gives local business owners the tools and support to be ready for moments exactly like this one. Welcoming you to enjoy the games this summer. Start planning your journey@meninblazers.com CityGuides lays an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, is also the official sponsor of all bandwagon fans during this euphoric summer of footballing wonder. And this summer, they're inviting all of us to jump on because come kick off. Hope springs eternal. My cold, dark heart grows three sizes every FIFA world up. The ebullient Moroccans, the splimed Spanish. You can't help but fall in love again and again. So ask grandma if perhaps your 1/16 French, Brazilian or Japanese. Adopt a new anthem, borrow a new flag. Embrace that bandwagon because when your team goes home, the party doesn't have to grab a bag of lays. Gather some friends and cheer for whoever you damn well like.
Betty Glover
Hello and welcome to Morning Cup Day. I'm Betty Glover, coming from LA once again because the USA have just placed the their last group game. They did lose to Turkey, but this lot don't care. Come back to me. It's a lot quieter over here, guys. It has been a pivotal day. Some teams have qualified for the knockouts, some have been sent home. USA had already qualified before this game, hence why they're in good spirits. But this is your ultimate guide to day 16 because we have got six more games coming thick and fast. Hello and welcome to Morning Update built by the Home Depot live from our big orange bus just outside Union Station. Now 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. What an atmosphere it was here today at the Match Day Live. Todd Gurley, Mina Kimes and Kyle Beckerman were the big guests and Kyle warmed up the crowd by telling Everybody that the US's is on that trophy.
Kyle Beckerman
I think why not us? I look at our the climates we've been playing in, we've been able to avoid the humidity, really hot places, altitude. We're going to be in San Francisco and then potentially Seattle. It's setting up for us to go all the way.
Betty Glover
Pure confidence Kyle. For Turkey, Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to his starting lineup which was expected given they had already qualified for the knockouts. Now the US raced out of the blocks. A ridiculously fast start against Turkey as Austria Boston Trustee gave Pochettino's side a third minute lead. Cue the celebrations. A goal straight off the training field in the US were flying. This hasn't been Turkey's tournament at all. They've underperformed in their opening two games and are bottom of Group D and already knocked out. But they have some very good players in their squad and one of their superstars, Arda Guler equal just seven minutes later. Game on. Then a brilliant move resulted in Orkuncherku putting the Turks ahead just after the half hour mark. Turkiye had 62 shots in their first two games and failed to score in this game. They scored with their first two attempts on goal football, eh? At the start of the second half, Sebastian Berhalter thundered in an absolute rocket of an equaliser to bring the game back to two all. And Christian Pulisic had so many chances to win it for the US during his 35 minute cameo, but the Hollywood finish belonged to Turkia. The US were reduced to 10 after Austin trustee came off with an injury and Khan Eihan scored with the last kick of the game to make it 3 2. The US had already claimed top spot before this game and they are now 100% confirmed to be facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 that takes place on Wednesday in San Francisco at 5pm Pacific Time.
Roger Bennett
Bring on Bosnia. Hopefully we'll beat them and we'll go
Betty Glover
fine to this tournament. Hopefully we reach the semi finals. I trust this manager and especially I trust his team. Then in the other match in Group D, it finished 00 between Australia and Paraguay. This was far from a thriller, just five shots on target during the entire match. But it was a result that suited both parties. Australia advance as group runners up they'll play the runner up of Group G. Paraguay will advance as a best place third place team and they are 99% certain to play Germany in Boston on Monday. Then in Group E, there was massive drama as Ecuador, who failed to score in their first two games, came clutch against the group winners Germany. I think they enjoyed this one in the Ecuadorian commentary box. Gonzalo Plata will go down in Ecuadorian football folklore after his close range goal in the 77th minute gave Ecuador a 21 win over Germany. In New Jersey, there were tears in the stands as the predominantly Ecuador supporting crowd celebrated a famous win against a largely second string Germany side. That result means they will qualify as one of the best third place teams. The first time they've made it out of the group stage in 20 years. By the way. Insane. They are very likely to play Mexico though in Mexico City in the last 32. That is potentially going to be the best atmosphere of the entire tournament and a ridiculously tough fixture as well. Meanwhile, in Philly, Curacao's Blue Wave made themselves heard for the final time. All the vibes on the streets in Philadelphia as Captain Blueface, who as the name suggests paints his whole face completely blue, looking a bit like he should be on stage in Las Vegas, led the Curacao fans in song before their match against the Ivory Coast. Curacao could have made the last 32 with a win, but they were beaten 20 as Nicolas Pepe scored both goals for the Ivory Coast. That marks the first ever time that the country has reached the knockout stages of the World Cup. They're either going to face Norway or France in Dallas on Friday. Speaking of Dallas in Group F, Sweden fans were enjoying themselves yesterday in the Texas Heat, singing about their star striker. The Yellow wall was in great voice ahead of their match against Japan. The Swedes have had a mixed tournament so far, beating Tunisia 5 and then losing 51 to the Netherlands. But they look much better in this one as a wonderful strike from Antony Elanga secured the Swedes a one all draw that guaranteed them a place in the final 32 as one of the best third place teams. Quite a funny moment as well at the final whistle as Antony Elanga sat on the floor absolutely distraught, thinking that Sweden were knocked out. Graham Potter, their manager afterwards, joked to the press, bless him, we did tell him. In the other game, The Netherlands beat Tunisia 31 to seal top spot in Group F to two. Early goals, including another from Sunderland's Brian Brobbie, made this a pretty comfortable night for Ronald Koeman's side. The Dutch will face Morocco in the last 32, which feels like quite a harsh reward for winning the group. Meanwhile, Japan will face Brazil. I'm not sure which one's worth, to be honest with you. Sweden will likely face either France or Norway, but that is yet to be confirmed.
Roger Bennett
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 when it's time to
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Betty Glover
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Betty Glover
Let's dive into Friday's matches then because the group stages are very nearly reaching their conclusion. Today's groups GH and I will be wrapped up and it all starts with Group I at 3pm Eastern. Get your popcorn out for this one because it is going to be one of the matchups of the tournament so far. Norway face France in Boston. The talent on display is going to be next level and all eyes will be on the battle between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Let's get straight into it on the drill Down. Today's Drill down, brought to you by Makita, is all about the duel between two of the world's best forwards, Erling Haaland for Norway and Kylian Mbappe for France. Both countries have qualified for the last 32 already after winning both matches so far, but this contest will determine who wins the group. Norway have impressed so far and Erling Haaland in particular is in fine form coming into this one.
Roger Bennett
I don't know, I think it's my
Betty Glover
speciality to score goals. It's like many other things. I'm just really good at scoring goals. Confidence aside, there are some doubts about whether their talisman will be rested. Norway's coach Stell Solbacken has hinted that he could rotate in order to protect his players for the knockouts. He hasn't specified exactly who he's going to rest, but they did find themselves down to nine men at one point in the closing stages of their win over Senegal after several players got cramped. So managing fitness levels is clear. Concern for France, they'll be without their coach, Didier Deschamps. He's flown home after the death of his mother. Rotation aside, Norway's depth is actually pretty remarkable. In attack. They have Crystal Palace's Jorgenstrand Larsson and Oscar Bob of Fulham both waiting to step up. However, France potentially have the deepest squad in the competition. They're not short of attacking options either. They can call on Ryan Shirky, Desiree Douay, Marcus Turam and Jean Philippe Mateta. I mean, that's not half bad, is it? So if they want to give their star players such as Mbappe and Dembele some much needed rest, they definitely can. Whilst in past World Cups, winning the group is very important to guarantee an easier knockout path. The runner up here is going to face the runner up of Group E, which is the Ivory Coast. Not an easy game, but not a prospect that would terrify either nation either. At the same time in Toronto, Senegal take on Iraq with both teams sitting on zero points, Senegal are a team packed with top level talent and will be disappointed to have got nothing. Despite playing well in spells against both France and Norway. The incentive here for the Senegalese is pretty simple. They have to beat Iraq and beat them well as well. Anything less than a three goal win is unlikely to be enough. To get them through as a third place qualifier. Iraq's story to qualify for the World cup was miraculous, but they have shot themselves in the foot defensively, letting in some horrendous goals so far. The game is a huge opportunity for Senegal to save their tournament. Then at 8pm Eastern, it's the conclusion of Group H, time for Rog to support his new second favorite team, Cape Verde.
Roger Bennett
Like you, I've been a lifelong fan for like the last five days.
Betty Glover
You may or may not have realized, but cut Roger open and he actually bleeds. Cape Verde they have had a fairy tale tournament so far, claiming deserved draws against both Spain and Uruguay. Today they conceal a place in the last 32. If they beat Saudi Arabia in Houston, a draw could actually be enough for Cape Verde. But against this Saudi Arabia team that lacks attacking threat, the opportunity for a first World cup win feels like a really exciting possibility. In the other Group H match, the group's two heavy hitters playing Guadalajara as Uruguay face Spain. Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay have been very disappointing. Only managing two draws so far and a defeat here will mean the unthinkable a group stage exit. Spain know they can top the group with a victory as well. The runner up in this group will face Argentina, which is something Spain will really, really, really want to avoid. Finally, it's the conclusion of group G at 11pm Pacific. I'm not gonna lie, this group has been a tough watch so far, hasn't it? Although I did rate this chant at the Egypt against New Zealand game. Egypt fans, they're taunting their New Zealand opponents with a little go back to rugby chant after their 31 win over the Kiwis. The Egyptians are riding high after finally claiming their first ever win in a World Cup. Now they face Iran in Seattle knowing that a win will guarant top spot in the group, putting them in the direct path of the United States. At the same time in Vancouver, New Zealand take on Belgium with both nations knowing a win will take them through a draw might do it for Belgium, but it would be a pretty underwhelming return after being drawn in one of the easiest groups on paper. After the final games tonight, Roger Rory will be live from the city of Brotherly Love for their first east coast episode of the Nightcup. Tune in right here on the men in Blazers YouTube. That brings us very nicely onto our prediction challenge as morning cup date try and claw our way back into this game against Nightcar. Yesterday both of us went for a Japan win, but we were both undone by Sweden grabbing A draw. Then in the US game, Rory went for a 22 draw whilst I optimistically went for a 21 USA win. I don't think that was a bad prediction. Now I know that it was a bummer that Turkey scored that last minute goal, but the smallest silver lining is that it saved Morning Cup 2 update from another defeat. So the score remains at 64 today. Carl Beckermann stepped up for the Nightcup.
Karl
First up, Norway, France. What do you reckon?
Kyle Beckerman
20 France.
Karl
Okay. Confident that Mbappe's gonna get back on the score sheet?
Kyle Beckerman
Yeah.
Karl
Not worried about the threat of Haaland?
Kyle Beckerman
No, that's true. Let's switch it up. Two one.
Karl
Okay. I'm not trying to convince you either way. Just want to give you all the options. Okay, Next up we've got cap verdict versus Saudi Arabia. Obviously quite a lot running on this game. A win will likely see either side go through, so quite an exciting one.
Kyle Beckerman
I'll go with Kate Verde. 1 0.
Karl
Nice. Thank you very much, Karl. All right.
Betty Glover
Okay then. Well, I must admit and tell you all that our producer George stepped in and actually helped convince Kyle to change his score there, which is very annoying. Which team are you on, George? I was trying to throw him off but I ended up giving him quite good advice. Yeah, you did. Anyway, I'm gonna twist and I'm gonna go for a Norway 21 win over France. Can you believe it? And that might be awful because Erling Haaland might not even start for Norway. So I don't know why I've done that. I'll also go for a 1 all draw between Cape Verde and Saudi. Bring it on.
Karl
Come on, Betty.
Betty Glover
On today's finishing touch, brought to you by Behrpaint, we might have found the secret to the USMNT's great group stage success. Now you might think that players like Balogun, Richards and Dest have been the reason why this team has managed to top the group. But actually, could the real reason be Bud, Dewdrop and Bloom? Aww, look at that. Cutest thing I have ever seen. Now shortly after the team's 41 win over Paraguay, the team were given a surprise visit by the three puppies who were just nine weeks old. Christian Pulisic, Matt Fries and Chris Richards and also Gio Reyna all went to say hello to the little puppies who were brought by Wags and Walks non profit shelter in LA that aims to encourage the adoption of rescue dogs. Now according to the athletic, the visit was personally approved by Mauricio Pochettino who himself is a big lover of dogs. That's when you can tell a man is a good person. He has a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Sansa, who even has his own Instagram account named after this Game of Thrones character. By the way, I just realized I don't care. I've gotta say, Sansa is a brilliant name for a dog. Anyway, the visit was so positive that efforts are being made for another puppy visit before the knockout stages. To be honest, they could probably do with another sooner after yesterday's defeat to Turkey. And by the way, these puppies actually have a very important job, with many studies finding that Even just a 10 minute visit from a puppy can lower your stress hormones and boost mood enhancers like oxytocin. Get me some puppies everybody. So if the USA does win the World cup, maybe we should also get a medal. Over to Bud, Dewdrop and Bloom. By the way, Bloom is looking for her forever home. That is it for Morning Update 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. Tomorrow, Rog and Rory will take over the land of a thousand cheesesteaks. Or cheesecakes as I thought it was known. They do do a Philadelphia cheesecake, guys. They do. Sure thing. Anyway, the great city of Philadelphia for our fourth stop on the matchday live at the lovely Spruce Street Harbour Park. They'll be joined by a cast of absolute legends, including two time World cup winner and editor in chief of the women's game, Sam Mewis, Italy's world class striker, Mario Balotelli, and esteemed member of the Eagles hall of fame, the iconic Jeremiah Trotter. It all kicks off at 3pm Eastern and of course it's free to everybody come on down for another epic day. The link for more details is in the notes below. As always, please guys, sit back, relax and enjoy those six games of wonderful football. We'll see you tomorrow.
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Betty Glover
Mom, can you tell me a story?
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Betty Glover
Did you have to fight a dragon?
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Kyle Beckerman
Was.
Betty Glover
Is it scary?
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Betty Glover
Did the car have a sunroof?
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Betty Glover
Okay, good story.
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Date: June 26, 2026
Host: Men In Blazers (Roger Bennett, Betty Glover)
Special Guests: Kyle Beckerman, Todd Gurley, Mina Kimes
This episode of Morning Cupdate recaps a pivotal day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, examining the USMNT’s group stage journey (including their loss to Turkey and the resulting round-of-32 matchup), reviewing dramatic developments across several groups, and previewing the final day of action in Groups G, H, and I. The show blends sharp football analysis, World Cup atmosphere, playful banter, and the unique Men In Blazers blend of humor and insight.
[02:18–05:32]
[05:32–09:09]
[10:50–17:38]
[16:33–17:38]
[17:43–end]
Kyle Beckerman on US Confidence:
Betty Glover on Ecuador’s Big Moment:
Roger Bennett on Cape Verde:
Betty Glover on USMNT’s Puppy Therapy: