France and Morocco rivalry was on full display in the Quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. This was the last match in Boston for this World Cup. This was also a rematch of the 2022 World Cup Semifinals which France won.

United States emotions got the better of them at the start when the Belgium destroy them on the pitch. Matt Freese, a Harvard alumnus, was under siege and as a result Belgium got an easy goal at 9 minutes by Charles De Ketelaere to make it 1-0. The United States would calm down and Malik Tillman would score off the free kick and deflection in the 31^st minute to make it 1-1. However, the United States’ emotions would get the better of them again just 61 seconds later. De Ketelaere would score again to make it 2-1 Belgium in the 33^rd minute. Halftime could not come at a better time for the US as this was one of the worst halves they had in this World Cup.

Duke is sticking with two powerhouse picks as the knockout stage rolls on:

• USA over Belgium

• France over Morocco

United States entered the knockout stage of the World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Matt Freese, Harvard alumnus, returns as goalkeeper for the US.

Germany and Paraguay met in a Round of 32 match in Boston Stadium. The Group Stage no longer matters. It was win or go home. The crowd was 50/50 for both teams. Germany dominated the match early on as they control possession. However, they were unable to capitalize in turning their possession of the ball into goals.  As a result of the German inability to score goals, Paraguay shocked their opponents by letting Julio Enciso convert a header and scored in the 42^nd minute to make it 1-0 Paraguay. They would retain that lead at halftime.

The stakes are higher, and Duke is ready to make his Round of 32 predictions: USA over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany over Paraguay.

It was perhaps not the most thrilling matchup it once was on paper prior to kickoff. However, it still produced fireworks for one side. Norway and France met in Boston Stadium to determine the winner of their group and who is in second place. Both teams will play in the knockout round.

England and Ghana both headed into matchday 2 of the Group Stage in the World Cup on a momentum swing. On matchday 1, England had a convincing victory over Croatia thanks to New England Patriots superfan Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Ghana had a thrilling last-minute victory over Panama.

Duke has made his latest Group Stage picks, and he’s feeling confident about these matchups: USA over Türkiye, England over Ghana, and France over Norway.

Scotland returned to the pitch at Boston Stadium today against arguably their toughest opponent in their World Cup campaign yet. Morocco are no pushovers as they were in the semifinals of the last World Cup. Morocco so far looks like the semifinalist team from the last cup as they drew Brazil on matchday 1 of the group stage.

United States was under pressure going into match day 2 of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Australia has proven themselves as dangerous opponents thanks to an upset win of Turkey. Nestory Irankunda of Australia was a menace for the Turkish and was shaping up to be one for the USA. Furthermore, Christian Pulisic was ruled out prior to the start of the match after getting injured during the last match.

Erling Haaland made his World Cup debut for Norway against Iraq as Norwegian fans ‘row’ their way to Boston stadium. They would continue to row in their seats. Norway is considered to be the dark horse favorite in this year’s World Cup while Iraq was one of the last teams to qualify after surviving an intercontinental playoff game.

Duke is feeling confident about these upcoming World Cup predictions: Norway over Iraq, USA over Australia, and Scotland over Morocco.

There was a party throughout Boston the past couple days as Scotland fans took over the city prior to their first World Cup match in 28 years. They have partied so much that I wonder if Boston will have any beer when this World Cup is over. Haiti would join the party on matchday as they are in the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

As I went to Gillette Stadium to see a practice match between France and Brazil, I came out of the match feeling like it was money well spent. The atmosphere was tense for a friendly and the fans made it feel like it was a life-or-death situation – even if this was a practice match for the World Cup.

Heading to Gillette Stadium to attend the Brazil v. France friendly in soccer. Excited to be on this roadtrip with my dad. It will be an interesting tryout for players trying to get roster spots for this year’s World Cup. Also, it will be an interesting tryout for the pitch to see if there are any improvements that need to happen, before the FIFA World Cup tournament begins.

Duke is counting the days until the Road to 26: Brazil v. France game at Gillette Stadium.