Big, beautiful World Cup
Callie FinThere’s a big, beautiful world out there.
Several days into this World Cup, that’s an idea that keeps coming to mind as the United States hosts a melting pot of FIFA players and fans from all over the globe for the first time since 1994. It’s also the title of a storybook I remember from my early childhood, which explores the importance of embracing the unfamiliar.
“If you hide under your covers, you might not see all of the interesting things in your own backyard!” author Nancy Carlson wrote back in 2002. “There’s a lot to be scared of, but there’s even more to look forward to. So throw off those covers! There’s a big, beautiful word out there just waiting for you.” I’m Callie, this is “Extra Time,” and if you’ve already missed a game or two, might I suggest using Sunday to dive into all of the beautiful soccer that’s waiting for you?
Here’s a look at yesterday:
First, did you read this?
- 2 Spain goals in 3 wild minutes vs. Saudi Arabia at 2026 World Cup
- Which World Cup rosters have the most foreign-born players
- Iran coach again criticizes treatment of team, calls them `oppressed'
- 'Unbelievable' Eloy Room saves Curacao with historic World Cup performance
Beyond the U.S.
The U.S. men’s national team captured the attention of plenty of American non-soccer fans after it beat Australia 2-0 on Saturday and clinched the top spot in Group D.
The home team doesn’t play again until Thursday against Turkey, but there’s an abundance of other exciting storylines to follow in the meantime.
Teen sensation Lamine Yamal lived up to the hype and opened scoring for Spain in the opener of Sunday’s World Cup action. Iran also continues to be an intriguing watch. Can they win again despite the experience of what USA TODAY columnist Nancy Armour described as being treated as a “political pawn”? Arguably the most viral arc belongs to 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozhina, who was crucial in a stunning World Cup debut that ended in a scoreless draw against tournament-favorites Spain. He’s already gone from less than 50,000 followers on Instagram entering the tournament to now 15 million.
The world is watching, and after he offered an emotional admission about visa issues, his mom will also get to support him in-person.
Did you see this?
- Video: What makes Lamine Yamal so special for Spain? We talked to Spain fans at the World Cup about Lamine Yamal and what makes him such a unique talent.
- Gallery: Stars are getting in on the 2026 World Cup action. From Tom Cruise to Jay-Z and Salma Hayek, see celebrities at the matches.
- USMNT beat Australia 2-0 in the World Cup. Jon Arnold and Lori Lindsey list the x-factors in the win that allowed Team USA to advance to knockout round
SCHEDULE
Your regular host, Alex, is back tomorrow! I’m excited to fill in for her again the next time she needs a well-deserved respite from nonstop World Cup coverage.
Until then,
Callie