Though this is the first time that a World Cup’s round of 16 is the second knockout round, some of the matchups are loaded with history.
One of them will take center stage in Philadelphia’s July 4 festivities. France and Paraguay have met twice in World Cups, and both were momentous.
In the 1998 round of 16, La Albirroja held Les Bleus scoreless on home turf for 114 minutes until defender Laurent Blanc scored a sudden-death winner. (Soccer briefly settled games that way.)
In the 1958 group stage, French striker Just Fontaine scored a hat trick in a 7-3 win on the way to totaling 13 goals in the tournament — still the most goals by one player in one World Cup.
That record could fall this summer, thanks partially to another French superstar. Kylian Mbappé has six goals so far, one behind Lionel Messi’s tournament-leading seven for Argentina. Yes, the extra round helps, but both are in the all-world category. Not many people will argue if they beat Fontaine’s mark.
Messi’s next chance to score is Tuesday, when he leads the Albiceleste into Atlanta to face Mo Salah’s Egypt.
Philly fans won’t have to travel far (if they can get tickets) to see one of the round’s most star-studded clashes: Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior vs. Norway’s Erling Haaland on Sunday in New Jersey’s Meadowlands.
Strangely, the five-time World Cup champion Seleçao have never beaten the Vikings in three friendlies and one World Cup meeting. Norway pulled off a 2-1 upset in the 1998 group stage.
Monday’s Portugal-Spain showdown in suburban Dallas will have the most rivalry spice. The next-door neighbors have met 41 times dating back to 1921, but just twice in World Cups: the 2010 round of 16 and the 2018 group stage. We’ll see if this round of 16 game sends Spain on the same path it followed in 2010 to its first World Cup title.
Finally, we come to the games that will matter most in our part of the world. All three cohosts are still alive, but they all face big tests.
Canada goes first on Saturday, facing Morocco in Houston. The Atlas Lions made the 2022 semifinals and are looking sharp again this summer.
Then comes an all-time Sunday night on this continent’s most famous soccer stage. Mexico, fresh off its first knockout win since the last World Cup it hosted in 1986, hosts England at the Estadio Azteca.
🔥¡GOL DE QUIÑONES A NIVEL DE CANCHA! 🗣️⚽
Julián Quiñones firmó una joya para abrir la cuenta y poner en ventaja a México🇲🇽 sobre Ecuador🇪🇨 en estos Dieciseisavos de Final. 🏟️💥
¿Qué te pareció la definición del goleador mexicano?👇
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 1, 2026
While there’s no question that the Three Lions have the better talent, they’ve never played at anything like Mexico City’s 7,220-foot altitude. Will that plus a deafening home crowd propel El Tri to a famous win?
Finally, there’s the world’s version of Monday Night Football in Seattle. The U.S. men play the biggest game in program history when they face Belgium, trying to win two knockout games in one World Cup for the first time. It’s the game so many people have dreamed of for years, and now it’s finally here.
SEATTLE — America’s national pastime crossed paths with the world’s favorite game on Friday evening when the Seattle Mariners hosted the U.S. men’s soccer team at their game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The U.S. squad met the Mariners in their clubhouse before the game, and were introduced to a cheering crowd one-by-one on a red carpet. Manager Mauricio Pochettino then stepped to the foot of the mound and threw the ceremonial first pitch.
Mauricio Pochettino throws a fine first pitch for a soccer manager who might not ever have picked up a baseball before this morning:
Pochettino practiced some in the morning, before his team got to work on the University of Washington’s soccer field across town. The Huskies’ baseball team lent balls and gloves, and U.S. backup goalkeeper Matt Turner — who played shortstop at St. Joseph Regional High School in north Jersey — gave his boss some tips on throwing form.
Matt Turner (left) giving Mauricio Pochettino advice on how to throw a baseball at Friday morning’s U.S. practice.
“It’s amazing to be here again and feel your support,” Pochettino told the crowd. “The city is amazing. It’s a baseball city. It’s a soccer city. Thank you so much — thank you to the 12th man.”
That bonus reference to Seahawks football fans was one of a few cultural crossovers in a city with big stadiums are a block from each other at the southern edge of downtown.
The U.S. men’s soccer team and the Mariners got together on the field for a photo after the ceremonial first pitch.
Between the Mariners and Jays’ pregame warmups, John Fogerty’s classic baseball anthem “Centerfield” played on the T-Mobile Park public address system while extra time of the Argentina-Cape Verde game was shown on the big screen, including the moment Argentina took a lead. A gaggle of fans with field access gasped as they watched the goal.
A few minutes later, the World Cup’s official song, “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy, was the DJ’s pick for the playlist. And not long after that, the fans gasped again when Cape Verde tied the score a second time, then once more when Argentina scored a late winner.
“To have the USA team here earlier [in the tournament] and now to have them back, I think is pretty cool,” Wilson said. “And a chance to meet some of these guys, and [have] the fans give them a chance to show their appreciation for the job that they’ve done. Obviously, this is a global event that has been followed all over the world, and it’s exciting. It brings people together.”
Mariners manager Dan Wilson (left) with Mauricio Pochettino.
That appreciation certainly arrived. Though the Blue Jays always bring lots of fans for their visits here thanks to a big fan base in nearby Vancouver, there were big cheers as the U.S. players were introduced individually. Cristian Roldan drew the biggest, as the Seattle Sounders stalwart was saved for last. He brought the Mariners’ trident out with him and said a few words as the U.S. and Mariners squads gathered for a group photo.
“Thank you, Seattle — thank you for the love and support,” Roldan said. “Let’s go win a World Cup! Go USA; go Mariners!”
The Mariners’ active roster is as global as any in baseball, with players from six countries. Center field Julio Rodríguez, a Dominican Republic native, has befriended French World Cup winner and soon-to-be Orlando City playmaker Antoine Griezmann. (Rodríguez wasn’t around to talk about that on Friday because he’s sidelined with a concussion.)
“We have players from all over, and many of them played soccer as kids,” Wilson said. “I think that’s what the beauty of the event of the World Cup is: It affects so many people. Yeah, these guys are watching the games, and you always know when a team scores because you hear it down the hall. So it’s pretty fun.”
Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo (right) took a selfie in the locker room with (from left) Cristian Roldan, Alejandro Zendejas, and Christian Pulisic
The eve of the United States’ 250th birthday in Philadelphia was less celebration and more chagrin, as oppressive heat left swaths of tourists and revelers in an aimless search of pomp and circumstance.
On Friday, Wawa’s Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade was canceled because of 100-plus-degree temperatures and aperilous heat index. It was one of numerous events called off or shortened this holiday weekend, as the scorching weather has thwarted events across the region, and potential storms could impact more.
The cancellation left scores of sweat-soaked performers, musicians, and historical reenactors in wool garb stranded near Independence Hall and around Center City. There might not have been the sort of “shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations” that John Adams prophesied in a July 3, 1776, letter to his wife, but there was still an air of importance — and some impromptu pageantry.
“We won’t be around for the 300th, so we really wanted to come for the 250th,” said war re-enactor Kathy Touzjian, 61. Touzjian and Laurie Pelletier were among a 75-person Massachusetts Army of 1775 troupe, who traveled six hours by bus to be in Friday’s parade.
“At least we still have cheesesteaks,” Touzjian said.
To the pair, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the fledgling country’s split from Great Britain felt different — and not just because of the heat. Now more than ever, Pelletier said, it was important to return to the country’s bedrock: liberty and independence for all.
“Today is still special,” saidPelletier, 60. “It’s a chance to recognize what our ancestors gave us, because the world is falling apart and this brings people together.”
The cancellation didn’t immediately send the performers home; instead, the duo stayed to play the fife, a wooden instrument similar to a piccolo, throughout Old City. As they readied their three-layer historic attire, Touzjian hoped future generations would heed her advice:
“No matter how hot it is, do not cancel the 300th independence parade.”
At Independence National Historical Park, people clamored for respite in the tree-lined periphery, in the sliver of shade by the Liberty Bell, or the air-conditioned Independence Hall. Around noon, the line to see the historic site of the Second Continental Congress snaked through the courtyard. While entries were paused as the building surged to capacity, history buffs dressed in colonial costume gave mini lectures, and a few marooned groups didn’t let the weather dampen their dancing. Indianapolis-based squad Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos performed their routine inspired by an annual carnival in Veracruz, Mexico, while Asian American Dragon & Lion Dance artisans carried a long puppet dragon to the beat of a drum.
“I feel immense pride to be able to show the love for our country,” said Henry Lee, founder and director of Asian American Dragon & Lion Dance.
Asian American Dragon Lion Dance outside Independence Hall today. “I feel immense pride to be able to show the love for our country,” said group founder Henry Lee. pic.twitter.com/2WLv1ErZej
Teens from Sahuarita High School’s band came a long way from their Arizona homes only to not be able to march through Center City. But, director Ben Garland said it taught his 87 students a valuable lesson about being an American: community. Garland praised organizers for making the parade participants feel included in the 250th.
“Most of my students have never even been on a plane before and coming here was their opportunity to see the Wast coast and engage with history they wouldn’t see otherwise,” he said. “For us the trip was worth it for what they have been able to learn and the camaraderie they have built here.”
Across the city, Allison Utain and her husband found a form of patriotism at the Philadelphia Museum of Art no less festive than what they were hoping for in the parade.
“You see a culmination of so many cultures that make the tapestry of what American is,” Utain said, “far from perfect, but it’s great.”
Despite a rocky start, city leaders and tourism officials have postured Philadelphia’s Semiquincentennial celebrations as the country’s defining 250th party. And there’s immense pressure for the city to meet its moment, as commemorative events — from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate to the Boston Harbor — and the American royal wedding between Pennsylvania’s own Taylor Swift and Eagles-adjacent Travis Kelce compete for the nation’s attention.
Alex Bergstedt and his wife traveled from Idaho to Philadelphia because they “knew Fourth of July would be big.” Nicholas Roth and two friends came from upstate New York to walk where the Founding Fathers were.
Just this week, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker reiterated the gravity of the grandeur: “We won’t get a second chance to do this over again, Philadelphia. We only turn 250 years old once in a lifetime.” The mayor defendedthe city’s July Fourth concert planned for Saturday, amid concerns about the dangerously high temperatures and revelations that the event will cost taxpayers more.
As of late Friday afternoon, the concert was still on. Misting stations and water-refilling stations will be available along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during the seven-hour billing, featuring acts such as Jill Scott, Christina Aguilera, The Roots, Will Smith, and Freeway, the city said. Officials pleaded with attendees to prepare accordingly.
On the Parkway Friday, it was hot enough to see the shimmering heat on the asphalt. Most people rushed from museums to other scraps of shade, while some poured water down the backs of their necks, and dozens of children and their families streamed through the Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Circle.
Yet, this isn’t Philadelphia’s first brush with a foiled fete. In 1976, the city’s grand plans for its Bicentennial were dashed — not by weather, but rather unmeetable expectations. The blunder of ‘76 was an unrivaled level of municipal malaise, according to contemporaneous reports.
Visitors to Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, July 3, 2026.
This year,Ron Crofoot traveled to Philadelphia to be with his granddaughter as her marching band was supposed to perform at the parade. He reflected on what it was like to have celebrated the Bicentennial.
“How quickly 50 years go by,” he said. “I won’t see the next — it gets more meaningful as you get older — you come to appreciate the uniqueness of the United States.”
The rupture at the President’s House is just one part of the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign to purge history it says “inappropriately disparage[s] Americans past or living.”
It wasn’t immediately known if federal authorities would attempt to install the panels during this historic weekend.
In a video address, a block north at the National Constitution Center, Pope Leo XIV called for a “recommitment” to the nation’s ideals as he accepted the center’s prestigious Liberty Medal. The first U.S.-born pope has been outspoken about calls for international peace, which have landed him at odds with Trump’s immigration policies and the war with Iran.
“I’ve never seen such patriotism in one place,” said Thad Waites, 81, who traveled from Hattiesburg, Miss., for the Semiquincentennial — and hear from Pope Leo XIV.
Andrew McLaughlin, 68, of West Chester, recently returned from a trip to Chicago.
“I think it brings back pride in the country,” McLaughlin said of the 250th anniversary.
By Friday evening, Philly’s proclivity for wackiness was on full display when a crowd formed on Independence Mall, shouting “one more Ben, one more Ben” as men and women dressed like Benjamin Franklin walked through the plain-clothed masses.
It wasn’t a catwalk, per se, but rather the Franklin stroll. The mob had gathered to find the Founding Father’s best doppelganger.
“You have to make the event you want to see in the world, said organizer Elena Jackendoff, 32, who is a student at Johns Hopkins University. “I wanted to see 250 bald caps.”
Opposite Market Street, thousands gathered to hear Pops on Independence. By the delayed-8 p.m. start time, the temp had fallen to a pleasant 89 degrees and the orchestra played on with featured Broadway star Idina Menzel.
Last year’s Pops concert was cut short by rain. This year, the sky held dark clouds and some flashes of lightning, but the precipitation stayed at bay as Menzel made her appearance to a roaring audience.
“There is something especially fitting about gathering here, surrounded by the places where the nation was born,” said Steven Sims, superintendent of Independence National Historical Park, told spectators stretched out on the lawn.
Music, he said, “has always brought people together.”
Staff writers Peter Dobrin and Nick Vadala contributed to this article.
No question, it’s hot, hot, hot. But the city fell short of setting a record-high temperature on Friday for that date.
Another record, however, appears likely: A new warmest low temperature for July 3. The record is 77 degrees, hit three times, most recently in 2002. The low on Friday as of nearly 8 p.m. was 82 degrees, which would be a record-setter.
But there was still the potential for storms to knock that record down before the day is out.
“We are still in the running for our new record warmest low temperature,” said Patrick O’Hara, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office at Mount Holly.
The record high temperature for a July 3 stands at 104 degrees, set in 1966. As of about 4 p.m., the temperature had reached 102, the National Weather Service said.
The Atlantic City Airport, however, hit 105 degrees, setting a new record there, O’Hara said.
The temperature on Saturday is expected to reach a high of 100, O’Hara said. The record for that date is 103.
Just because Philadelphia didn’t break a high-temperature record doesn’t mean the heat hasn’t had a big impact. The Wawa’s Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, scheduled for Friday, was canceled due to heat concerns.
Storms also posed a risk. A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for the entire region on Friday, and on Saturday, the risk looked even greater.
“Any storm could be strong to severe,” said Ray Martin, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly.
The risk on Friday was more to the north and west of the city, said Matt Benz, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.
On Saturday, Benz said there was about a 65% chance of thunderstorms in the evening when Philadelphia’s July Fourth concert is scheduled to be underway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
“At this point, it’s difficult to promise dry weather for fireworks,” he said.
Philadelphia, where fireworks aren’t scheduled to start until close to 12 a.m., might have the best shot of not being impacted by weather, he said.
“As we get close to midnight, we might start to dry out,” he said.
Concern about lightning strikes could be more widespread than storms, Benz said.
Meanwhile, AccuWeather said Philadelphia was forecast to only drop to 83 degrees overnight Friday into Saturday, which would tie the city’s all-time record for a high minimum temperature.
The good news is both SEPTA and Peco reported no major weather-related problems Friday afternoon.
Regional Rail trains were traveling 10 miles slower to alleviate stress on the overhead wire and tracks, which can be impacted by the heat, said Andrew Busch, spokesperson for SEPTA. The slower speed has led to some delays.
Peco recommends that customers keep their thermostats between 75 and 78 during the day and shades drawn, said spokesperson Izamarie Camacho. All unnecessary lights and devices also should be turned off, Camacho said.
Visitors in Philadelphia shade themselves from the sun, July 3, 2026.
Local hospitals contacted didn’t report an uptick in heat-related illnesses or injuries. Temple University Hospital’s main campus had five heat-related cases on Friday as of 4:30 p.m., according to a spokesperson. No other information about the cases or whether it was an increase from prior days was available.
The Philadelphia Fire Department has seen “a marked increase in calls” over the last few days, said Rachel Cunningham, communications director. There were more than 1,000 calls on Wednesday and Thursday, but the department didn’t have a breakdown on how many were heat-related.
The number of calls on Friday was not available.
The number of people seen at the department’s medic tents at Lemon Hill, where the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival is occurring, and Lincoln Financial Field, where the games are held, has remained relatively low. Just four people came in on Thursday, with two becoming patients and no one requiring transport to a hospital, Cunningham said. On Wednesday, five people came in, one becoming a patient and no one requiring transport. And on Tuesday, 14 people came in, with five becoming patients and two requiring transport to a hospital.
The coolest spot in the region looks to be the Jersey Shore, Benz said. The Atlantic City boardwalk was 82 degrees at about 3 p.m. Friday.
“You almost have to be touching the water to feel that kind of temperature,” he said.
A sea dip is one sure way to get cool — ocean water temperatures are in the low 60s, he said.
But for those celebrating the holiday in Philadelphia, Benz said “stay hydrated, take it easy, enjoy the Fourth, and keep an eye on the sky.”
At the Benjamin Franklin look-alike contest at Independence Hall, which was supposed to end early, the crowd enthusiastically shouted, “One more Ben, one more Ben.” Latecomers — men and women dressed like the famed Founding Father — walked through the crowd to the front.
It wasn’t a catwalk, per se, but the Franklin stroll.
Kiya Burgess, 25, was crowned the victor of the Franklin free-for-all.
Elena Jackendoff, 32, a student at Johns Hopkins University studying public health, organized the event.
“You have to make the event you want to see in the world,” she said.
She organized the lookalike on a lark, making the flyers after her last final exam and pasting them across the city. She expected to see a few of her friends, not hundreds of people.
Many of the Franklins — like Kara Peterschmidt, 25; Kyra Feinauer, 25; and Lauren Zwetzig, 24 — didn’t even have to go out to buy a costume. The friend group had hosted a Constitution-themed housewarming a while back and came dressed in the same white wigs and tops.
Asked about the truest Ben Franklin expression, Peterschmidt said, “It’s definitely a mog.”
One of the contestants shows off their legs.Each contestant had to say why they were the best Ben Franklin.Gene Backus (left) and Maria D’Agostino (right) of Anchorage, Alaska take a selfie with Ben Franklin (Gabriel Meyer) of Levittown.Contestants pose for the cameras. Contestants are all smiles in the Ben Franklin lookalike contest.Footwear worn by some of the contestants.Contestants explain why they were the best Ben Franklin.The crowd cheers for the contestants.Mitchell Kramer holds up the arm of contest winner Kiya Burgess of Philadelphia.
Andre Drummond will not return to the 76ers, instead agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the New York Knicks, ESPN reported Friday night.
Drummond’s departure became likely when the Sixers on Wednesday morning agreed to sign 7-footer Ariel Hukporti, who had been the third-team center on the Knicks’ championship team, to a one-year, $3.4 million contract. Hukporti will compete with Adem Bona, whose $2.3 million salary for 2026-27 becomes guaranteed on Tuesday, for the backup role behind Joel Embiid.
Andre Drummond’s role with the Sixers varied wildly and largely was tied to the health of Joel Embiid.
Drummond professionally handled a fluctuating role in 2025-26. For the bulk of the season, he was the starting center in the games Embiid did not play — and was out of the rotation when Embiid was available. During the playoffs, though, Drummond recaptured the role as Embiid’s backup while postseason first-timer Bona struggled. Drummond averaged 6.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 63 regular-season games in 2025-26.
The 32-year-old Drummond joins a Knicks team that needed center depth after backup Mitchell Robinson also reportedly departed for the Boston Celtics. He still is a stout rebounder and big-bodied presence, and his corner three-point shooting has elevated from fun novelty to legitimate offensive weapon. But he is not the most mobile, making him a liability on defense.
Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. also have departed the Sixers, reportedly agreeing to contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers, respectively, on Wednesday. Veteran guard Kyle Lowry also reportedly will retire as a Toronto Raptor next week. Reserve forward Trendon Watford, whose team option was declined by the Sixers Monday, has not yet committed to signing with a team.
The Democratic nominee for a crucial swing seat in Pennsylvania is accusing the Republican incumbent of making categorically false and defamatory statements, the latest move as escalating attack ads circulate in the Bucks County district.
Attorneys representing Bob Harvie sent a cease-and-desist letter to U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a five-term Republican incumbent facing a competitive reelection, and his campaign for a “series of defamatory allegations” that, they say, misleadingly portray Harvie’s role in an FBI investigation.
A lawyer representing Fitzpatrick and his campaign confirmed receipt of the letter but did not respond to additional requests for comment.
The advertisements purport that Harvie, a Bucks County commissioner, is currently under criminal investigation for stealing taxpayer money, assertions his campaign said falsely stem from a federal case that appeared to have quieted after the grand jury met in Philadelphia in 2022. The probe was about problems related to contracts, unions, and a Pennsylvania school district.
Harvie is not and never was under investigation, his lawyers said, nor was he the subject of the federal case, but mailers and television spots continue to blur the lines.
The election fights are ramping up as both men compete to win Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional district in November, and with it, decide fate over which party controls the U.S. House. It’s one of four seats in the commonwealth being targeted by both political parties during the high-stakes midterm elections. Fitzpatrick has represented the area since 2017.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.) speaks to reporters on June 3 after the House passed an Iran war powers resolution.
Harvie’s attorneys sent Fitzpatrick and his campaign the letter Thursday shortly after 5 p.m. and gave the campaign 24 hours to respond.
“Brian Fitzpatrick’s lies are intended to deceive the voters and that’s a disgrace to this district,” Harvie said in a statement.
Further action will depend on whether and how Fitzpatrick and his campaign proceeds, Harvie’s campaign said.
Defending America PAC, a political action committee that supports Fitzpatrick, has also used similar language in social media posts, news releases, and video content that said Harvie is the subject of an FBI investigation. Harvie’s campaign sent Defending America PAC a cease-and-desist letter Thursday, too, around 9 a.m.
In a statement, Chris Pack, president of the PAC, said further legal action from Harvie would be an effort “to chill protected political speech.”
Harvie and several other officials were among those who testified before a grand jury in the probe, which has not been active since 2022, the campaign said. But Harvie and his lawyers in the letter maintain he “is not now and has never been the subject of any criminal investigation” or stealing money from taxpayers to throw himself a party.
Political advertisements, paid for by the Fitzpatrick campaign, suggest otherwise.
In a television spot that has aired on three cable systems that run across the district since June 30, a man is seen asking, “Commissioner Harvie, why did you steal taxpayer money to throw yourself a party” while the words “BOB HARVIE UNDER FBI INVESTIGATION” are displayed on screen. His campaign committee, Brian Fitzpatrick for All of Us, paid for the ads.
The letter also accuses Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent himself, of “actual malice,” which would require proof in court that he made the advertisements with knowledge that the allegations were false or with reckless disregard to whether they were false or not.
When similar charges were made in 2023in a race for county commissioner, Harvie denied the claims as false.
“There comes a line where you cannot straight up lie about folks,” said Dan McCormick, Harvie’s campaign manager.
What other action could be taken?
Harvie’s campaign could file a lawsuit claiming Fitzpatrick has defamed him, but that would involve likely months of subpoenas, depositions, and evidence gathering before the case potentially goes to a judge or jury — a process that could extend past November’s election.
The Federal Election Commission, an independent agency in the U.S. government, oversees federal elections and campaign finance, but defamation is under the jurisdiction of courts, not the commission.
The television stations that have aired the advertisements have also been alerted to the defamation claims, Harvie’s campaign said. The Federal Communications Commission, another independent U.S. agency, monitors communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. However, it also does not investigate or resolve defamation claims.
A competitive U.S. House seat has drawn state and national attention, resources, and lots of dollars.
Fitzpatrick entered April with $7 million already stored in the bank, allowing him to spend early on ads against Harvie — even before the Democrat won his May primary. Some of Fitzpatrick’s money went to attacking Harvie in his race against Lucia Simonelli, a grassroots candidate and climate policy expert.
In total, Fitzpatrick has already spent $2.81 million from Jan. 1, 2025, to April 29, 2026, according to campaign finance reports — with roughly four months left to go before the campaign.During the entire 2024 campaign cycle, he spent $3.47 million.
In addition to the FBI investigation ads, other TV hits and mailers have framed Harvie as a “career politician” who “voted to give himself a raise” and voted to count faulty mail ballots during a U.S. Senate recount, in violation of a state Supreme Court ruling.
Prior to beginning his tenure as commissioner in 2020, Harvie was on the Falls Township Board of Supervisors for 17 years, and spent 12 of those as chair. As chair of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners in 2022, Harvie approved an annual 1% increase in salaries for commissioners and several other local offices.
Fitzpatrick and the National Republican Congressional Committee have placed a joint ad buy starting Tuesday. This type of purchase was made more possible after the Supreme Court case, announced this week, that allows coordinated campaigns and direct campaigns to work more in tandem.
National Democrats have also thrown resources behind him, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has listed Harvie on its “Red to Blue” list as a key seat to flip.
“This is a defining moment in this campaign: After nearly a decade in D.C., Fitzpatrick has been caught with egg on his face by resorting to the very kind of gutter politics that he pretends to stand against,” said DCCC spokesperson Eli Cousin.
Those attending the FIFA World Cup game at Philadelphia Stadium on July Fourth will be treated to more than just soccer.
The Roots and the Philadelphia Boys Choir are among those who will perform at the event, marking both Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the nation, according to a spokesperson for FIFA.
Before the match, Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel will sing the national anthem, while the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale will offer “America the Beautiful.” The Roots, a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band founded in Philadelphia, also will perform.
Miss Pennsylvania Stephanie Skinner will be on hand to join the celebration, and the VFA-11 and VFA-81 squadrons from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., will do a flyover.
At halftime, Grammy Award-winner DJ Jazzy Jeff will entertain the crowd.
The Roots and DJ Jazzy Jeff are also slated to play the One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Saturday night, which will be broadcast on NBC10.
SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun still isn’t happy about the red card he was given in Wednesday’s U.S. World Cup win, but he isn’t lingering on it.
“I feel calm right now, I feel OK,” the striker said at Friday’s practice, his first time speaking with the media since the ejection. “We’re going to go out to practice, and always, being on the practice fields just helps me to take my mind off things. So, yeah, for me, you know, it’s another day.”
FIFA’s rules don’t allow appeals of red cards, and the nature of the incident meant an appeal very likely would not have won despite Balogun’s lack of intent. At least there won’t be any additional suspension, which U.S. Soccer and FIFA confirmed Friday.
“If you played the game, you would understand, there’s scenarios that you simply can’t avoid, and it has to be taken into context when it’s being reviewed,” Balogun said. “I felt it wasn’t on this occasion. I think, as you all saw, there’s nowhere else to put your leg — it’s going to be unavoidable.”
He acknowledged the wide range of opinions out there, and concluded that “a yellow card would have been fair. It’s something that’s happened, so we have to move forward, and I have to accept it, but the most important thing is just to focus on the bigger picture, which is Belgium.”
Balogun also admitted he had “a roller coaster” of emotions in the wake of the incident, but he returned to the goal of staying calm in a heated moment.
“I’ve been upset, I’ve been happy — it’s been surreal, to be honest,” he said of a game where he also scored the opening goal. “But for me, 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.”
After the final whistle Wednesday, Balogun returned to the field to shake hands with Brazilian referee Raphael Claus. That was a nice gesture of sportsmanship, and one Balogun said he tries to make after every game he plays.
Flo Balogun on the field with his USMNT teammates after the match and shook the hands of all referees. Didn’t linger or seem to protest.
“Even though you can feel like something unjust has happened to you, it’s not an excuse to be disrespectful, or to not do the right thing,” he said. “The most important thing for me is to give the correct example to people watching. 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.”
For now, he will be the team’s biggest fan, hoping that Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright can step in and help the Americans topple Belgium in Monday’s round of 16 contest — the biggest game in U.S. men’s soccer history (8 p.m., Fox29, Telemundo 62).
“Just to support the boys, support the team,” Balogun said. “I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey, and what we’re doing. So I think my role is just to continue to support everybody, to keep morale high.”
Folarin Balogun (left) working out at Friday’s U.S. practice.
A baseball diversion
The U.S. team was to be honored at Friday night’s Seattle Mariners game, with manager Mauricio Pochettino throwing out the first pitch.
With that in mind, one of the first warmup exercises at U.S. practice was a round of long toss among some of the players. Tim Ream, Matt Turner, Weston McKennie, and Alejandro Zendejas passed around balls and gloves provided by the University of Washington’s baseball program, whose stadium is next door to the soccer field where the Americans trained.
Texas natives McKennie and Zendejas hammed it up a bit for the cameras, the former doing his best Nolan Ryan impression with windups and throws to the latter. Zendejas tried his luck at a catcher-style crouch for a while, then thought better of it and took the rest on one knee.
Pochettino also got some practice in Friday morning, with Turner offering some tips on technique.
Mauricio Pochettino (center) practices throwing a baseball during the United States men’s national soccer team’s practice at the University of Washington.
Balogun was born in New York but grew up in London, so he likely knows more about cricket than America’s bat-and-ball sport. But he certainly relished the invitation to take in this country’s pastime, and the chance for a little fun in a serious week.
“I think that sort of stuff can only happen in America,” he said. ” I’m very, very proud — this is a very unique experience for me, being in the World Cup in your home nation. And yeah, I think you’re seeing, we’ve been able to be so focused, but at the same time have so many things we can do to distract ourselves, and to take our mind off the high-pressure environment.”
Did Philadelphia just get a spoiler on the MLB All-Star selections?
On Friday, banners boasting some of baseball’s biggest stars were spotted by The Inquirer around town. The banners, first noted by user @gerawaycar on X, appear to be in place for the MLB All-Star Game, which is July 14 at Citizens Bank Park. Many banners are clustered near Market Street, leading up to City Hall.
The Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton is getting a banner, too.
The only issue? The MLB has not yet announced the game’s rosters.
The league is scheduled to name starters and reserves on Saturday (7:30 p.m., Fox29). If the banners do correspond with the league’s selections, Philadelphians got a sneak peak. The Inquirer has reached out to the city of Philadelphia for comment.
The banners also could just be promotional material. In 2019, Phillies star Bryce Harper was featured prominently on multiple banners Cleveland, which was hosting that year, despite not being selected to participate.
Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts signs ahead of the 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland. Harper was not named to that year’s National League roster.
In 2021, when the game was in Colorado, a sign was spotted featuring Harper alongside Chicago White Sox catcher Yermin Mercedes and Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon.
Not necessarily true! Here’s a sign in Colorado during the 2021 All-Star Game featuring Yermin Mercedes, Bryce Harper and Charlie Blackmon. All three were not All-Stars 😂 pic.twitter.com/dgOVHgIjd4
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 3, 2026
Players that are featured on Philadelphia’s banners include the Washington Nationals’ James Wood, New York Yankees’ Cam Schlittler, Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale, the Athletics’ Shea Langeliers, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes, and Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton.
Other banners also have been spotted on social media. Players that were spotted include the Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez and Kyle Schwarber, Milwaukee Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski, Atlanta Braves’ Matt Olson, Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, Mets’ Juan Soto, Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, St. Louis Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, Cleveland Guardians’ Cade Smith, Toronto Blue Jays’ Louis Varland, Houston Astros’ Yordan Alvarez, San Diego Padres’ Mason Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll, Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr., and Athletics’ Nick Kurtz.
A banner depicting the Washington Nationals’ James Wood is seen near 15th Street and JFK Boulevard.
