
World Cup Round of 32 Predictions: Expert Picks, Algorithmic Insights, and Fan Favorites
A look at how veteran writers, a proprietary algorithm, a dog, a child, and a subscriber community shape the outlook for the tournament's next matches.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Iran across Soccer, Football, Basketball.

A look at how veteran writers, a proprietary algorithm, a dog, a child, and a subscriber community shape the outlook for the tournament's next matches.

Belgium’s dramatic penalty win over Senegal highlights their erratic style, setting up a high‑stakes showdown with a USMNT side missing striker Folarin Balogun.

A recent Ipsos‑AP survey captures the mixed reception of the ongoing World Cup in America, where fan excitement over the U.S. team’s knockout advancement coexists with modest overall popularity and scrutiny of governing bodies.

The latest Ipsos Sports poll reveals that while core soccer fans are excited about the U.S. team's prospects, only 25% of all Americans share that excitement, underscoring a gap between fan enthusiasm and broader public interest as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

Controversies over visa denials, ticket pricing and FIFA's governance structure are reshaping the future of international football.
The American side ended a decade‑long winless run against European opponents, with Folarin Balogun opening the scoring before Malik Tillman sealed the win.

The United States will meet Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, a match that pits the 17th‑ranked USMNT against the 9th‑ranked Belgians, who advanced after a last‑minute penalty over Senegal.

The United States men's soccer team has repeatedly fallen in the World Cup's knockout stages, with only one win in 2002. As they prepare to meet Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the Round of 32, a look back at past performances reveals a pattern of narrow defeats and near‑misses.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center’s 11‑Point Program is being adopted by major soccer clubs in Latin America and beyond, offering a systematic approach to combat racism, antisemitism and other forms of intolerance that still plague the sport.

After Iran's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin publicly expressed joy, prompting visa cancellations for the Iranian team and a sharp rebuke from the Iranian Football Federation.

On June 15, as Iran faced New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium, a large crowd of Iranian‑American activists gathered outside, demanding that Washington reject any deal that could revitalize the Tehran regime.

Despite Israel’s absence from the FIFA 2026 World Cup, its citizens are embracing foreign sides, blending family roots, player admiration and geopolitical sentiment into a uniquely Israeli viewing culture.

A goalless draw turned into a dramatic encounter featuring goals, a saved penalty, and a disallowed late header, while LGBTQIA+ supporters made their presence felt despite official objections.

Germany's defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup has ignited debate about the country's broader challenges, from a faltering automotive sector to a politically fragmented landscape.

The unexpected stalemate highlights underdog triumphs, personal controversies, and divergent ways nations gauge success in war and sport

Iran finished third in Group G with three points from draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, but a last‑minute strike by Austria condemned them to elimination, highlighting the tournament's razor‑thin margins.

Rainbow banners flew over Seattle’s World Cup stadium during an Iran‑Egypt clash, sparking debate over LGBTQ+ visibility, fan sentiment, and the role of international sport in human‑rights advocacy.

Egypt aims to break a 92‑year World Cup drought while Mohamed Salah nears a national scoring record, setting the stage for a high‑stakes showdown with Iran in Seattle.

A personal narrative reveals how soccer offered Iranians a rare space for political expression, until state interference curtailed its freedom.

A World Cup ‘Pride Match’ between Egypt and Iran is set to take place in Seattle, drawing both protest and support from the city’s LGBTQ community, which sees the game as a chance to promote acceptance and solidarity.

Despite not being geographically European, Israel remains entrenched in UEFA competitions. Historical roots, political flashpoints and recent diplomatic shifts shape a complex landscape as the nation eyes future tournaments.

A look at the films that use soccer as a storytelling device, highlighting cultural tensions, gender issues, and the global passion that unites fans.

Seattle's LGBTQ community is using a designated World Cup 'Pride Match' between Egypt and Iran to champion acceptance, even as both nations' football bodies push back.

The upcoming 'Pride Match' between Egypt and Iran will take place in Seattle, uniting local LGBTQ activism with an international soccer narrative.