{"id":2034754,"date":"2026-07-09T11:00:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T08:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034754"},"modified":"2026-07-09T11:00:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T08:00:31","slug":"this-week-in-sports-trivia-july-9-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034754","title":{"rendered":"This Week in Sports Trivia: July 9, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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After a surge of excitement around a United States men\u2019s soccer squad that was more dynamic and entertaining than any in recent memory, the Americans went out of the World Cup with a whimper, thoroughly dominated by Belgium in the round of 16.<\/p>\n

The Belgians are not only a very talented team but were also fired up<\/a> by a late bit of political maneuvering that allowed the United States\u2019 Folarin Balogun to play despite facing suspension for a red card.<\/p>\n

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Still, even without the USMNT involved, the World Cup\u2019s final eight is loaded with storylines and star power to keep fans coming back for more. That includes defending champion Argentina, against which no lead seems safe; European powers France, Spain and England; and a Norway squad entering uncharted World Cup waters behind its young star, Erling Haaland.<\/p>\n

So, buckle up; the World Cup\u2019s finish will be must-watch TV. Make sure to check out this week\u2019s quiz \u2014 maybe during a hydration break? \u2014 which will touch on the tournament, and take a run at our daily Connections: Sports Edition<\/a>\u00a0while you\u2019re at it!<\/p>\n

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Top stories mentioned in this week\u2019s quiz<\/h2>\n