It's Fourth of July weekend, and this year the sports calendar will give you a reason to look up from the grill. For the first time ever, the World Cup plays knockout soccer on American soil on Independence Day, with a Round of 16 doubleheader Saturday before Brazil and Norway meet at MetLife on Sunday.

There's plenty more to round out the long weekend. Legends Ronaldo and Modrić meet in a likely last World Cup dance, Messi's squad draws this year’s Cinderella, and Coney Island will crown its hot dog champ once again.

Here's your weekend preview starting with what matters most.

The stakes: 28 years ago, Norway pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, defeating the reigning champion Brazil in the final Group Stage match to advance to the 1998 round of 16. Now they meet again, in the Round of 16 at MetLife, with a first ever quarterfinal berth on the line for the Norwegians. Brazil are five-time champions, but this isn't the stacked roster we've seen in years past, and Norway arrive with one of their most talented squads ever and a superstar leading the way.

What to watch for: Erling Haaland vs. Vinícius Júnior. Haaland has been the engine for Norway, scoring the 86th-minute winner in their last match against Ivory Coast to advance. He's up to five goals this tournament, one behind Messi and Mbappé in the Golden Boot race, the award given to the World Cup’s top goal scorer.

For Brazil, watch out for Vinícius Júnior, the electric winger whose speed and pace can flip a game in an instant. He is coming off a game against Japan where he almost had one of the best goals you’ll ever see in the World Cup. Keep your eye on these players as they most certainly will have a big impact in this one.

Skin in the Game [Powered by WagerXpert]: Back Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer (+135). If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Haaland has scored in every competitive game Norway have played dating back to October 2024, a streak of 25 goals across 13 matches, and he found the net again in the last round to send Norway through. Brazil's back line is talented, but given his current form and the stakes, at plus money this one is worth riding the streak. Remember this is for fun, not your rent money.

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The stakes: This is likely the last World Cup meeting between Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Luka Modrić, 40, two of the greatest to ever play the game. It's win or go home with a Round of 16 spot on the line, and on paper Portugal have the edge. They're the deeper, more talented side top to bottom and come into this one as considerable favorites. But if there's one team you can’t overlook, it's this Croatia side, and Ronaldo's crew will have to earn it to advance.

What to watch for: Croatia playing the underdog, which is exactly when they're most dangerous. They’ve repeatedly punched above their weight against far more talented rosters in the World Cup. They reached the final in 2018 and finished third in 2022. They've proven they can take down anyone, knocking off tournament favorite Brazil in the 2022 quarterfinals. Portugal have more talent, but Croatia have the pedigree and a knack for grinding down favorites. If this one is tight in the second half, that's the story to watch.

Skin in the Game  [Powered by WagerXpert]: Take the Draw (+210), meaning the score will be tied after 90 minutes. This has all the makings of a tight, physical game that Croatia are built to keep close. They've been tough to put away, and Portugal haven’t been stellar so far in this tournament. Everything points to a tight competitive game that will head into extra time. Remember this is for fun, not your rent money.

More about WagerXpert: All the thrill, none of the pressure. Bet against your friends on https://wagerxpert.app/ just look us up!

Argentina vs. Cape Verde | Friday, July 3 (FOX): The defending World Cup champions meet the tournament's Cinderella. Cape Verde is a nation of just over half a million people, and already one of the smallest countries ever to reach the World Cup knockout round. They’ll face Messi, who is tied for the lead in the Golden Boot race with six goals in what's almost certainly his final World Cup.

The Round of 16 Doubleheader | Saturday, July 4 (FOX): Knockout World Cup soccer continues on the Fourth of July. Canada vs. Morocco kicks things off at 1:00 PM in Houston where Canada will look to continue their historic run, followed by Mbappé and France taking on Paraguay, fresh off a stunning upset of four-time champion Germany to reach this stage.

USMNT, Round of 16 | Monday, July 6 (FOX): Following USMNT’s win Wednesday against Bosnia the U.S. plays for a quarterfinal spot Monday. With a win Monday the U.S. reaches the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, notching only the third knockout stage victory the program has ever recorded.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest | Saturday, 12:30 PM (ABC): An American tradition and Fourth of July staple. This year the event is once again headlined by Joey Chestnut, the 17-time champion and heavy favorite, going for his 18th title and record of 76 hot dogs.

Must-watch:

Worth tuning in:

— Backdrop Sports

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