The World Cup Minute returns for Day 18 in Qatar and the first of the tournament’s quarterfinals. And, well… WHAT A DAY IT WAS! Drama, goals, handbags, penalties, tricky free kicks, upsets—fans were in dreamland throughout, unless you happen to be Dutch or Brazilian. Despite Neymar’s brilliant goal in extra time, Brazil couldn’t fend off the eternally tough Croatia who will now go on to face Argentina, who themselves had to grit their teeth through a nervy extra-time match. Ultimately, Messi & Co found enough magic to make it past the Netherlands and Emi Martinez again showed his bravado and excellence in a shootout scenario. Josh and Brandon then look ahead to Saturday’s double-header of Morocco vs Portugal and England vs France. Hail Cheaters!

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Day 17 in Qatar brought fans more drama as Morocco took Spain to penalties . . . and won! The early kickoff's tight, defensive affair then stood in stark contrast to the goal-fest of Portugal vs Switzerland as the Seleção das Quinas put six past the Swiss, even with Ronaldo on the bench for the majority. A hat trick for Goncalo Ramos was the major headline, but the Cheaters also spotlight Achraf Hakimi's cheeky Panenka/Penguin penalty. And then it's time to preview the World Cup Quarterfinals that commence on Friday with Croatia vs Brazil and Netherlands vs Argentina. We'll talk to you all then!

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Day 16 of the FIFA World Cup saw Brazil and Crotia advance to the Quarterfinals, each in different fashion. Croatia proved "too tough" for Japan to break down, and ultimately the Samurai Blue fell to a series of poor penalties, while Brazil topped South Korea in more dazzling, frenetic fashion. Looking ahead to Tuesday's final slate of Round-of-Sixteen matches, Josh and Brandon preview what should be some competitive face-offs for Portugal vs Switzerland and Morocco vs Spain. Hail Cheaters!

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Emphatic wins for France and England featured on Day 15 of the FIFA World Cup, underlined by a Golden Ball–level performance from 23-year-old Kylian Mbappé. Additionally, Olivier Giroud broke Thierry Henry's goal record, while England spread the attacking output around through standout performances from Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane. (Yep, we see you, Jordan Henderson. And, yeah, nice finish, Saka.) The two European heavyweights will now face off in the quarterfinals this coming Saturday. Senegal and Poland exit Qatar and we must then look ahead to Monday's matches when more fates will be decided: Josh and Brandon give their thoughts on South Korea vs Brazil and Japan vs Croatia and their hopes of more goals and perhaps some surprises. Hail Cheaters!

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Our good friend Dave joins the podcast to recap the U.S. men's performance against the Netherlands and across the entire World Cup tournament. Where do we stand on Berhalter's management and the American talent pool? Plus, we weigh in on the momentum of Messi's Argentina—do they have enough firepower to get to the final? And then it's a preview of Sunday's matches, including England vs Senegal and France vs Poland. Hail Cheaters!

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Day 13 of the FIFA World Cup saw one of the tournament's most powerful moments as South Korea players were moved to tears after progressing to the knockout stage in a dramatic win over Portugal. Victories of the more pyrrhic sort befell Uruguay and Cameroon, while the grudge match between Serbia and Switzerland delivered on goals and handbags—and eventually jubilation for the Swiss. Josh and Brandon then look ahead to Saturday's kickoff of the Round of Sixteen and matchups between the U.S. and the Netherlands, as well as Argentina and Australia. Hail Cheaters!

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For a brief and magical moment during Day 12 of the FIFA World Cup, both Japan and Costa Rica were heading out of Group E at the expense of European juggernauts Spain and Germany. Japan and Spain ultimately move on, while Group F saw the tournament's second African nation qualify for the knockout stage. Croatia is also through after a shocking performance by Belgium, who will know their team xG does not tell the full story. After recapping Thursday, Josh and Brandon look ahead to tomorrow's final day of group play as Brazil and Portugal set out to clinch their pole position and Serbia and Switzerland have a score to settle. Hail Cheaters!

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Day 11 of the FIFA World Cup saw Argentina, Poland, France, and Australia advance to the knockout stage. While Australia was the biggest shock of the day—at a dour Denmark’s expense—Argentina’s emphatic resurgence as tournament contenders was, as we look ahead, a pretty substantial marker laid down. Josh and Brandon then preview Thursday’s round of fixtures with Germany and Belgium fighting for their lives and Morocco looking to be the Cinderella. Hail Cheaters!

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On Day 10 of the World Cup, the Americans booked their trip to the knockout round of sixteen in the most significant U.S. victory of the last two decades. Christian Pulisic got his moment on the big stage—and has the bruises to prove it—and will now face a non-vintage Dutch side this Saturday. Josh and Brandon also recap the action elsewhere as England sailed past Wales and Senegal battled to beat Ecuador and clinch second place in Group A. Then it’s on to Wednesday and an almighty showdown in Group C between Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, while in Group D Australia will look to upset expectations. Hail Cheaters!

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Monday's matches started Day 9 of the World Cup off with a bang—eleven goals in 180 minutes. While the scoring fell off a bit, the later games were no less engaging with Brazil and Portugal both clinching their trip to the tournament's knockout stage. Josh and Brandon then preview tomorrow's kickoff of the final round of the group stage, featuring massive stakes in both Groups A and B. While Ecuador and Senegal will be the signature match for Group A, all eyes will be on the narrative between Wales-England and Iran-United States. Go Go USA!

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