Published July 2, 2026
The energy at Midtown Plaza last night was electric. Under the summer sky, hundreds of fans in red, white, and blue packed the outdoor venue to cheer on the U.S. Men's National Team — and the Stars and Stripes delivered one of the most dramatic wins in recent USMNT history.
Midtown Carmel: The Place to Be
Organized by Experience Carmel, the watch parties at Midtown Plaza have become the go-to gathering spot for World Cup soccer in Hamilton County. The giant screen and open plaza atmosphere have drawn crowds for every match, but last night's USA game was something special — fans arriving early, flags waving, chants echoing off the buildings long before kickoff.
The parties continue throughout the tournament, so keep an eye on Experience Carmel's social media for upcoming match schedules and event details. Next up for the USMNT: Belgium on July 6 in Seattle — mark your calendars and get to the plaza.
The Match: Grit, Glory, and a Moment for the Ages
The USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–0 in the Round of 32 on July 1, 2026, securing their first knockout-stage victory since 2002 — a 24-year wait that made the final whistle taste all the sweeter for fans gathered on the plaza.
Folarin Balogun opened the scoring late in the first half, finishing a slick combination with a low, composed left-footed strike that sent the crowd into a frenzy. But the match took a gut-punch turn in the 64th minute when Balogun received a red card, leaving the U.S. to play out the final half-hour with ten men.
Rather than retreat, the Americans dug in. And in the 82nd minute, Malik Tillman silenced any doubt — stepping up to a free kick from 20 yards out and curling a stunning right-footed shot into the net. It was only the second direct free-kick goal scored by a USA player in World Cup history since 1966. Midtown Plaza erupted.
"Playing a man down for 30 minutes and still controlling the game — that's a different USMNT," one fan summed it up perfectly.
Can the USA Go All the Way? Here's What the Odds Say
Before the tournament kicked off, oddsmakers had the U.S. at a long-shot +5000 (50-to-1) to lift the trophy. That number has moved dramatically with each win. After the Bosnia and Herzegovina result, FanDuel Sportsbook now has the USA at +2500 (25-to-1) — their best odds of the tournament and a reflection of a team that keeps outperforming expectations.
For context, France remains the heavy favorite at +188, with Argentina second at +450. The USA has a long road ahead, but this is a team that just beat a stubborn opponent while shorthanded for 30 minutes. Anything feels possible.
As host nation, the U.S. has home-crowd energy across the country — and right here in Carmel, that energy is very real. Come out to Midtown Plaza, bring your voice, and let's cheer these guys all the way.
⚽ USA vs. Belgium — Round of 16 — July 6, Seattle. Watch party details TBA at Midtown Plaza.