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With fewer than 48 hours before their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, the U.S. men's national team shifted their focus away from soccer momentarily. The Americans gathered to watch the NBA Finals, drawing inspiration from the New York Knicks' remarkable comeback — and fortunately avoided any injuries in the process.
Gathered at the team hotel at the tournament's training base in Irvine, Calif., over a dozen USMNT players watched Game 4, as the Knicks pulled off an extraordinary 29-point comeback to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 and claim a 3–1 series lead.
The USMNT players watched in suspense during the nail-biting final seconds, as OG Anunoby tipped in Jalen Brunson's three-point attempt to put the Knicks ahead in the closing moments. As millions erupted in joy or heartbreak, the soccer stars were equally swept up in the moment.
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New York-bred midfielder Tyler Adams, one of the most pivotal figures in the USMNT's summer campaign, repeatedly leaped over the couch in the viewing room, while center back Chris Richards — set to make his return from an ankle injury in the World Cup opener — jumped onto a pile of celebrating teammates. Veteran captain Tim Ream, 38, sat stunned with his hand clasped over his mouth throughout the drama.
U.S. Soccer quickly shared the footage across its social media channels, prompting playful concern from fans about the rowdy celebrations so close to kickoff.
Fortunately for Adams, a native of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., and his teammates, no one came away hurt. It was pure sporting euphoria — exactly the kind of feeling the U.S. hopes to deliver to the nation when it opens its World Cup campaign Friday night against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
World Cup vs. Knicks Title Celebrations?
With the World Cup getting underway Thursday in Mexico and Friday across the United States and Canada, New York's streets are poised to be even more bustling than normal.
Soccer supporters from around the world have already begun pouring into the city, as MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. is scheduled to host eight matches this summer. At the same time, Knicks fans are in full celebration mode, dreaming of the city's first men's professional sports championship since the New York Giants captured the Super Bowl in 2012.
Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET in San Antonio, overlapping with a highly anticipated Brazil vs. Morocco clash at MetLife, which was already expected to generate heavy congestion across all forms of transportation.
If the NBA series extends to a Game 6, the scene in New York City could grow even more chaotic. That contest would fall on June 16, coinciding with the Senegal vs. France match at MetLife — potentially bringing together two of the world's most passionate soccer fanbases alongside the Knicks frenzy centered at Madison Square Garden.
The World Cup will aim to deliver at least as much — if not more — excitement as the NBA Finals have generated through the first four games.