The Biggest Sporting Event in the World (Freestyle)
By Adrian Johnson
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Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Velvety tree growth — Answer: MOSS. Hint: This soft green layer often carpets the forest floor and tree trunks! 🍃
- 5. Ran in the wash — Answer: BLED. Hint: Sometimes clothes leave behind a little surprise after a wash! 🩸
- 9. Dried poblano — Answer: ANCHO. Hint: This pepper packs a smoky punch, perfect for adding depth to your dishes! 🌶️
- 14. Two-stringed instrument — Answer: ERHU. Hint: This traditional Chinese instrument has a soulful sound, often played with a bow! 🎻
- 15. Currency in Cork or Cadiz — Answer: EURO. Hint: This currency is used across many countries in Europe! 💶
- 16. Like some high-profile World Cup videos — Answer: VIRAL. Hint: These videos spread quickly, just like a catchy tune! 🎥
- 17. Unfair omission — Answer: SNUB. Hint: It’s what you might feel if left out of the fun! 🙁
- 18. "No pain, no ___" — Answer: GAIN. Hint: Think about what you might achieve when you push through challenges! 💪
- 19. Unaccompanied — Answer: ALONE. Hint: Sometimes it's nice to enjoy your own company! 😊
- 20. 31-, 36- and 40-Across, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — Answer: HOSTCOUNTRIES. Hint: Think about the nations that will welcome the world for the big event! 🌍
- 23. Prickly parts of rosebushes — Answer: THORNS. Hint: Watch your step when getting close to these pesky protectors of beautiful blooms! 🌹
- 24. Futbol announcer's shout — Answer: GOL. Hint: Celebrate a goal like they do in the stadium! ⚽
- 25. Cunning, like a fox — Answer: SLY. Hint: This word describes someone who knows how to be clever and sneaky! 🦊
- 28. Mai ___ — Answer: TAI. Hint: This fruity cocktail is a tropical favorite often associated with Hawaiian vibes! 🍹
- 29. Foldable bed — Answer: COT. Hint: It's a lightweight option for camping or extra guests that can easily collapse! 🏕️
- 30. Just slightly — Answer: ABIT. Hint: Sometimes, less is more, especially when it comes to quantity! 😉
- 31. Northernmost of the three 20-Across — Answer: CANADA. Hint: Think of the country known for its maple syrup and cold winters! 🍁
- 33. "No man is an ___" — Answer: ISLAND. Hint: Think of a place surrounded by water that symbolizes solitude and connection! 🌴
- 35. Low-lying land — Answer: VALE. Hint: Think of a peaceful place often found between hills and mountains! 🌄
- 36. Central of the three 20-Across — Answer: USA. Hint: Think of a country that's often referred to as the land of the free! 🇺🇸
- 38. Fairy-tale baddie — Answer: OGRE. Hint: Think of a large, grumpy creature often found in children’s stories! 🧚
- 39. Sings wordlessly — Answer: HUMS. Hint: Think of a soft tune you make when you're feeling good! 🎶
- 40. Southernmost of the three 20-Across — Answer: MEXICO. Hint: This country is known for its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine! 🌮
- 42. Lionel Messi, for the 2022 World Cup — Answer: MVP. Hint: He was the star of the show in a tournament where every player aimed for the top prize! 🏆
- 43. Genre for GloRilla — Answer: RAP. Hint: Think of a rhythmic style often associated with hip-hop artists! 🎤
- 45. Put a coat on? — Answer: ENCRUST. Hint: Think of something that covers or adds a special layer! 🏰
- 49. Tousles, like hair — Answer: MUSSES. Hint: Think of how wind can make your locks look a bit wild! 💨
- 51. Intensify — Answer: DEEPEN. Hint: Think of how you might make a color richer or a feeling stronger! 🎨
- 52. Stifles oneself — Answer: ZIPSIT. Hint: Sometimes silence speaks louder than words! 🤫
- 54. Knight's title — Answer: SIR. Hint: This title is often given to a valiant warrior or a nobleman. 🏰
- 55. Vietnamese New Year — Answer: TET. Hint: It's a joyous celebration marking the lunar new year in Vietnam! 🎉
- 56. Location of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final — Answer: METLIFESTADIUM. Hint: This iconic venue is known for hosting spectacular events and is located in the New Jersey area! ⚽
- 59. Beg — Answer: PLEAD. Hint: When you're in trouble and really want something, you might do this to persuade someone! 🙏
- 60. Chimpanzee, e.g. — Answer: APE. Hint: Think of a type of primate that's often seen swinging through trees! 🐒
- 61. Farmland measure — Answer: ACRE. Hint: Think about the size of fields used for crops! 🌾
- 62. Impulsive speed — Answer: HASTE. Hint: When you rush to get something done, you're usually in a bit of a hurry! 🏃♂️
- 63. All over the ___ — Answer: MAP. Hint: Picture a place where you can find every corner of the world! 🗺️
- 64. Hibernation site — Answer: DEN. Hint: Where do animals curl up for a long winter's nap? 🦙
Down
- 1. Fishnetlike material — Answer: MESH. Hint: Think of a fabric that creates a web-like pattern, often used in sports or fashion! 🐟
- 2. ". . . but I could be mistaken" — Answer: ORNOT. Hint: Sometimes you need to weigh your options when unsure! 🤔
- 3. "Quiet down!" — Answer: SHUSH. Hint: When you want someone to be silent, a simple sound can do the trick! 🤫
- 4. Pretax amounts — Answer: SUBTOTALS. Hint: Think about the totals before adding taxes to your calculations! 💰
- 5. Colorful, ornamental flower — Answer: BEGONIA. Hint: This vibrant plant adds a splash of beauty to any garden! 🌺
- 6. Some Polynesian feasts — Answer: LUAUS. Hint: Picture a tropical celebration filled with music, dance, and delicious food! 🌺
- 7. ESPN sportscaster Andrews — Answer: ERIN. Hint: This sportscaster shares a name with a popular Irish name! 🍀
- 8. "No! Stay with me instead" — Answer: DONTGO. Hint: Sometimes, when you want someone to remain by your side, you express a heartfelt plea! ❤️
- 9. To no ___ — Answer: AVAIL. Hint: When your efforts lead to nothing, they're said to be in vain! 🙈
- 10. River that flows by Sudan's Nubian pyramids — Answer: NILE. Hint: Think of the famous river that's often called the longest in the world! 🌊
- 11. Piece of a soccer goal — Answer: CROSSBAR. Hint: It's the horizontal beam that keeps the game in check! ⚽
- 12. China's largest ethnic group — Answer: HAN. Hint: This ethnic group shares its name with a famous dynasty! 🇨🇳
- 13. World Cup cheer — Answer: OLE. Hint: It's a lively expression often heard in soccer celebrations! 🎉
- 21. Common origami bird — Answer: CRANE. Hint: Think of a graceful bird that’s often folded from a single sheet of paper! 🦢
- 22. Saag paneer scooper — Answer: ROTI. Hint: This is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite Indian curry! 🥘
- 26. Touch___ (side boundary of a soccer field) — Answer: LINE. Hint: It's the edge that keeps the game in play! ⚽️
- 27. Since Jan. 1 — Answer: YTD. Hint: Think about how we track financial performance over a calendar year! 📊
- 29. Public defender's assignment — Answer: CASE. Hint: Think about what a lawyer works on when defending someone in court! ⚖️
- 30. Vice president during the last World Cup played in North America — Answer: ALGORE. Hint: Think of a political figure who famously claimed he invented the internet! 🌍
- 31. Tent-pitching places — Answer: CAMPSITES. Hint: Think of where you might roast marshmallows under the stars! ⛺
- 32. Get rid of — Answer: DUMP. Hint: When you're done with something and need to toss it out, what do you do? 🗑️
- 34. Goal-oriented father? — Answer: SOCCERDAD. Hint: Think of a dad who cheers for a certain sport that involves scoring goals! ⚽
- 35. Horn that was a staple of the 2010 World Cup — Answer: VUVUZELA. Hint: This loud instrument became synonymous with football celebrations during a famous tournament! 🎺
- 37. Wood-splitting tool — Answer: AXE. Hint: This tool can help you chop away at those logs like a pro! 🪓
- 39. "Let me think . . ." — Answer: HMM. Hint: A common sound made when pondering a thought. 🤔
- 41. Country where kathak is performed — Answer: INDIA. Hint: This vibrant land is known for its rich traditions and colorful festivals! 🇮🇳
- 43. Live — Answer: RESIDE. Hint: Where you hang your hat and call it home! 🏠
- 44. "HAH! Yeah, right!" — Answer: ASIF. Hint: When someone sarcastically agrees, they might express this sentiment! 😏
- 46. Positive shift — Answer: UPTURN. Hint: Think of a turn for the better or an upward move! 📈
- 47. Note after D? — Answer: SEEME. Hint: This note could make you feel like you're in a dream! 🌙
- 48. Explosive stuff — Answer: TNT. Hint: This powerful substance is often linked to action movies and big bangs! 💥
- 50. Wet impact sound — Answer: SPLAT. Hint: Imagine a juicy fruit hitting the ground, leaving a messy mark! 🍉
- 53. One of 48 competing in the 2026 World Cup — Answer: TEAM. Hint: Think of a group working together to score big! ⚽
- 54. It's part of the process! — Answer: STEP. Hint: Progress is often measured in these little milestones! 🐾
- 56. Speed stat — Answer: MPH. Hint: Think about how we measure how fast something is going on the road! 🚗
- 57. Rejuvenating place — Answer: SPA. Hint: Where you go to unwind and feel refreshed! 🧖♀️
- 58. Cold treatment for injuries — Answer: ICE. Hint: It's what you reach for when you want to cool down a bump or bruise! ❄️
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USA Today Crossword answers for July 19, 2026
The full solution for the July 19 USA Today Crossword is shown above, laid out clue by clue — every Across answer followed by every Down answer, exactly as that day's grid read. Each answer is listed separately, so you can check just the clue you were stuck on and leave the rest. This is the confirmed grid as published on Sunday, July 19.
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