4th of July sports schedule: what to watch on Independence Day: MLB games, soccer matches, Wimbledon

It wouldn’t be Independence Day without a cookout, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the holiday by taking in a game or two and, of course, fireworks. The Fourth of July will kick off with Day Two of Wimbledon. MLB games will get going in the morning and run through the afternoon.

And just in case you need help working up an appetite come lunchtime, you can tune in for the 101st Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition. Here’s a look at what sporting events are going on Thursday, 4 July.

Soccer - Copa América

Two major soccer cups are happening, allowing families and friends to catch a few games. However, only the Copa América has games scheduled on the Fourth of July.

The Copa America has entered the quarter-finals, with one game between Argentina and Ecuador scheduled for Thursday, July 4 at 9:00 pm ET. The United States was eliminated from the tournament after the group stage.

Wimbeldon

There will be Wimbledon matches on the Fourth of July, but as of the morning of July 2, who is playing and at what time has yet to be determined.

Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest

It just wouldn’t be Independence Day without watching some of the world’s best eaters stuff their guts with glitzy until they nearly pop. This year, like every year since 1916, Nathan’s will provide a spectacle only fit for a day when we celebrate our nation’s freedom.

Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion, has been disqualified this year, leaving many fans of the event frustrated with its organizers. Chesnut had won the contest 15 times over the last 16 years.

The Mustard Belt will be on the line tomorrow at noon on Monday, July 4, 2024, on the sidewalk outside Nathan’s Famous restaurant on the corner of Surf and StillweAvenuesues in Coney Island, NYC. The women’s contest will be broadcast live starting at 10:45 am by ESPN3 with coverage of the men’s event on ESPNews, the ESPN app, and ESPN.com.

MLB

What could be more fitting than watching America’s pastime on America’s favorite holiday? A full slate of MLB games is waiting to be watched on Thursday, starting with the New York Mets taking on the Washington Nationals. All times posted below are in Eastern Time.

All games can be seen on MLB.tv and the MLB Network.