Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Monday, June 22, 2026
United States Beat Australia 2-0 to Clinch Group D and Advance to Knockout Rounds
The U.S. men’s national team defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday in Seattle to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds and clinch the top spot in Group D. Australia defender Cameron Burgess deflected a Folarin Balogun run into his own net in the 11th minute, and Alex Freeman doubled the lead with a header in the 43rd. The victory marked the first time the United States has won consecutive World Cup matches since 1930. Attacker Christian Pulisic missed the game due to a left calf injury and is expected to return for the group finale against Türkiye on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Jonathan David Hat Trick Powers Canada to Historic 6-0 Win Over Qatar, First-Ever World Cup Victory
Jonathan David’s hat trick propelled Canada to a historic 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday, securing the country’s first-ever win at a FIFA World Cup. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute before David netted in the 29th and added two more, while Nathan Saliba and a late own goal completed the rout. Qatar played the final stages with nine men after two red cards. David became the first CONCACAF player to score a World Cup hat trick since the United States’ Bert Patenaude in 1930. Canada lead Group B with four points ahead of Wednesday’s group finale against Switzerland in Vancouver.
Sources: ESPN, Canada Soccer
Canada’s Ismaël Koné Undergoes Surgery After Breaking Left Leg Against Qatar, Out for World Cup
Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné has undergone successful surgery for a broken left leg suffered in Thursday’s 6-0 World Cup victory over Qatar in Vancouver. Koné was stretchered off following a second-half tackle by Qatar’s Assim Madibo, with coach Jesse Marsch stating the bench heard the bone snap. Madibo was given a straight red card after a VAR review. Canada Soccer confirmed Koné fractured both the fibula and tibia in his left leg and is expected to miss four to five months, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament. Jonathan David said the team will play for their teammate going forward.
Sources: ESPN, Soccer America, theScore
Mexico Become First Nation to Advance to World Cup Knockouts, Defeating South Korea 1-0
Mexico became the first nation to advance to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, defeating South Korea 1-0 on Thursday to claim six points from two Group A matches. A critical error from South Korea goalkeeper Kim set up Luis Romo to score the match’s only goal. Mexico had previously opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 11. El Tri thus became the first team to clinch a round-of-32 berth with one group match still remaining. Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada across venues in all three nations.
USMNT Faces Decision Over Rotation Against Türkiye With Knockout Round on the Horizon
With the U.S. already guaranteed to top Group D ahead of Thursday’s group finale against Türkiye at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, coach Mauricio Pochettino faces a decision over whether to rest key players or maintain the lineup that won back-to-back group games. The USMNT beat Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0 to seal first place without needing a result against the eliminated Türkiye. Rotating the squad would offer rest ahead of the round of 32 on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, while keeping the same lineup could protect momentum. Christian Pulisic is expected to return from his calf injury for Thursday’s match.
Sources: ESPN
Ilijah Paul’s Stoppage-Time Header Lifts Monterey Bay FC Over El Paso Locomotive 1-0
Ilijah Paul headed home a stoppage-time goal in the 91st minute to give Monterey Bay FC a 1-0 win over El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday in Western Conference USL Championship play. Paul’s header into the upper left corner was the match’s only goal as the home side held El Paso scoreless throughout. The result handed Monterey Bay three points while El Paso were shut out on the road in Monterey. The USL Championship continues its regular season schedule uninterrupted as Major League Soccer remains on its FIFA World Cup break, which runs through July 16.
Canada and Switzerland Locked Level on Points Ahead of High-Stakes Group B Finale in Vancouver
Canada enter Wednesday’s decisive Group B finale against Switzerland in Vancouver as group co-leaders with four points, equal on points with the Swiss but leading on goal difference following their 6-0 rout of Qatar. A win or draw would send Canada through as Group B winners. Switzerland climbed level on points after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 on June 18. Canada’s group campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia on June 12 before their historic 6-0 win over Qatar on June 18. The match in Vancouver represents Canada’s best opportunity to advance as group winners on home soil at the co-hosted World Cup.
Sources: Canada Soccer, ESPN
2026 World Cup — Group D (USA)
After Matchday 2
1. USA — 6 pts (2-0-0)
2. Paraguay — 3 pts (1-0-1)
3. Australia — 3 pts (1-0-1)
4. Türkiye — 0 pts (0-0-2) (eliminated)
USA tops group; Round of 32 vs. 2nd in Group C
2026 World Cup — Group B (Canada)
After Matchday 2
1. Canada — 4 pts (1-1-0) (+GD leader)
2. Switzerland — 4 pts (1-1-0)
3. Bosnia-Herz. — 1 pt (0-1-1)
4. Qatar — 0 pts (0-0-2) (eliminated)
Canada vs Switzerland — Wed Jun 24 in Vancouver
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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