Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Milan Rejects NYCFC Approach as Pulisic Transfer Window Shuts
AC Milan have rebuffed an approach from NYCFC for Christian Pulisic, sources told ESPN, with the club stating the U.S. captain is not available. La Gazzetta dello Sport first reported NYCFC’s interest — the New York club opens a brand-new stadium next summer and sought a marquee signing to anchor the launch. Pulisic’s Milan contract runs through June 2027 with a club option for an additional year. Owner Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital has rebuilt the club’s front office and wants to retain the winger. Pulisic is nursing a calf injury but remains available for the USMNT’s Turkey group finale.
Sources: ESPN
Canada Advances but Switzerland Spoils the Home Party in Vancouver
Canada booked a spot in the World Cup knockout rounds but surrendered group-stage top spot in a 2-1 loss to Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver. Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored after halftime for the Swiss, with Promise David pulling one back for Canada in the 76th minute. The result meant Canada will face Group A’s runner-up — likely South Korea — at SoFi Stadium rather than at home. Alphonso Davies, managing a hamstring issue, was used only as a “decoy” by manager Jesse Marsch, who admitted: “I wish I’d gone to five at the back at halftime.” Canada had beaten Qatar 6-0 in their previous match.
Sources: ESPN
Ochoa’s Emotional Cameo Caps Mexico’s Perfect World Cup Group Stage
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, made a 78th-minute appearance as Mexico completed a perfect group stage with a 3-0 win over Czechia at the Estadio Azteca. The cameo gave Ochoa minutes in his sixth World Cup — the fourth time he has seen action in FIFA’s flagship tournament. Regular starter Raúl “Tala” Rangel played the opening 77 minutes, but Ochoa’s appearance drew thunderous applause from the Mexico faithful. He also contributed directly: a long ball from the veteran sparked the play that led to Álvaro Fidalgo’s goal, capping the scoring. Mexico finished atop Group A with three wins from three games, advancing to the knockout stage.
Sources: ESPN
Balogun’s World Cup Masterclass Has Europe’s Biggest Clubs Watching
Folarin Balogun has been the breakout star of the 2026 World Cup group stage, scoring in both USMNT games and earning man-of-the-match honors each time. His darting run and cross forced an own goal against Australia; one more finish would tie Landon Donovan’s record for most goals by an American at a modern World Cup. Born in New York but raised in England, Balogun committed to the U.S. in May 2023 and now has 11 goals in 29 caps. Current club AS Monaco has fielded preliminary inquiries from multiple European sides, including Premier League clubs. Pulisic called him “insane” and “lethal”; Pochettino said: “Balogun was amazing, of course.”
Sources: ESPN
Pochettino Won’t Risk Four Yellow-Card Holders Against Turkey
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino said he will not risk four yellow-card-carrying players against Turkey in Thursday’s Group D finale. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson — all on a booking — could be suspended if cautioned again, potentially costing them the round-of-32 match. Pochettino indicated Sebastian Berhalter, Ricardo Pepi, Mark McKenzie, and Max Arfsten are ready to step in. Complicating matters further, Cristian Roldan is dealing with a muscle strain and may also miss the Turkey game. The U.S. has already clinched first place in Group D, easing pressure to win but raising meaningful rotation decisions.
Sources: ESPN
NWSL Shortens Heat Breaks and Adds Online Conduct Rules Ahead of Return
The NWSL has updated its heat and hydration policy ahead of the league’s World Cup return. All hydration breaks at wet-bulb temperatures between 82.3°F and 92.1°F will now last 2.5 to 3 minutes — down from a possible 5 after players said longer stoppages disrupted match rhythm. Temperatures above 92.1°F still trigger a match delay. New rules also introduce a Digital Code of Conduct against online abuse, timed substitutions, and a one-minute cap on on-field medical treatment — mirroring FIFA World Cup protocols. The changes follow a chaotic August 2025 match at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, which produced a three-hour delay, 16 heat-related injuries, and one hospitalization.
Sources: ESPN
Turkey’s 0-Goal Warning: What the Group Finale Reveals About USMNT
The U.S. has already secured Group D’s top spot — and Thursday’s match against eliminated Turkey offers a rare chance to experiment before the knockout rounds. With four yellow-card holders (Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson) almost certain to sit, and Cristian Roldan managing a muscle strain, Pochettino faces meaningful rotation decisions. Meanwhile, Turkey presents an unlikely warning sign: despite 74.3% possession, 46 chances created, and 3.53 expected goals across two matches, they were shut out entirely. Christian Pulisic, nursing a calf issue, may rest or earn a cameo. The U.S. likely faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
Sources: ESPN
2026 World Cup — Group D (USMNT)
After Matchday 2 of 3
1. USA — 6 pts (2W-0D-0L) ✓ Qualified
2. Australia — 3 pts (1W-0D-1L)
3. Paraguay — 3 pts (1W-0D-1L)
4. Türkiye — 0 pts (0W-0D-2L) Eliminated
Group D finale: USA vs Türkiye TODAY • June 25
2026 World Cup — Group A (Mexico)
Final Standings — Matchday 3 of 3
1. Mexico — 9 pts (3W-0D-0L) ✓ Group Winners
Czechia — eliminated (0-3 loss Jun 25)
Group B: Canada advance as runners-up (lost 2-1 vs Switzerland June 24)
MLS Eastern Conference — Top 8
League on World Cup break
1. Nashville SC — 33 pts
2. Inter Miami — 31 pts
3. Chicago Fire — 26 pts
4. New England — 25 pts
5. Red Bull NY — 22 pts
6. Charlotte — 21 pts
7. FC Cincinnati — 20 pts
8. NYCFC — 19 pts
MLS Western Conference — Top 8
League on World Cup break
1. Vancouver — 32 pts
1. San Jose — 32 pts
3. Real Salt Lake — 26 pts
4. FC Dallas — 25 pts
5. LAFC — 24 pts
5. Seattle — 24 pts
7. Houston — 22 pts
7. Minnesota — 22 pts
NWSL 2026 Season — Top 8
League on scheduled World Cup break • Next matches July 3, 2026
1. San Diego Wave — 25 pts (13 GP)
2. Utah Royals — 24 pts (12 GP)
3. Portland Thorns — 24 pts (13 GP)
4. Washington Spirit — 21 pts (11 GP)
5. Gotham FC — 21 pts (11 GP)
6. KC Current — 21 pts (12 GP)
7. NC Courage — 18 pts (11 GP)
8. Orlando Pride — 17 pts (12 GP)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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