Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Chicago Fire Sign Robert Lewandowski in Blockbuster MLS Move
Robert Lewandowski is coming to Major League Soccer. Chicago Fire announced the signing of the 37-year-old Polish striker on June 30, landing one of the world’s most decorated forwards as a Designated Player on a two-year deal through the 2027–28 season. Lewandowski arrives as a free agent following a four-year spell at Barcelona, where he scored 120 goals in 193 appearances and won three LaLiga titles. Head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed talks with the player had been ongoing for roughly 18 months before a Chicago visit last week closed the deal. The Fire resume MLS play on July 16.
Sam Kerr Returns to NWSL, Signs Long-Term Deal with Gotham FC Through 2030
Sam Kerr is returning to the NWSL. Gotham FC announced on June 30 the signing of the Australian international striker on a long-term deal through the 2030 season, reuniting her with the club she played for as Sky Blue FC from 2015 to 2017. Kerr departs Chelsea following the expiration of her contract and joins the reigning NWSL champions. She cannot debut until the league’s transfer window opens on July 14, with the Queens Classic against Washington at Citi Field on July 15 expected to be her first match for Gotham.
Mexico Defeats Ecuador 2-0 to Advance to World Cup Round of 16
Mexico advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 on June 30, defeating Ecuador 2-0 before a crowd of more than 80,000 fans at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match was delayed nearly an hour by a thunderstorm before Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, with Raúl Jiménez doubling the lead nine minutes later. Ecuador defender Hincápié received a red card in the closing minutes after the result was decided. The win sends Mexico through to the Round of 16 to face the winner of England vs. Congo DR.
USMNT Faces Bosnia & Herzegovina Tonight in World Cup Round of 32
The United States face Bosnia & Herzegovina tonight in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, with kickoff at 8 p.m. ET at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The match airs on FOX and Telemundo. The U.S. topped Group D with eight goals across three matches, defeating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0 while suffering a single defeat to Türkiye. Soccer America described Bosnia as a gritty and well-organized defensive side that will demand a clean, mistake-free performance from the Americans. The winner advances to the Round of 16.
Sources: U.S. Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Canada Eyes Historic Round of 16 Clash Against Morocco on July 4
Canada will face Morocco in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston, after defeating South Africa 1-0 in a dramatic Round of 32 on June 28. Mauro Eustáquio scored in the 92nd minute to seal Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout-round victory. Morocco also reached the last 16 by defeating the Netherlands on penalties on June 29, with Ismael Saibari scoring three goals during the match and converting the decisive spot kick. Jonathan David led Canada’s scoring through the group stage. Coverage airs July 4 from Houston.
Sources: Canada Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
CPL Celebrates Canada Day with Double-Header as League Returns from World Cup Break
The Canadian Premier League marks Canada Day with a double-header on Wednesday as the league returns from its World Cup break. League leaders Forge FC host Vancouver FC at Hamilton Stadium at 1 p.m. ET, carrying a seven-game home shutout streak into the fixture. Forge sit first with 25 points from ten games, two ahead of second-place Cavalry FC. Halifax Wanderers host defending CPL champions Atlético Ottawa at 4 p.m. ET in the second game of the day. Both matches air on OneSoccer as CPL Matchweek 11 kicks off the second half of the season.
Sources: CPL Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Columbus Crew Acquire Argentine Lautaro Giaccone on Loan from Argentinos Juniors
Columbus Crew have acquired Argentine midfielder Lautaro Giaccone on loan from Argentinos Juniors through June 2027, with an option to purchase. The 25-year-old, announced Monday, is most frequently deployed as a right winger or attacking midfielder and is equally comfortable drifting left or operating in central pockets of space. Standing at 5-foot-8 with a cultured left foot, Giaccone gives Columbus a technically sound attacking option as the club builds out its roster ahead of the World Cup break’s end. He will formally join the MLS side when the secondary transfer window opens on July 13.
Sources: Columbus Crew Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
DC United Sign English Midfielder Andre Dozzell on Free Transfer from Portsmouth
D.C. United have signed English midfielder Andre Dozzell on a free transfer from Portsmouth, with the 27-year-old joining the club on July 1. The former English youth international is under contract through the 2027–28 season with an option for 2028–29. Dozzell brings extensive English football experience, having made 281 appearances across stints with Ipswich Town, Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers, and most recently Portsmouth in the EFL Championship. Managing director of soccer operations Dr. Erkut Sogut described Dozzell as a highly technical two-way player. D.C. are in their first full season under head coach René Weiler.
Sources: MLS Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
⚽ League Snapshot
MLS is on its World Cup break through July 16. Nashville SC lead the Eastern Conference; LAFC lead the Western Conference at the pause. MLS rivalry weekend resumes July 16–17, with the All‑Star Game set for July 29 at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium.
NWSL continues through the summer; transfer window opens July 14.
CPL standings (Matchweek 10): 1. Forge FC 25 pts | 2. Cavalry FC 23 pts | 3. Atlético Ottawa 14 pts | 4. Inter Toronto 12 pts. CPL resumes today with a Canada Day double-header.
Curated by JD · samwise.agency