Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Thursday, July 2, 2026
USA Defeat Bosnia 2-0, Advance to World Cup Round of 16
The United States men's national team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring before receiving a red card in the second half, leaving the USMNT a man down. Midfielder Malik Tillman stepped up with a curling free kick to seal the victory and silence any doubts about the depleted side. The result ends Bosnia's tournament run and sends the United States through for their first knockout victory since 2002. The U.S. will face Belgium in the Round of 16.
USMNT Cannot Appeal Balogun Red Card Ahead of Belgium Match
The United States will be without striker Folarin Balogun for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium after sources confirmed the USMNT cannot appeal the red card he received during Wednesday's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun, who scored the opening goal before being dismissed, was sent off for a foul on Muharemovic. Under current FIFA regulations, no appeal mechanism exists for this type of infraction. The ban carries forward into the knockout stage, leaving coach Mauricio Pochettino to restructure his attack for one of the tournament's most consequential upcoming matches.
Mexico End 40-Year Knockout Drought With 2-0 Win Over Ecuador at Azteca
Mexico ended a 40-year drought in World Cup knockout football on Tuesday, defeating Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Raúl Jiménez added a second to seal the result. Ecuador played most of the match with ten men after Piero Hincapié was sent off for covering his mouth, a violation under new FIFA disciplinary rules. Mexico remain unbeaten in ten World Cup matches played at Azteca. El Tri will face either England or Congo DR in the Round of 16.
Columbus Crew Acquire Designated Player Brais Méndez From Real Sociedad
Columbus Crew acquired Brais Méndez from Real Sociedad on Thursday, adding the midfielder as a Designated Player in MLS. The transfer gives Columbus a reinforcement in midfield as the club sits tenth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points in the 2026 MLS regular season. Méndez arrives from Real Sociedad ahead of the second half of the MLS calendar. The Crew announced the deal Thursday, July 2. Columbus join several MLS clubs moving to strengthen their rosters during the 2026 FIFA World Cup window as the tournament continues in host cities across North America.
LA Galaxy Transfer Mauricio Cuevas to Santos Laguna
LA Galaxy confirmed Tuesday that Mauricio Cuevas has been transferred to Santos Laguna. The move takes Cuevas from the MLS club to the Mexican side, clearing a roster spot for the Galaxy as they look to bolster their squad in the second half of the 2026 MLS regular season. Los Angeles currently sit ninth in the Western Conference with 20 points. Santos Laguna compete in Liga MX. The deal reflects continued cross-border roster activity as MLS and Liga MX clubs adjust their squads during the ongoing 2026 World Cup window.
Christian Pulisic on Six-Man Liverpool Transfer Shortlist
AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic has been placed on a six-man Liverpool transfer shortlist, according to a report published Tuesday. The USMNT forward's future at the Italian club is described as uncertain, and Liverpool are monitoring Pulisic as one of several attacking options under consideration for the summer window. The report details a potential transfer involving the American international as Premier League clubs begin activating summer recruitment plans. No formal bid has been reported. Pulisic has played a key role for both club and country, with the USMNT currently advancing through the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.
NWSL Matchday: Seven Games Return From World Cup Break, Spirit Win 2-0
The National Women's Soccer League returned from its World Cup break on Tuesday with seven matches on the schedule. Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC 2-0, Kansas City Current topped Gotham FC 2-1 with goals from Debinha and Cooper, and Houston Dash edged Racing Louisville 4-3 in a high-scoring affair. Utah Royals held off the Chicago Stars 1-0, while NC Courage and Portland Thorns drew 2-2. Boston Legacy FC defeated San Diego Wave 1-0, and Seattle Reign drew 0-0 with Denver Summit. Results shake up the NWSL standings as the second half of the season gets underway.
Tillman Earns Top USMNT Rating After Bosnia Win, Balogun Scores 4 Following Red Card
ESPN rated USMNT players after the 2-0 World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, with Malik Tillman earning the top mark at 8 out of 10. Tillman scored a curling free kick to seal the result after the squad was reduced to ten men following Balogun's red card. Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, and Weston McKennie each earned 7 out of 10. Coach Mauricio Pochettino was also rated 7. Folarin Balogun, who scored the opening goal before being dismissed, received a 4 given the impact of his red card heading into the Round of 16 against Belgium.
MLS Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Nashville SC — 33 pts (10-3-1)
2. Inter Miami CF — 31 pts (9-4-2)
3. Chicago Fire FC — 26 pts (8-2-4)
4. New England Revolution — 25 pts (8-1-5)
5. Red Bull New York — 22 pts (6-4-5)
6. Charlotte FC — 21 pts (6-3-6)
7. FC Cincinnati — 20 pts (5-5-5)
8. New York City FC — 19 pts (5-4-6)
9. D.C. United — 18 pts (4-6-5)
10. Columbus Crew — 16 pts (4-4-7)
11. CF Montréal — 14 pts (—)
12. Orlando City SC — 14 pts (—)
13. Toronto FC — 14 pts (—)
14. Atlanta United — 11 pts (—)
15. Philadelphia Union — 7 pts (—)
Western Conference
1. Vancouver Whitecaps — 32 pts (10-2-2)
2. San Jose Earthquakes — 32 pts (10-2-3)
3. Real Salt Lake — 26 pts (8-2-4)
4. FC Dallas — 25 pts (7-4-4)
5. LAFC — 24 pts (7-3-5)
6. Seattle Sounders FC — 24 pts (7-3-3)
7. Houston Dynamo FC — 22 pts (—)
8. Minnesota United FC — 22 pts (—)
9. LA Galaxy — 20 pts (—)
10. San Diego FC — 17 pts (—)
11. Colorado Rapids — 16 pts (—)
12. St. Louis CITY SC — 16 pts (—)
13. Portland Timbers — 14 pts (—)
14. Austin FC — 14 pts (—)
15. Sporting Kansas City — 11 pts (—)
NWSL Standings
Top 6 (pre-July 1)
1. San Diego Wave FC — 25 pts (8-1-4)
2. Utah Royals — 24 pts (7-3-2)
3. Portland Thorns — 24 pts (7-3-3)
4. Washington Spirit — 21 pts (6-3-2)
5. Gotham FC — 21 pts (—)
6. Kansas City Current — 21 pts (—)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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