Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Friday, July 3, 2026
10-Man USMNT Beats Bosnia 2-0 in Historic World Cup Knockout Win
The United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the World Cup Round of 32 Wednesday at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area, their second all-time knockout-round win and first since 2002. Folarin Balogun scored in the 45th minute — his third goal of the tournament — and Malik Tillman added a direct free kick in the 82nd minute. Balogun was red-carded in the 64th minute, forcing the US to hold on with ten men through the final 36-plus minutes. The red card carries a suspension: Balogun will miss Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle, where the US enters as a slight favorite.
Canada Faces Morocco Saturday in Historic First World Cup Round of 16
Canada faces Morocco in the World Cup Round of 16 Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston (1 p.m. ET), looking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time. Jonathan David leads Canada’s attack with three goals and an xG of 3.23 through the group stage. Morocco enter unbeaten in four matches — Achraf Hakimi has been outstanding with a goal and an assist, and an xG of 3.01. The nations last met at the 2022 World Cup, when Morocco won 2-1 in the group stage on their way to the semifinal. Morocco have never lost to Canada in four all-time meetings.
Sources: ESPN Canada Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
USMNT vs. Belgium: Round of 16 Rematch in Seattle Without Balogun
The United States faces Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 on Monday, July 6, at Lumen Field in Seattle (8 p.m. ET), a rematch of their 2014 last-16 encounter — which Belgium won 2-1 in extra time, remembered for Tim Howard’s 16-save performance. The US must do it without Folarin Balogun, who is suspended following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Belgium advanced by defeating Senegal 3-2 in extra time. The Americans open as slight favorites at BetMGM, with Belgium at nearly even odds. A win would advance the US to the quarterfinals in Los Angeles on July 10.
Sources: FOX Sports Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Mexico vs. England: Co-Hosts Face Off at Azteca in World Cup Last 16
Mexico faces England in the World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — a venue where they have never lost a World Cup match, with seven wins and three draws in 10 home fixtures. Mexico’s place in the round of 16 was secured by a 2-0 win over Ecuador, with goals from Julián Quiñones in the 22nd minute and Raúl Jiménez in the 31st — ending a 40-year World Cup knockout drought. England advanced by defeating Congo DR 2-1, with Harry Kane scoring twice. Mexico opens as an underdog for Sunday’s match.
Sources: FOX Sports NBC Chicago Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Columbus Crew Land Brais Méndez as Designated Player in Pre-Window Move
The Columbus Crew announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Brais Méndez as a Designated Player on Thursday, acquiring the 29-year-old from La Liga’s Real Sociedad. Méndez recorded 33 goals and 24 assists across 166 appearances with Real Sociedad, and his contract with Columbus runs through 2028–29 with a Club option for 2029–30. He will join the squad when the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opens July 13. General Manager Issa Tall said Méndez’s “high-level technical skillset and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster.” The Crew return to MLS play on July 16.
Sources: MLS Soccer Axios Columbus Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NWSL Returns to Action Tonight After Month-Long World Cup Break
The National Women’s Soccer League returns to action Friday after a month-long pause, resuming play following the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Kansas City Current host Denver Summit FC at 8:30 p.m. ET on NWSL+ in the first match of the return weekend. The league paused from June 1 through June 28, combining a CBA-mandated rest period with a break to avoid World Cup scheduling conflicts. The 2026 season is the first with 16 clubs — Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC join as expansion sides. Rivalry Week follows July 10–15, featuring Portland–Seattle, San Diego Wave–Angel City, and Gotham FC–Washington Spirit, among others.
Sources: NWSL NBC New York Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Forge FC Complete Canada Day Comeback to Extend CPL Lead
Forge FC overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Vancouver FC 3-2 on Canada Day in Hamilton, stretching their lead at the top of the Canadian Premier League standings. Vancouver’s Terran Campbell scored in the seventh minute, and a second Vancouver goal before halftime seemed to put the match beyond the hosts. Forge responded in the second half with goals from Tristan Borges and Antoine Batisse to level at 2-2, before Maxim Filion’s 90th-minute winner sealed a dramatic comeback. The result was Forge’s fourth consecutive win, opening a four-point gap over second-placed Cavalry FC in the CPL standings.
Sources: CPL Soccer Northern Tribune Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
MLS Standings
Eastern Conference (as of May 25)
1. Nashville SC — 27 pts
2. Inter Miami CF — 25 pts
3. New England Revolution — 22 pts
4. Chicago Fire — 20 pts
Western Conference (as of May 25)
1. Vancouver Whitecaps — 29 pts
2. San Jose Earthquakes — 29 pts
3. Seattle Sounders FC — 24 pts
4. Real Salt Lake — 22 pts
MLS resumes July 16–17 after World Cup break
CPL Standings
Canadian Premier League (Top 4)
1. Forge FC — 22 pts (4W streak)
2. Cavalry FC — 18 pts
3. Inter Toronto FC — 12 pts
4. FC Supra du Québec — 11 pts
NWSL
Season resumes tonight after World Cup break
KC Current vs Denver Summit FC — 8:30 p.m. ET
Curated by JD · samwise.agency