Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Belgium Routs USMNT 4-1 to End Co-Host's World Cup Dream in Round of 16
The United States exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 at Seattle’s Lumen Field on Monday, eliminated at that stage for the fourth time in the last five tournaments. Charles De Ketelaere netted a ninth-minute opener before Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick drew the U.S. level before halftime. Belgium regained the lead through a De Ketelaere brace, with Hans Vanaken extending the advantage in the 57th minute and Romelu Lukaku adding a stoppage-time goal. Belgium dominated proceedings, outperforming the Americans in expected goals 2.15 to 0.67. Belgium advance to the quarterfinals, where they meet Spain on Friday in Los Angeles.
Chicago Fire Land Robert Lewandowski in Blockbuster MLS Signing
Chicago Fire FC completed the signing of Robert Lewandowski on Monday, bringing the 37-year-old Polish striker to Major League Soccer on a two-year deal running through the 2027-28 season. Lewandowski, a free agent after his FC Barcelona contract expired in June, spurned reported interest from Saudi Arabia and European clubs to join the Fire. Head coach Gregg Berhalter said the club had pursued Lewandowski since January 2025, with talks intensifying in the months that followed. Lewandowski has won league titles with Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona and scored over 600 career club goals. He is expected to make his MLS debut on July 16 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Sources: MLS Soccer ESPN Soccer America Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Pulisic Exits Belgium Match with Ankle Injury, Ends World Cup on the Bench
Christian Pulisic was substituted off in the 59th minute of the United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium with an ankle injury, the second injury to curtail his 2026 World Cup campaign. The AC Milan attacker was a nonfactor in the first half, losing possession a team-high 11 times before being withdrawn. Pulisic had previously missed the USMNT’s group-stage match against Australia with a calf problem, returning for the round of 32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. After the defeat, Pulisic said he was disappointed in himself, while also expressing trust in his teammates. His availability at the start of the next international cycle remains uncertain following this latest setback.
Pochettino Stays Quiet on USMNT Future After World Cup Round of 16 Exit
Mauricio Pochettino would not say whether he intends to remain as United States men’s national team coach following Monday’s 4-1 loss to Belgium, leaving his future unresolved. The Argentine’s contract expires at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, and U.S. Soccer has reportedly offered him a new four-year deal through the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. After the defeat, Pochettino said: “We need to rest a little bit, to think, to have conversations, and then see what the decision is from the federation and from us.” Talks between the coach and the federation are expected to resume after both sides have had time to reflect.
NWSL Power Rankings: Washington Spirit Claim Top Spot as Three-Team Title Race Intensifies
Washington Spirit have claimed the top spot in ESPN’s NWSL Power Rankings for the first time this season, winning seven of their last eight games as the NWSL returned this Tuesday from a month-long World Cup break. The Spirit trail table leaders San Diego Wave by one point but hold games in hand over San Diego and second-ranked Portland Thorns. Trinity Rodman has five goals on the season, tied for fourth in the league, while Portland lead the NWSL in goals scored with 24. The shift to the top of the power rankings signals an intensifying three-team title battle as the league enters its second half.
MLS Secondary Transfer Window Opens July 13 as League Counts Down to July 16 Restart
Major League Soccer’s secondary transfer window opens July 13, giving clubs nine days to finalize acquisitions before the regular season restarts on July 16-17 after a seven-week break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As of Tuesday, the window extends through September 2 for the first time in two decades, giving clubs a broader runway to pursue talent. Teams have been scouting World Cup performers throughout the tournament, with the Fire’s signing of Robert Lewandowski on Monday representing the marquee move of the break. MLS clubs open the restarted season with rivalry matches, including the Cascadia derby between Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers on July 16.
Sources: MLS Soccer ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
All Three North American Co-Hosts Exit 2026 World Cup in Round of 16
All three 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts were eliminated in the Round of 16, with Canada, Mexico, and the United States each falling at the same stage. Canada fell 3-0 to Morocco on July 4 in Vancouver, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice. Mexico lost 3-2 to England at Estadio Azteca on July 5, with manager Javier Aguirre saying the side was “proud but hurt.” The United States then completed the sweep on July 6, losing 4-1 to Belgium in Seattle. Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch highlighted the team’s achievements despite the defeat, noting the “so many firsts” the squad accomplished, including a record 6-0 group-stage win over Qatar.
MLS Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference — At World Cup Break (May 25)
1. Nashville SC — 33 pts
2. Atlanta United
3. Chicago Fire — 26 pts
4. Columbus Crew
5. CF Montréal
Full table: mlssoccer.com
MLS Western Conference
Western Conference — At World Cup Break (May 25)
1. Vancouver Whitecaps
2. Inter Miami CF
3. FC Dallas
4. Seattle Sounders FC
5. LAFC
Season restarts July 16 — Full standings
NWSL
NWSL Standings — ESPN Power Rankings
1. San Diego Wave (table leaders)
2. Portland Thorns (leads in goals: 24)
3. Washington Spirit (ESPN #1 power rank)
4. Kansas City Current
5. Utah Royals
Spirit hold GIH over San Diego; title race intensifying
Curated by JD · samwise.agency