Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Monday, July 13, 2026
All Four World Cup Quarterfinals Decided; Semifinals Set for Dallas and Atlanta
The four 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals have been decided, setting up a blockbuster semifinal round at venues across the United States. France eliminated Morocco 2-0 on July 9; Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on July 10; England edged Norway 2-1 and Argentina outlasted Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, both on July 11. The semifinals are set for Tuesday, July 14, when France meets Spain at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and Wednesday, July 15, when England faces Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, as the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico reaches its climactic stage.
Sources: Al Jazeera | Yahoo Sports Share ↗
MLS Returns Thursday After Seven-Week World Cup Break as Secondary Window Opens
Major League Soccer returns to action Thursday, July 16, ending a seven-week pause for the FIFA World Cup. Nashville SC leads the Eastern Conference with 33 points from 14 matches, while the Vancouver Whitecaps top the West on 29 points ahead of San Jose Earthquakes on goal difference. Inter Miami, with 31 points and an MLS-leading 39 goals, enter the restart as Supporters’ Shield contenders under Lionel Messi. The league also opens its Secondary Transfer Window today, July 13, running through September 2 — the latest closing date in more than two decades — giving clubs an extended opportunity to acquire talent before the playoff push.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com Share ↗
Houston Dynamo Acquire Striker Duncan McGuire from Orlando City Ahead of MLS Restart
The Houston Dynamo have acquired striker Duncan McGuire from Orlando City SC in exchange for up to $2.4 million in General Allocation Money, completing the deal ahead of Thursday’s MLS restart. The 25-year-old is contracted through 2027, with a club option for 2028, after recording 32 goals and seven assists across 109 appearances for Orlando in all competitions. This season, McGuire added two goals and one assist in eleven appearances before MLS paused for the World Cup. Houston will pay Orlando $1.25 million in guaranteed GAM, with up to an additional $1.15 million in performance-based incentives if certain targets are met.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com Share ↗
Liga MX Apertura 2026 Opens Thursday as Cruz Azul Defends Title and Atlante Returns
Mexico’s top football league returns to action Thursday, July 16, when the Liga MX Apertura 2026 tournament kicks off with Necaxa hosting the newly promoted Atlante FC. Cruz Azul, who won the Clausura 2026 crown, begins its title defense Friday against Atlético de San Luis. This Apertura brings a significant format change: the play-in round has been permanently eliminated, meaning the eight highest-ranked teams at the end of the regular season advance directly to the quarterfinals. Atlante’s return to the first division after 12 years away — achieved by acquiring Mazatlán FC’s registration — is the other major story heading into the opening weekend.
Sources: Yahoo Sports | ESPN Share ↗
Washington Spirit Sign Cameroonian Midfielder Monique Ngock to Three-Year Deal
The Washington Spirit have signed Cameroonian international midfielder Monique Ngock on a three-year contract through the 2028 NWSL season, with a club option for 2029. Washington paid a transfer fee to French Première Ligue side FC Fleury 91 Cœur d’Essone for her services. Ngock appeared in 19 league matches last season, contributing two goals from midfield as Fleury finished in the top five of the French top flight. She has earned senior caps for Cameroon since 2022 and was part of the national squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at just 17 years old. She previously spent three seasons with Stade de Reims.
Sources: All For XI | Washington Spirit Share ↗
San Diego Wave Re-Sign Forward Trinity Byars to Three-Year Deal Through 2028
San Diego Wave FC have extended the contract of forward Trinity Byars on a new three-year deal running through the 2028 NWSL season. Byars, 23, joined the Wave in November 2024 following a four-year collegiate career at the University of Texas, with her previous contract set to expire at the end of 2026. In her first full NWSL season, she has scored four goals in nine appearances, with three coming off the bench and two of those arriving in stoppage time. The Wave secured the deal as Byars has emerged as a key attacking option off the bench for San Diego in the 2026 season.
Sources: All For XI | San Diego Wave Share ↗
NWSL Standings (Top 6)
Through Week 12
1. San Diego Wave
2. Washington Spirit (2 games in hand)
3. Portland Thorns
4. Kansas City Current
5. Houston Dash
6. NJ/NY Gotham FC
MLS Calendar
What’s Next
Mon Jul 13 — Transfer window opens
Thu Jul 16 — MLS returns; Cascadia Derby
Fri Jul 17 — El Tráfico (Galaxy vs LAFC)
Sun Jul 19 — 2026 World Cup Final
Liga MX Apertura 2026 starts late July