One day you're in, the next you're out
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Leveling The Playing Field
Oh, Canada!
From record-breaking fútbol viewership, to the Blue Jays’ annual festivities, to the return of a certain championship-winning Dino (more on that below), our Maple Leaf–clad nation is popping off on its 159th birthday.
- We’ll be enjoying an extra long weekend to celebrate, so we won’t be back in your inbox until Saturday for a game-time preview ahead of CanMNT’s showdown with Morocco. Have a wonderful weekend, eh?
FIFA men’s World Cup
🤯 This is what it means
The GIST: Just when you thought the World Cup (WC) couldn’t get any better, Monday happened. All three Round of 32 games went into extra time, with Brazil sending Japan home via a stoppage time stunner and the other two tilts going to penalty kicks (PK) after 1–1 full-time draws. Unreal.
🥅 Paraguay and Morocco snag upsets in thrilling PK shootouts: La Albirroja had a 14% chance of winning against Germany and were obliterated in almost every stat except the one that matters: the scoreline. This was the first time Germany ever lost in PKs at a WC and one upset definitely worthy of a holiday.
- Later that night, the Netherlands’ conservative strategy fell flat against Morocco, who proved they’re a true contender — no Cinderella stories here.
💫 Stars shine in chalky Tuesday matchups: A late goal from striker Channing Tatum Erling Haaland sealed Norway’s 2–1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, then French phenom Kylian Mbappé blew everyone away with his two-goal masterclass en route to a 3–0 dub over Sweden.
- In the nightcap, Mexico (and their eager fans) topped Ecuador to earn the co-hosts a 2–0 win, El Tri’s first knockout stage W in 40 years. Fútbol is life.
🤝 Fandom belongs to everyone
👏 Fandom isn’t only for season ticket holders. Whether you love scrolling highlights on social media, are the best-dressed at the World Cup watch party, or catch every minute of every game, sports unite us all.
- That’s why we teamed up with designer Kristen Warner for a special, one-of-a-kind jersey that celebrates the diverse global community of sports lovers and features IYKYK symbols, including an ode to the tifo and vintage soccer pennants.
👕 If you believe that “Fandom Belongs to Everyone,” this jersey belongs in your wardrobe. Keep an eye on your inbox for the sale kickoff — this is a limited-edition item, and GISTers always show up for baller merch.
⚽ Eighteen teams are still competing for a spot in the Round of 16, which starts Saturday. Here are The GIST’s must-watch matches.
🇪🇸 Spain vs. 🇦🇹 Austria — Tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET — TSN
- Spain are expected to dismantle the one-win Austrians, but generational talent Lamine Yamal turns all of La Roja’s matches into appointment viewing.
🇭🇷 Croatia vs. 🇵🇹 Portugal — Tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET — TSN
- It’ll cost a pretty penny to watch this tilt IRL. Not only is it the final game in Toronto, but the Croatian and Portuguese communities in the Six are massive. Only one group will watch their aging icon play on: Will it be Croatia’s Luka Modrić or Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo?
🇦🇷 Argentina vs. 🇨🇻 Cabo Verde — Friday at 6 p.m. ET — TSN
- Cinderella debutante Cabo Verde have won hearts around the globe, making it to the knockouts in their first-ever WC. As a reward, they face *checks notes* defending champion Argentina, championed by Golden Boot favourite Lionel Messi. Midnight may be calling.
🏀 Toronto Raptors reunite with 2019 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard
Superstars like LeBron James are searching for greener pastures — but Leonard already knows the grass is green in Toronto. It’s where he won his second NBA championship seven seasons ago, leading the Raptors to their first-ever title. Now, he’s back in the Six after the Dinos traded Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and a plethora of picks to the LA Clippers. So ready for history to repeat itself.
⚖️ U.S. Supreme Court upholds state laws barring transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports
In a heartbreaking, but not altogether surprising move, the conservative Supreme Court upheld two challenges to trans bans in sports yesterday. That means the 27 American states that bar trans folks from participating in women’s and girls’ sport can continue to do so lawfully, though questions about execution of such bans, from elementary school to the pros, remain unanswered.
🏆 NY Liberty become first two-time Commissioner’s Cup champs
Liberty legend and two-time Cup MVP Breanna Stewart tallied 25 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks to lift NY to a 93–85 win over the Las Vegas Aces. In addition to Stewie’s two-way heroics, the Liberty’s stalwart defense drove the dub, a job made easier by the absence of Aces icon A’ja Wilson. Now, what to do with all that bonus cash?
🎾 Serena Williams’ Wimbledon singles comeback ends with first-round loss
Williams fell in three sets to 20-year-old Maya Joint yesterday, putting up a valiant fight in front of her daughters in her first singles match in almost four years. Unlike fellow American Ben Shelton, the GOAT plays on in London: She’s teaming up with sister Venus for the upcoming doubles competition starting tomorrow.
🏎️ Iconic Silverstone circuit will test the limits of new Formula 1 cars
It’s no secret that this year’s revamped regulations have been…controversial. Now, the polarizing cars will be tested on the schedule’s most technical track. With seven drivers in the mix for the World Drivers’ Championship, the stakes are high for the fourth sprint weekend of 2026. And if you have a need for even more speed, F1 Academy returns this weekend too. Ka-chow.
⚽ Want to yap with fellow GISTers about the World Cup? For just $4.99/m, join The GIST+ to jump into our Discord group chat. Plus, you can score loads of other benefits like merch discounts, bonus content, and VIP perks for your favorite teams. Game on.
Question of the Day
🇨🇦 July 1st Blue Jays baseball — does it get more Canadian than that? Between the iconic red threads and the glizzies, watching the Jays is a no-brainer way to spend the day.
Since you’re already locked in, you might as well make it official with Ontario’s original sportsbook. Download the new PROLINE app, make your picks, and generate a barcode, then scan that barcode at any OLG location to lock ’em in.
So, what Jays play would make your Canada Day?
Today’s email was brought to you by Alessandra Puccio, Lisa Minutillo, and Rachel Fuenzalida. Fact-checking by Elisha Gunaratnam. Ops by Elisha Gunaratnam and Briana Ekanem. Managing edits by Katie Kehoe Foster. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.