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Disgraced Portland Thorns president Gavin Wilkinson hired by the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes

Disgraced Portland Thorns president Gavin Wilkinson hired by the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes

Disgraced Portland Thorns president Gavin Wilkinson hired by the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes

The MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes hired former Portland Timbers and Thorns president Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant earlier this month, a move that garnered considerable controversy as Wilkinson was previously ousted from the NWSL following the damning 2022 Yates report. Buckle up.

August 21, 2026

WAFCON semis kick off today, featuring Algeria, Malawi, Morocco, and Cameroon

WAFCON semis kick off today, featuring Algeria, Malawi, Morocco, and Cameroon

WAFCON semis kick off today, featuring Algeria, Malawi, Morocco, and Cameroon

Though it’s been infamously difficult to watch here in North America, the WAFCON semis kick off in Morocco today. All four African nations automatically booked their spots in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup by making it this far — now, it’s all about continental glory. Here’s what to expect on the pitch.

August 12, 2026

Nigeria’s quarter-final exit opens up WAFCON competition; Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco, and Malawi advance to the semifinals on Wednesday.

Nigeria’s quarter-final exit opens up WAFCON competition; Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco, and Malawi advance to the semifinals on Wednesday.

Nigeria’s quarter-final exit opens up WAFCON competition; Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco, and Malawi advance to the semifinals on Wednesday.

The WAFCON semis are officially set, but not without a major plot twist. Defending champs Nigeria are heading home with a double dose of heartbreak — their title defense is over, and they might not be heading to next summer’s Women’s World Cup either. Here’s how it went down and what’s still at stake.

August 10, 2026

NWSL mid-week preview, Esther González leaves Gotham FC for personal reasons

NWSL mid-week preview, Esther González leaves Gotham FC for personal reasons

NWSL mid-week preview, Esther González leaves Gotham FC for personal reasons

Still missing the FIFA men’s World Cup? We have the perfect mid-week pick-me-up: The second half of the NWSL season is almost here and while teams like the Washington Spirit and Utah Royals are rising to the top, there’s still plenty of footy to play before the eight-team playoff field is finalized this fall. Here’s the latest moves and matches from the pitch.

Spain defeat Argentina 1–0 in extra time to win 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup

Spain defeat Argentina 1–0 in extra time to win 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup

Spain defeat Argentina 1–0 in extra time to win 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup

Just over five weeks and 104 games later, Spain are your 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup (WC) champions, winning the biggest-ever edition by defeating defending champion Argentina 1–0 in extra time yesterday. Here’s how it went down — vamos.

An ode to the GOAT: Lionel Messi’s World Cups by the numbers

An ode to the GOAT: Lionel Messi’s World Cups by the numbers

An ode to the GOAT: Lionel Messi’s World Cups by the numbers

Argentinian captain Lionel Messi likely played his final WC game yesterday, and while the greatest men’s soccer player of all time hasn’t officially retired from the international scene yet, we’re commemorating the 39-year-old’s incredible career with a look at his WC appearances, by the numbers.

Reigning European and South American champs face off in World Cup Final

Reigning European and South American champs face off in World Cup Final

Reigning European and South American champs face off in World Cup Final

There’s just one match remaining in the biggest FIFA men’s World Cup (WC) in history, and boy is it a doozy. For the first time ever, the reigning champions of Europe and South America will meet in the WC Final, with Spain taking on defending WC champs Argentina today at 3 p.m. ET.

Spain cruises to World Cup final, awaits winner of England vs. Argentina

Spain cruises to World Cup final, awaits winner of England vs. Argentina

TOGETHER WITH

Spain cruises to World Cup final, awaits winner of England vs. Argentina

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July 14, 2026

Here’s what you need to know as we race towards this Sunday’s grand finale.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Alex Ovechkin’s concerning relationship with Vladimir Putin

September 17, 2026

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Alex Ovechkin’s concerning relationship with Vladimir Putin

Alex Ovechkin’s concerning relationship with Vladimir Putin

Today is Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin’s 41st birthday. It’s also the first day of training camp ahead of his 22nd and perhaps final season in the NHL, which should be cause for celebration as one of the league’s all-time greats. However, on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz detail Ovi’s relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin, inspired by the hockey player's recent ad endorsing Putin’s party ahead of parliamentary elections.

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Previewing France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal

Previewing France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal

Previewing France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal

Saturday saw everyone’s favorite Viking eliminated as (hey) Jude Bellingham’s two goals for England sent Norway rowing back home. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Leo Messi got by with a little help from his friends to bid Switzerland adieu. Wednesday’s newsletter will have all the deets on that epic semifinal, because we have to focus on tomorrow’s between France and Spain.

France knocks out Morocco in the World Cup, plus the remaining quarter-final previews

France knocks out Morocco in the World Cup, plus the remaining quarter-final previews

France knocks out Morocco in the World Cup, plus the remaining quarter-final previews

One explosive FIFA men’s World Cup (WC) quarter-final (QF) down, three to go. Next week’s semis will be set by our next newsletter, so let’s get right to it.

Diving into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, plus a France-Morocco preview

Diving into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, plus a France-Morocco preview

Diving into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, plus a France-Morocco preview

Twenty-seven days and 96 games later, the FIFA men’s World Cup (WC) quarter-finals (QFs) are set. Today’s the first day in a while without a game, so take the respite to check on your bracket and read up on the upcoming matches, plus how the final two teams clinched their spots.

Celebrating CanMNT’s historic 2026 World Cup

Celebrating CanMNT’s historic 2026 World Cup

Celebrating CanMNT’s historic 2026 World Cup

ICYMI, No. 30 CanMNT’s World Cup (WC) journey is over following Saturday’s 3–0 loss to No. 6 Morocco in the Round of 16. The scoreline doesn’t reflect how well Canada played, particularly in the first half, but we’re not here to file grievances today; we’re choosing to celebrate this historic run instead.

The Round of 16 rages on at the 2026 men’s World Cup

The Round of 16 rages on at the 2026 men’s World Cup

The Round of 16 rages on at the 2026 men’s World Cup

And just like that, the Round of 16 is nearly over. Here are the highlights from the long weekend, plus a look at the final three games before the quarter-finals (QF) begin on Thursday.

It’s gameday: Previewing CanMNT vs. Morocco

It’s gameday: Previewing CanMNT vs. Morocco

It’s gameday: Previewing CanMNT vs. Morocco

No. 30 CanMNT continues to go where no Canadian men have gone before: They’re onto the FIFA men’s World Cup (WC) Round of 16, taking on No. 6 Morocco today at 1 p.m. ET. Winning this game won’t be easy, but that’s par for the course — this tourney hasn’t exactly been a piece of cake for Les Rouges. And for that very reason (and more), battle-tested Canada might just pull off the unthinkable.

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