Soccer

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.

July 29, 2026

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

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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.

July 20, 2026

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

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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.

July 20, 2026

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

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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.

July 19, 2026

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

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

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

July 14, 2026

Previewing France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal

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Previewing France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal

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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.

July 12, 2026

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

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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.

July 10, 2026

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

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

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July 07, 2026

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.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #579

The week FIFA lost the plot

August 06, 2026

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There’s been some major drama going down at FIFA headquarters. Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a plan to sell stakes in future World Cups to private equity firms — an announcement that was met with immediate backlash. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Alessandra Puccio explain why Infantino’s failed plan caused such a stir and detail the potential fallout from his latest bungle.