Soccer

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.

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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

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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

TOGETHER WITH

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

Together With

Previewing France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal

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July 12, 2026

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.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #580

Why the WNBA is stuck in a right-wing culture war

August 11, 2026

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Why the WNBA is stuck in a right-wing culture war

The WNBA seems to be everywhere these days, but not in a great way. A lot of the oxygen around the league is being taken up by off-court issues, particularly regarding trans women and trans athletes. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their thoughts on it all, detailing the anti-trans comments that sparked this nationwide debate, the Players Association’s response, commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leaked internal memo.