The GIST

The USMNT is out of the World Cup — and we’re in our feels

A promising USMNT lost 4–1 to Belgium on Monday, a disappointing finish for a team that captivated a nation. Despite hope surrounding the perennially underdog American men’s team, this run ended the same way their last three WCs did: in the Round of 16. Let’s sort through our feelings about it.

July 08, 2026

NWSL shares midseason growth metrics driven by increased attendance and access

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On Friday, the NWSL shared midseason KPIs and milestones that illustrate explosive, multidimensional growth. The league saw gains across every major metric — a positive sign in the lead up to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

July 07, 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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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.

July 07, 2026

Previewing USMNT vs. Belgium following FIFA’s shocking decision

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Every minute brings us closer to tonight’s USMNT Round of 16 tilt against Belgium at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Can the Stars and Stripes vanquish the Red Devils, or will history repeat itself?

July 06, 2026

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

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Here are the highlights from the long weekend, plus a look at the final three games before the quarter-finals (QF) begin on Thursday.

July 06, 2026

Together With

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

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Here are the highlights from the long weekend, plus a look at the final three games before the quarter-finals (QF) begin on Thursday.

July 06, 2026

It’s gameday: Previewing CanMNT vs. Morocco

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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.

July 04, 2026

World Cup knockout games bring drama and history

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World Cup knockout games bring drama and history

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July 01, 2026

Just when you thought the FIFA men’s 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.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #570

How FIFA lost control of the World Cup

July 07, 2026

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On Sunday, FIFA shocked the world by announcing that American striker Folarin Balogun’s red card had been suspended, allowing the USMNT’s World Cup leading scorer to play in yesterday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.

That decision set off a flurry of conversations about fairness and opportunity at the World Cup — particularly after a certain president inserted himself into the narrative. Today, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down the situation, detailing how FIFA’s controversial decision sparked outrage from other competing nations, inciting chaos and tainting the legacy of this tourney.