Hey, Jude

The GIST: 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.

• Their most recent big stage matchups saw Spain eliminate France 2–1 in the 2024 Euros semis and again 5–4 in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semis— now the giants face off for a third time in two years tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET with even more on the line.

🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé looking to lead France to third straight WC final: Les Bleus have been unstoppable so far, winning all six of their WC games while outscoring their opponents 16–2, including a 2–0 QFs thumping of Morocco. Incredibly, this is all Mbappé knows — he’s played in both WC finals since his 2018 debut at the ripe age of 19, winning one and losing the other.

• But the Golden Boot leader’s not doing it alone. With reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé backing him up, Mbappé switched into the central attacker spot and the result has been goals galore.

🇪🇸 Spain finally appears in-form after a slow WC start: La Roja surprisingly drew with beloved newcomer Cabo Verde in their first group-stage game, but have since found their footing and returned several key players from injury. Plus, they’ve allowed just one goal this entire tournament and that was in Friday’s 2–1 QF win over Belgium.

• Spanish teenage forward phenom Lamine Yamal will do his best to disappoint France, along with midfielder Mikel Merino, who has come off the bench and scored twice in the knockouts. Olé.

⚽ What gives an Olympic gold medalist her confidence? Soccer star Croix Bethune followed up her banner rookie year with some big changes last offseason, confidently navigating transferring to a new team with her Invisalign Smile while recovering from a knee injury.

• Between training and game days, Croix centers herself by bowling, spending time outside with her dog Kush, and investing in the future of women’s soccer in her community and beyond with Invisalign®.

❤️ Another crucial element of her self-care? Making Invisalign® clear aligners part of her oral health routine. Croix is investing in her smile and building habits that help her show up with confidence — for herself, her team, and Kush, obviously.

The GIST: Somebody call Smash Mouth because MLB All-Star Week has arrived, with baseball’s best descending on Philadelphia for 48 more hours of glimmering festivities. From tonight’s Home Run Derby to tomorrow’s All-Star Game (ASG), here’s everything you need to know about MLB’s mid-summer classic.

💥 Classic Home Run Derby format returns — Tonight at 8 p.m. ET: MLB is playing the hits…literally, returning to a non-timed round format. While hitters were on the clock in recent years, this year’s batters will have a set number of swings to blast as many dingers as possible over the course of the three-round, eight-player competition.

• Hometown heroes, Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper will certainly have the crowd behind them, but NY Yankees slugger Ben Rice could spoil the party — he has the third-most long balls in the majors this year.

⭐ ASG features fan favorites and rising stars — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET: The best of the best from the American League (AL) will take on the top stars from the National League (NL), as decided by a combination of fan voting, player ballots, and selections by MLB. And while some top players will sit out due to injury (miss you already, Shohei Ohtani), there’ll still be plenty of shine.

• Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease gets the start for the AL in his first career ASG and could benefit from some run support from Chicago White Sox Rookie of the Year frontrunner, first baseman Munetaka Murakami.

• As for the NL, they’re rolling with two seasoned vets. Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale and LA Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman will both make their 10th career ASG appearances. Play ball, baby.

✨ Summertime calls for an easy breezy makeup routine. Thankfully, MERIT’s Intro Set simplified things down to four essentials. Glow, bronze, blush, and blend your way to a stunning beat with their…

• 1️⃣ The Minimalist: A complexion and contour stick for effortless coverage.

• 2️⃣ Bronze Balm: The secret to a sun-kissed glow, without the UV damage.

• 3️⃣ Flush Balm: A blush as natural as when your crush texts you.

• 4️⃣ Brush No. 1: Designed to blend all of the above for a streak-free, airbrushed finish.