One day you're in, the next you're out
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Happy almost-birthday, America.
We’re kicking off the long weekend early, so you won’t hear from us until Monday — other than our USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Round of 32 preview later today, of course. If you’re looking for plans this weekend, might we suggest…sports, sports, and more sports? MLB certainly got the message.
FIFA men’s World Cup
🤯 This is what it means
The GIST: 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. Unreal.
🥅 Paraguay and Morocco snag upsets in thrilling PK shootouts: La Albirroja had a 14% chance of winning against Germany and were obliterated in almost every stat except the one that matters: the scoreline. This was the first time Germany ever lost in PKs at a WC and one upset definitely worthy of a holiday.
- Later that night, the Netherlands’ conservative strategy fell flat against Morocco, who proved they’re a true contender — no Cinderella stories here.
💫 Stars shine in chalky Tuesday matchups: A late goal from striker Channing Tatum Erling Haaland sealed Norway’s 2–1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, then French phenom Kylian Mbappé blew everyone away with his two-goal masterclass en route to a 3–0 dub over Sweden.
- In the nightcap, Mexico (and their eager fans) topped Ecuador to earn the co-hosts a 2–0 win, El Tri’s first knockout stage W in 40 years. Fútbol is life.
TOGETHER WITH ION
⚽ Makes me want a hot dog real bad
🎆 Fourth of July plans feel like they’re missing something? ION’s got you. Starting Saturday, they’re back streaming every live NWSL game free across live television and streaming platforms nationwide. And with the second half of the season kicking off, the playoff race is coming in hot.
Catch this Saturday’s can’t-miss doubleheader:
- ⭐️ North Carolina Courage vs. 👑 Seattle Reign FC at 6:30 p.m. ET
- 🌊 San Diego Wave FC vs. 🗽 Gotham FC at 8:45 p.m. ET
Spark up the BBQ, pull up a lawn chair, and tune into ION for a night of NWSL action. Queue the fireworks.
⚽ Eighteen teams are still competing for a spot in the Round of 16, which starts Saturday. Here are The GIST’s must-watch matches.
🇧🇪 Belgium vs. 🇸🇳 Senegal — Today at 4 p.m. ET — FOX
- USMNT fans, keep an eye on this game: If our boys win tonight, they’ll face the victor of this match in Monday’s quarter-final. Belgium is the higher-ranked squad, but haven’t had a strong tourney, while Senegal has put in stronger performances against better teams. Hm.
🇪🇸 Spain vs. 🇦🇹 Austria — Tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET — FOX
- Spain are expected to dismantle the one-win Austrians, but generational talent Lamine Yamal turns all of La Roja’s matches into appointment viewing.
🇦🇷 Argentina vs. 🇨🇻 Cabo Verde — Friday at 6 p.m. ET — FOX
- Cinderella debutante Cabo Verde have won hearts around the globe, making it to the knockouts in their first-ever WC. As a reward, they face *checks notes* defending champion Argentina, championed by Golden Boot favorite Lionel Messi. Midnight may be calling.
Together With MERIT Beauty
✨ 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.
⚖️ U.S. Supreme Court upholds state laws barring transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports
In a heartbreaking, but not altogether surprising move, the conservative Supreme Court upheld two challenges to trans bans in sports yesterday. That means the 27 American states that bar trans folks from participating in women’s and girls’ sport can continue to do so lawfully, though questions about execution of such bans, from elementary school to the pros, remain unanswered.
🏆 NY Liberty become first two-time Commissioner’s Cup champs
Liberty legend and two-time Cup MVP Breanna Stewart tallied 25 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks to lift NY to a 93–85 win over the Las Vegas Aces. In addition to Stewie’s two-way heroics, the Liberty’s stalwart defense drove the dub, a job made easier by the absence of Aces icon A’ja Wilson. Now, what to do with all that bonus cash?
🎾 Serena Williams’ Wimbledon singles comeback ends with first-round loss
Williams fell in three sets to 20-year-old Maya Joint yesterday, putting up a valiant fight in front of her daughters in her first singles match in almost four years. Unlike fellow American Ben Shelton, the GOAT plays on in London: She’s teaming up with sister Venus for the upcoming doubles competition starting tomorrow.
🏀 LeBron James will play a record-breaking 24th NBA season — but not in LA
Instead, the 41-year-old will hit free agency. James spent eight years with the Lakers, powering the Purple and Gold to their 17th title in 2020. Where will the NBA’s all-time leading scorer land? Who knows, but it probably won’t be Toronto: The Raptors already locked in their superstar, reuniting with LA Clipper Kawhi Leonard yesterday.
🏎️ Iconic Silverstone circuit will test the limits of new Formula 1 cars
It’s no secret that this year’s revamped regulations have been…controversial. Now, the polarizing cars will be tested on the schedule’s most technical track. With seven drivers in the mix for the World Drivers’ Championship, the stakes are high for the fourth sprint weekend of 2026. And if you have a need for even more speed, F1 Academy returns this weekend too. Ka-chow.
⚽ Want to yap with fellow GISTers about the World Cup? For just $4.99/m, join The GIST+ to jump into our Discord group chat. Plus, you can score loads of other benefits like merch discounts, bonus content, and VIP perks for your favorite teams. Game on.
Today’s email was brought to you by Alessandra Puccio, Lisa Minutillo, and Rachel Fuenzalida. Fact-checking by Elisha Gunaratnam. Ops by Elisha Gunaratnam and Briana Ekanem. Managing edits by Katie Kehoe Foster. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.