Last month, retired women’s soccer stars and lifelong friends Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt launched their Style of Play podcast in what seems like a perfect moment. Not only is this undoubtedly the “summer of soccer” on U.S. soil, but everyone seems to be thinking about how to build momentum ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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

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.

The NWSL’s Gotham FC made a huge announcement this week: In 2028, the team will move from New Jersey’s Sports Illustrated Stadium to Etihad Park, the massive, all-electric stadium being built in Flushing, Queens.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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