Rodman on her decision to stay, protests in Mexico City, World Cup day one recaps, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday, and happy World Cup! It’s finally here! I am working on this very article while watching a game! I can hardly believe it.
I will note that I’m still on the hunt for the perfect printable wall chart. There are many beautiful ones available for free that would require a much better printer than mine. The Telegraph‘s is probably the best for my purposes, but the times are all wrong! I’m open to suggestions if anyone has some.
Why Trinity Rodman Chose to Stay in D.C. (Notus)
Trinity Rodman speaks in depth about her decision to stay in D.C., including saying it has come to feel more like her home than California, where she grew up.
‘Not Right’—Barred Somali Referee Sent World Cup Invitation by Canadian Politicians (Sports Illustrated)
After being denied entry to the US, Omar Artan has been offered a chance to referee in Canada… which he won’t be able to take because he couldn’t attend the training camp in Florida. He will be officiating the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Vila, though.
Protesters, police clash outside World Cup opener in Mexico City (The Athletic $)
Unfortunately, the United States isn’t the only country where politics are impacting the Cup.
Croatia arrives in Northern Virginia as World Cup excitement builds (Fox 5)
On the fun side, the Croatian team has taken up residence in Arlington, arriving at Dulles on Tuesday, and were heartily welcomed.
‘They are adults’: Tuchel grants England players day off with few strings attached (The Guardian)
Other teams are also enjoying their time here. England have been given some time off with the only stated restriction being that they can’t get on a plane. I expect to see several videos of them misbehaving at Epcot.
And Norway’s players took in a hockey game last night:
Kansas City mayor introduces legislation to support possible $1.4B CPKC Stadium expansion, development (KMBC)
Kansas City Current have needed to expand for almost as long as they’ve been in this stadium, but the public funding method is drawing some criticism. In honor of this news: a joke.
Mexico vs. South Africa score: After two goal, three red game, El Tri win 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match (CBS Sports)
Three red cards in the opening match of the World Cup is, frankly, insane. Were the teams inspired by the USA-Brazil match on Tuesday? Will all the games be like this?
Of course, Washington Spirit’s Rebeca Bernal, captain of the Mexico Women’s team, was in attendance:
South Korea overcome Czechia via Hwang In-Beom’s brilliant display (ESPN)
There were a few moments when I thought Czechia had them, but South Korea pulled it off.
USA v. Germany, 2026 Friendly; What we Learned (SSFC)
To tide you over before today’s match, even more speculation about how the US will play.
Our own Donald Wine II also appeared on a Shades of Blue Network podcast episode to preview the entire tournament ahead for the United States:
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino aims high, hours away from World Cup debut: ‘For me, success is winning’ (CBS Sports)
Just one more: Poch is ready to WIN.
Finally, your schedule of events. I considered including the entire weekend’s World Cup schedule, but it’s just so many games, and I’m not sure this is the best format. Let me know in the comments if you would prefer that for next week! For now, we have today’s games and the Loudoun United, still plugging along despite the tournament.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | Fri., June 12 at 3 p.m. ET | Toronto, Canada | Fox, Telemundo |
| USA vs. Paraguay | Fri., June 12 at 9 p.m. ET | Inglewood, CA | Fox, Telemundo |
| Loudoun United vs. Rhode Island FC | Sat., June 13 at 6 p.m. ET | Leesburg, VA | ESPN+ |
Have a good weekend!
Watching the Czech – Korea game, I was actually reminded of the beating the US took in 2006. Korea was getting absolutely battered physically, the Czechs were very happy to fly in for every duel. But unlike us, South Korea had the offensive skill to pull out a result. Their game against Mexico is going to be fun (I hope!).
Personally, I hope the US does well, but I’m feeling less excited than ever. It’s not as bad as my American-born friends who are actively rooting for Paraguay. It makes me said, but I understand given the kind of path 50% of the population has endorsed.
Czechia’s only two big chances, including the goal, was just Coufal (Czech RB) doing a forceful, accurate throw in from the right side of the final third. Got a damn assist. The second one resulted in a shot the Korean gk got down low to keep from going over the line.
Credit to South Korea, especially the subs, wresting the 3 points, cuz Czechia impressed everyone making it through the qualification playoff as a team that holds onto a game state.
Do feel like if Son can round into real form, and Lee Kang-in gets progressively more influential, this is a tough side. But watch for those Coufal throw ins going forward.
Son is surprisingly scoreless in MLS league play so far this season for LAFC, but he does have 9 assists. He’s also only played in 13 games out of 15 total.
It could be he’s just past it, but watching him, I’m more of the mind that he’s going to gain momentum and sharpness before the group stage ends
So happy Bernal was able to be there for the opening game! Wonder if Leicy will go to any Colombia games? Or Esme to watch England? Or…wow…we just have so many international players!
The match thread for the US’s group stage opener is posted
You can expect them for the rest of the run, let’s hope it’s several
https://thedistrictpress.com/2026/06/12/usa-vs-paraguay-2026-world-cup-match-thread-how-to-watch/
I was at the Germany-USA match in Chicago. To add my impressions: (1) the crowd needed to work on their cheers (primarily “USA”). (2) the first German goal was off-side. Not Haavertz but the screen that picked off Ream to free Haavertz was off-side. (3) the US looked very good. (4) Two German bloggers I read felt the USA was the better side. I agree with that based on my impression high up in the Soldier Field stands (section 313).
Also, I tried to add some photos but they were all too big to post. One other note, there were free T-shirts and flags at each seat. The T-shirts said “No under, just dog.”