Happy Thursday everyone! Happy USMNT gameday. I am so ready for this game, mostly because I am tired of all the discussion of what lineup will be put out there tonight. For me it just got so tedious. Anyway, lets get to the news.

D.C. United Midfielder, Oscar Avilez, called up for Fifth Annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate (DC United)

The MLS Next All-Star Game is just over a month away (July 27th) in North Carolina. Fans interested in seeing the future stars of MLS on the pitch now will see Oscar Avilez represent the Black and Red in the match.

NWSL announces updates to competition rules (All for XI)

As NWSL gears up to return from its World Cup hiatus, the league announced rules updates that will go in effect when the players return to the field. Most of the changes impact play on the field, including: 10 second substitutions, one minute off field treatment for players, and a less convaluted process for determining when hydration breaks are necessary. The updates also included rules and sanctions for online abuse of league officials, players, referees, and other fans.

From military brats to birthright citizens: how USMNT’s magnificent mess became its strength (The Guardian)

I went through several drafts of this section, trying to capture how the diversity of backgrounds among the USMNT players is its strength, but really couldn’t do it as well was expressed in the article. The title and the article really speak for themselves, so I will let them do that.

World Cup: The saddest moment of triumph ever for Canada (The Province)

This is the World Cup of firsts for Canada. First time hosting. The won their first World Cup match and advanced to the knockout round for the first time ever. However, not everything is coming up aces for Les Rouges. Canada squandered away their chance to win their group for the first time and the opportunity to play their first knockout match in Vancouver with a loss to Switzerland. Now they will head to LA to face South Africa.

South Africa stun South Korea to reach World Cup knockouts for 1st time (ESPN)

Following Canada’s loss to Switzerland, there was plenty of online discussion about how the Canadians would likely face South Korea in LA in the knockout round and how that would be almost like a home game for Taegeuk Warriors. South Africa however had other plans and pulled their best Jordan “I took that personally” impression, defeating South Korea 1-0. Now South Africa will face Canada and the South Koreans are left waiting to see if they will advance as a third place team.

2026 World Cup Group C: Brazil beats Scotland to win group and put Scotland’s knockout round chances in peril (Yahoo Sports)

Its very clear much of the US has fallen head over heels for Scotland and the Tartan Army during the World Cup. The feeling seems to be mutual. Unfortunately for the Scots, Brazil’s 3-0 of Scotland may move this relationship from summer fling to long distance status.

Aguirre urges Mexico to stay grounded after perfect World Cup group stage (ESPN)

El Tri understood the assignment. The co-hosts put together their best group stage performance ever, winning all three matches, and won their group. Cruising to a 3-0 victory against Czechia even allowed Mexico to give goaltender Memo Ochoa a brief appearance in what could be his last for Mexico. El Tri will remain at home and face their next opponent at the Azteca.

World Cup 2026: For Haiti, a loss on the pitch, a win for a hurting nation (Yahoo Sports)

Morocco beat Haiti in their match to cap off group play. However Haiti has demonstrated sometimes there a things that are more important than the results on the scoreboard.

Bosnia-Herzegovina boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for a first ever time by defeating Qatar in their final Group B fixture (BBC)

Bosnia-Herzegovina continue their great run. With the win over Qatar, are almost certainly to be the USMNT opponent in Santa Clara next week.

One year out, what’s shaping the 2027 FIFA World Cup so far? (The XI Sports)

One year out from the Women’s World Cup 14 teams have qualified. Amongst the teams who haven’t qualified, who looks good and who’s in trouble? Who look like contenders? Check out the preview here.

I’d like two end with two kind of fun stories.

Witch doctor removes curse on Bayern Munich star Harry Kane (Yahoo Sports)

Three Lions fans can breathe a little easier. The witch doctor who put a curse on Harry Kane ahead of England’s match with Ghana has removed said curse now that the match is done.

Duck off: World Cup hero Merlín barred from Mexico game due to Fifa’s animal ban (The Guardian)

FIFA really does know howto be a buzzkill, doesn’t it.

Here are today’s games.