Last week, I got so lucky and was given World Cup tickets to the France vs. Norway quarterfinal in Boston. I truly felt so grateful to be there and to be able to bring my dad with me! It was an unbelievable afternoon, and everything seemed to fall perfectly into place for us. There was relatively little traffic, our seats were in the shade, and we got to witness two incredible goals from France. It was such a special day. 🇫🇷 🇳🇴

To top it all off, before the game, I joined Rog, Rory, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez on Match Day Live at Marriott Long Wharf in Boston. I had the chance to ask Pedro about the magic of the Red Sox winning the World Series in 2004 and hear from the mayor about how much hype there is for the Boston Legacy in my hometown. 💚

The final Match Day Live stop will be at Fanatics Fest held at Javits Center on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET before the men’s World Cup Final! Becky will join Rog and special guests on stage, followed by an epic watch party. Grab your tickets here. We’ve secured 50 half‑off tickets just for our community (code MIBMDL). If those sell out or you’d like to attend multiple days, use MIB20 for 20% off. Joining MiB for these events has been so inspiring, and I cannot wait until it’s time for the women’s World Cup next summer! 🎉

Until then, we’ve got a really spectacular week of content planned for you at TWG. Yesterday, we released an interview with Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett about the Queens Classic, thanks to our friends at Carmax. Today Lynn is back on “Good Vibes” for the first time since having baby Lucky, so be sure to tune in! Then USWNT and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman is coming on “Friendlies” which drops a day early on Wednesday. And finally, we’ll check in with USWNT Captain and newly arrived Denver Summit star Lindsey Heaps ahead of the World Cup Final on Sunday. Will her beloved France be there? 🤔

Can’t believe the final is almost here… it’s been a whirlwind. Thank you so much for following along with our World Cup coverage! 🤩

Love,
Sam

P.S. It’s not every day a “Ted Lasso” star reps the Kansas City Current and gets emotional walking into the first women’s sports stadium. 🏟️

The Olympic gold-medal-winning USWNT are set for one of their toughest tests yet: a fall clash with reigning World Cup champions Spain. This week, U.S. Soccer confirmed that the Americans will host two friendlies against the No. 1-ranked side on October 10 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., and October 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. 

Spain has already shown how dangerous they can be against top opposition (just ask England after their bruising 4-0 defeat), so coach Emma Hayes will have plenty of tactical preparations ahead. The timing is critical too, with the friendlies held just over a month before the U.S.’s World Cup qualifier vs. El Salvador.

More: As if you needed any more incentive to tune in, USWNT legend Crystal Dunn also ​​will be honored with a special pre-match retirement ceremony.

💸 Equal Pay in Action: How the World Cup Earnings Impact the USWNT

While the USWNT may not have taken the field at this summer’s World Cup (although Trinity Rodman is already getting hyped for 2027), some players will benefit from the prize money. Following their exit in the Round of 16, the USMNT brought in $16 million. With the 2022 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) which introduced equal pay, these funds are now divided among the U.S. federation and men’s and women’s sides. Discover how this reshaped compensation across U.S. Soccer and which USWNT players will receive a share.

⚖ How the Split Works:

U.S. Soccer is set to keep 20% of the total prize money, while the remaining 80% is split evenly between the 26‑player men’s World Cup roster, and the 26 players who are selected for the women’s World Cup (pending CONCACAF qualification).

🤝 The Landmark Deal: 

The equal split of World Cup prize money was established in the 2022 agreement, the first of its kind globally, after years of litigation over inequitable pay and conditions. (Sam served as the USWNT Players Association’s Vice President and Treasurer through negotiations of the historic CBA, which inspired other nations across the globe.) Running through 2028, it also guarantees equal payouts for friendlies, formal competitions and a 50/50 split from an allocated portion of U.S. soccer's commercial revenue.

Next Up: The prize money hasn’t been revealed yet for the 2027 tournament, but will be split evenly. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he hoped by 2027 the total prize pool would be equal for men’s and women’s World Cups.

This NWSL weekend was one to remember with Trinity Rodman doing what she does best—scoring bangers, Kansas City’s Vanessa DiBernardo returning to the pitch for the first time since maternity leave, rising star Kennedy Fuller delivering her first goal for new club Bay FC, and retired USWNT star Crystal Dunn etching her name in North Carolina Courage history as the third player inducted into the Ring of Honor. (Don’t miss Sam and Crystal reminiscing about some of their most unforgettable moments below.)

While the World Cup kept us enthralled, the NWSL’s Rivalry Weekend delivered its own share of close calls, shock upsets and plenty to unpack. Let’s dive in!

Seattle Reign 👑 2-0 Portland Thorns 🥀

Playing in front of the fourth-largest crowd in Seattle history, the Reign returned to Lumen Field for the Cascadia Rivalry against arch-rivals, Portland, which marked their first win in three games. With starting keeper Claudia Dickey sidelined by an ankle injury, Seattle leaned on back-up Cassie Miller, who became the first Reign goalkeeper to make nine saves in a clean sheet performance in a regular season game. Kicking off the goal-scoring early, defender Ryanne Brown floated a gorgeous strike to the far side of the net in the eighth minute to claim her very first NWSL goal. At the other end of the half, midfielder Maddie Mercado sealed the 2-0 scoreline, marking her third goal this season.

San Diego 🌊 0-2 Angel City FC 🪽

Meanwhile, Angel City beat their SoCal rivals at SnapDragon to claim their first back-to-back wins since March. The comeback squad’s roaring first half began with a brace of Brazilian goals with midfielder Maiara Niehues capitalized on a deflected pass to head it home, becoming the first ACFC player to achieve a four-game scoring streak. Nine minutes later, Ary Borges scored from close range off a throw-in to make it two. Sadly, beloved ACFC player Jun Endo suffered a non-contact injury and had to depart the match. In the second half, the Wave pressed hard, outshooting ACFC five to zero on target, but goalkeeper Angelina Anderson stood tall with six saves to preserve the clean sheet and the win.

Orlando Pride 💜 3-0 Kansas City Current 🩵

After a lingering injury acquired before the break, Orlando striker Barbra Banda returned to the pitch in a decisive victory that featured Brazilian legend Marta’s 50th goal for the Pride across all competitions. Center-back Hannah Anderson also launched a header into the back of the net following a corner kick. The Pride sealed the win with Banda pouncing on a goalkeeping error in the 85th minute for her 12th goal of the season—cementing her place as the front-runner in the Golden Boot race.

More: See whose stock rose and fell after this weekend’s NWSL matches.

The summer’s most anticipated transfer saga boiled down to a choice between several clubs, including the Boston Legacy and London City Lionesses, and now the verdict is in. After 14 years, two‑time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas will swap Barcelona for Bromley. Her recent signing for London City in the Women’s Super League was unveiled in New York last week, where she joined club owner Michele Kang to announce the decision.

The move is unprecedented, with Putellas trading one of the world’s most esteemed European clubs for a side that’s only been in the top flight of women’s football for a year and finished sixth last season, meaning no Champions League for the Catalan star in 2026. However, Kang’s ambitious investment in the burgeoning club that is the first and only WSL team that’s independent of a men’s side won her over. (Even LCL’s new kit reflects their innovative mentality.) 

The Spanish midfielder, who has signed a three-year deal, leaves behind a storied legacy at Barça, scoring 232 goals in 507 appearances and winning 10 league titles, as well as four Champions League trophies. 

The Upside for the WSL: Putellas’ arrival delivers a major boost for the league. Her star power brings immediate global recognition, ensuring international attention follows wherever “La Reina” plays. Her presence is poised to spike not just attendance numbers, but also the league’s broadcast potential, enhancing TV deals, sponsorships and media coverage.

The Possible Downside: While the benefits of a star like Putellas committing her future to the WSL are undeniable, some worry it could deepen the league’s parity problem. Yet others argue that ambitious investors like Kang bring the kind of competition and resources essential for driving growth.

More Trades Shaking up the WSL 🫨

Queens Classic: Gotham FC 🦇 vs. Washington Spirit 💛 (TOMORROW, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)

The spotlight on this highly-anticipated match has only grown since the Bats signed star striker Sam Kerr, who will be eligible to play for the first time since returning to the NWSL. Plus, our very own Sam Mewis will be attending! Not to mention, this re-match between last year’s NWSL Championship winners and runners-up is sure to set a new attendance record and secure more fans in Queens, the site of Gotham’s home stadium starting in 2028. 

Kansas City Current 🩵 vs. San Diego Wave 🌊 (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

First-place San Diego and sixth-place Kansas City—separated just by four points—are both coming off defeats ahead of Friday’s match-up. The Current will look forward to a home match at their CPKC Stadium fortress, hoping to steady the ship while waiting to see if USWNT winger Michelle Cooper is fit to feature. Meanwhile, the Wave aim to prove their stumble against Angel City was only a blip as they chase another win on the road.

Utah Royals 🦁 vs. Orlando Pride 💜 (Saturday, 8:45 p.m. ION)

After a historically strong start to the season, Utah stumbled following the break, suffering back-to-back losses against Chicago and Gotham, while conceding three goals in each game. That’s over 30% of their season’s goals in just two matches. This month, the Royals announced the transfer of stalwart defender Janni Thomsen to LCL. A starter in eight matches during their 10-game unbeaten run, Thomsen was pivotal to the Royals’ standout defensive record this season. Next up, Utah hosts Orlando, boosted by their 3-0 win vs. Kansas City and the recent return of Banda, to see if they can turn things around. 

🤩 Side-netting stunner! Chicago Stars’ Micayla Johnson equalized for the U.S. Youth National Team in a friendly vs. England in the first-ever women’s international match played at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center.

🍀 Turns out Liverpool was just a layover with Irish international Denise O’Sullivan signing with Gotham after six months overseas. 

🇵🇸 Palestine has never qualified for a women’s World Cup. Meet the Seattle-based soccer player looking to change that. 

💪 Vermont Green is on the verge of their first USL W League Final on July 18. Check out the special environment being cultivated by Sam’s local team at Virtue Field.

This week’s question:

Select your answer for a chance to win a coveted TWG patch.

Last week’s answer: Melanie Barcenas paid homage to Alex Morgan’s 2019 World Cup goal vs. England by replicating her tea-sipping celebration. Of Morgan’s 123 USWNT goals, what number was that semifinal strike? The answer is 107.

Congrats to Pamela Mudway, who was the first person to respond with the correct answer. Pamela, let us know your address and we’ll get your patch in the mail! 💌

Samantha writes: Hi Sam (and Becky, Lynn, and Kristie), Big fan of The Women’s Game, USWNT, and Gotham. I live in Queens, so I was SO excited when they announced the Queens Classic and the move to Etihad.

I’m a lifelong soccer player and convinced 10 of my neighborhood ladies to join me at the Queens Classic. We are a big group of strong women with an age range of nearly 25 years, who met at the gym and got close during the pandemic, supporting each other through lots of life’s highs and lows. I cannot wait to introduce them to my lifelong love of the game and was thrilled when they all agreed to go to the game! Would love to meet you at Citi if we can! Go batties! Go hotdogs! Go USA! 

Sending warm regards from Queens,
Sami

Sam writes: Hi Sami, that’s awesome that you rallied all of your friends for the Queens Classic! I am so excited for this one too—40,000 fans under the lights is going to be incredible. And I’ll also be hosting Footy Fest outside the stadium all afternoon, so come hang! Gotham’s lined up DJs, a World Cup semifinal watch party, and more. Plus, from 6-6:45 p.m. there will be a live recording of the “Welcome to the Party” podcast with USWNT legends Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach, joined by Chelsea star Lucy Bronze. It’s going to be such a fun, full day, and I can’t wait to root on Rose and Sonnett… and maybe even Sam Kerr! Hope to see you there! <3

Love,
Sam

📝 Want to be featured in next week’s TWG newsletter? Send Sam an email! All your questions, comments, and roast chicken recipes can be sent to [email protected]

🙌 If you’re enjoying TWG, we’d love an assist. Forward this email or share this URL with a friend, family member, or fellow football fan.

📧 First time with us? Sign up here to get next week’s newsletter sent straight to your inbox, and be sure to check out our other newsletters too.