It was a tough weekend for USWNT fans as we watched Emma Hayes’ squad fall 2-1 to Brazil on Saturday night. The hosts brought it to us with their speed, aggression, and tenacity – definitely asking a lot of questions of the U.S. I’m glad we have a rematch today and am excited to see the response. Ali Riley and I will be going live right at the final whistle, so join us then! 🇺🇲

We have a unique schedule dropping this week. Yesterday, we released a brand-new “Teaming Up” with Olympic Gold-medal gymnast Shawn Johnson East. We’ll have “Good Vibes” with a special guest co-host on Thursday, and finally cap off the week on Friday with Angel City’s Claire Emslie on “Friendlies.” 🤸

We’ve also championed Where Football Lives a lot lately for their efforts in highlighting the ways in which climate change is impacting the game we all love. Over the weekend, they broke an official Guinness World Record, uniting thousands of soccer fans across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Ireland, and the U.K. to juggle a soccer ball in unison for 10 seconds. Congrats, and we can’t wait to feature the organization on the podcast soon! 🎙️  

MiB is hitting the road this week as the 2026 World Cup kicks off. We’re offering daily morning previews, nightly match recaps, and a 10-stop Match Day Live! Tour in host cities across the country with special guests (yes, you may even see me, Lindsey and Becky along the way!) The first show is this Friday, June 12 in L.A. with Rog and Rob Mac (“It’s Always Sunny,” “Welcome to Wrexham”) before the USMNT faces off against Paraguay. ⚽

Thanks for being here!

Love,
Sam

P.S. Tobin and Press showed up and showed out with a couple of WNBA royalty. The crossover we never knew we needed. 🤩

P.P.S. If you’re excited for the World Cup and looking for what to wear this summer, check out the Go Go USA! collection. Grab your merch and let’s get ready for the summer of soccer! 😎

Saturday in São Paulo, the USWNT fell 2-1 to Brazil in the first of two vital tests against next year’s World Cup hosts. In front of a boisterous Brazilian crowd of more than 31,000 fans, the Americans were put to the test as the home side’s relentless intensity and physicality challenged the four-time world champions who were without veterans Naomi Girma, Sam Coffey, and Catarina Macario.

In an early boost for the Americans, forward Sophia Wilson scored her 25th international goal – and her first since 2024 – in the second minute of the match. However, the joy was short-lived as Brazil responded immediately, slicing through the USWNT midfield (sorely missing Coffey) and stretching apart an uncharacteristically disjointed backline. Brazil’s Bia Zaneratto (formerly of KC Current) put on a show with her technical skills and physical prowess, as she and her teammates won possession nine times in their attacking third – the most of any team against the U.S. in the last eight years. 

Starting the comeback in the 11th minute, Brazil’s Taina Maranhão, slipped in behind Emily Fox and headed home the equalizer. Then, minutes later, Zaneratto led a blistering counterattack, culminating with a give-and-go with San Diego Wave forward Dudinha, which Zaneratto rifled past goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn. While second-half subs including Michelle Cooper and Avery Patterson injected pace and physicality, the team failed to find the back of the net. The USWNT’s response to this defeat will be telling. We dare you not to lock in after watching Emma Hayes’ post-match pep talk.

Next up: The USWNT is off to Fortaleza for a rematch vs. Brazil at Arena Castelão (TONIGHT at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT/HBO Max/Peacock). And all eyes will be on Mallory Swanson – the final member of Triple Espresso awaiting her return. 👀

We're excited for the men’s World Cup to kick off in a few days, especially after seeing men’s and women’s national teams unite for a special send-off. And, even better, every kickoff means we are that much closer to the 2027 women’s World Cup next summer! In that spirit, let’s revisit 10 defining moments from previous tournaments.

1. World Record Shattered at 1991 Women’s World Cup 🏆

The first women’s World Cup was historic, not least because it was called the “First FIFA World Championship for Women's Football for the M&M's Cup.” Yes, seriously. Michelle Akers powered the U.S. to a win in the final, and set a tournament record with five goals in the opener, a feat only matched by Alex Morgan in 2019.

2. 1999 USWNT vs. China Shootout at the Rose Bowl 🏟️

No list is complete without mention of Brandi Chastain and her triumphant, sports-bra-clad celebration after the U.S beat China in a penalty shootout to win the 1999 World Cup. The penalties heard ‘round the world inspired a generation of women’s soccer players, including the Mewis sisters. 

3. Marta Captures Golden Boot at 2007 World Cup 🇧🇷

Brazil has yet to win a World Cup (who knows what next summer will bring 👀), but they’ve been a dynamic threat for years. Brazil’s best-ever finish came in 2007, when they reached the final and Marta dominated the tournament, securing the Golden Boot with seven goals, including this stroke of brilliance.

4. Wambach Saves USWNT at the Death in 2011 Quarterfinals 🤯

With the U.S. seconds from elimination, all-time top scorer Abby Wambach crashed the box, equalizing with a sensational 122nd-minute header against Brazil to send the game to penalties and ultimately the U.S. to the semi-final. The hail mary assist from Megan Rapinoe is just as glorious as the goal. 

5. Japan’s 2011 Gold-Medal Win Amidst Tragedy Back Home 🇯🇵

Later in that same tournament, after a 2-2 deadlock with the U.S., Saki Kumagai stepped up and buried a penalty past Hope Solo to seal Japan’s first and only World Cup trophy. The victory arrived only four months after a tsunami killed almost 20,000 citizens, bringing a rare moment of hope to a nation in mourning.

6. Carli Lloyd’s Hat-Trick at the 2015 World Cup Final 🎩

Four years after the USWNT lost to Japan in the final, the U.S. had their revenge with a decisive 5-2 victory, featuring Carli Lloyd’s jaw-dropping mastery. Lloyd’s trio of goals took 16 minutes to collect, marking the fastest in World Cup history and included one from half-field. 

7. USA vs. England: 2019 Semifinal Rekindles a Revolutionary Rivalry 🫖

It’s too hard to pick one moment, so the entire U.S. vs. England semi-final in Lyon must earn a spot. From Christen Press’ opening goal and celebration in honor of her mom, to Alex Morgan’s goal and infamous tea-sip, and Alyssa Naeher’s pivotal penalty stop, this testy bout had it all. 

8. Fans Around the World Support USWNT’s Fight for Equal Pay 💸

On International Women's Day, 28 USWNT players filed a landmark gender discrimination lawsuit against U.S. Soccer mere months before the 2019 World Cup. They went on to win the tournament, with chants of “Equal Pay” echoing from the stands, and secured a breakthrough deal for fair compensation in 2022.

9. Australia & France’s Electric Penalty Shootout at 2023 World Cup ⚡️

Despite entering as underdogs, the Matildas beat France in a wild 7–6 penalty shootout following 120 scoreless minutes in Brisbane. With the home crowd on a razor’s edge, the match set a record with 20 penalties, complete with retakes, shots off the post, and heroic saves, before the hosts silenced the doubters.  

10. Spain’s First-Ever World Cup Win Shakes Up the Global Order 🇪🇸

The 2023 World Cup marked the start of a new era in women’s football as giants of the game, including the U.S., Germany, and Brazil, crashed out early. With a narrow 1-0 win over England in the final, Spain secured their first World Cup trophy and first major international title – Vamos! The women’s game has never been more competitive, and we can’t wait for next summer! 

Write us at [email protected] to let us know your favorite moment or any others that resonated with you!

Spain 🇪🇸 4-0 England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

After losing 1-0 to the Lionesses in April, Spain went on a four-goal revenge tour at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix last Friday. The world champions delivered a drubbing, with midfielder Patri opening the scoring. Alexia Putellas notched two goals, the second of which was initially saved off the line by defender Lucy Bronze, only for confusion at the back to allow a rebound by La Reina. Then, three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí came off the bench to set up attacker Claudia Pina for the fourth goal just two minutes after subbing in. 

While England missed their captain Leah Williamson, who was absent due to a hamstring injury, this result will lead to some hard questions asked, especially of the team’s backline. The loss marks England’s first in a World Cup qualifier since 2002, their heaviest defeat since 2009, and their worst of the Wiegman era. 

More: Here’s why it’s not time to panic, even if Spain look set to secure automatic qualification while England will likely need to navigate the playoffs.

Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪 3-2 Netherlands 🇳🇱

Meanwhile, on a cold, rainy night in Cork, Ireland’s 2023 World Cup debutantes stunned the Dutch, who were top of the group, to revive their chances of a guaranteed World Cup spot. San Diego-born Kyra Carusa gave the Girls in Green an early lead until a late series of goals (including a brilliant finish from Ireland’s Abbie Larkin) saw them tied 2-2 with time dwindling. A 90th‑minute dagger from substitute Amber Barrett – plus some gritty defending after a red card reduced them to 10 – secured Ireland all three points, setting them up for a winner-takes-all showdown in Grenoble. If they beat France, the group of death’s lowest-seeded team will be assured a direct path to qualify.

Plus: Germany also beat Norway 2-0 (check out the first international goal from Portland Thorns defender Marie Müller) to secure automatic qualification for their 10th World Cup and become the first UEFA team to book their place. 🇩🇪

Conmebol Women’s Nations League Final Matchday 🌎 (TONIGHT, 7 p.m. ET)

In the inaugural South American Nations League, Colombia and Argentina earned automatic World Cup qualification on Friday. There are two remaining playoff spots, with four teams vying to keep their World Cup dream alive including: Ecuador (vs. Argentina, 7 p.m. ET, FSP), Venezuela (vs. Uruguay, 7 p.m. ET), Paraguay (vs. Colombia, 7 p.m. ET, FS2) and Peru (vs. Bolivia, 7 p.m. ET). 

USMNT 🇺🇸 vs. Paraguay 🇵🇾 (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, FOX)

Following a close friendly against Germany in which they lost 2-1 and Antonee “Jedi” Robinson scored this rocket and did a backflip to boot, the USA’s World Cup co-hosts start their campaign in L.A. this Friday against Paraguay, who they beat 2-1 in a friendly last November. We’ll be watching!  

For more men's World Cup updates sent straight to your inbox throughout the tournament, subscribe to the Men in Blazers newsletter here.

This week’s question:

We’ll select a winner and reach out to make sure you receive your TWG patch.

Last week’s answer: Helping to secure Brazil’s best-ever finish in a Women’s World Cup, which Brazilian player scored a brace in the 2007 semifinal vs. the USWNT to achieve a 4-0 victory? And the correct answer was: B) Marta – but of course! 💁‍♀️

Congrats to Catelynn Maloney, who was the first person to respond with the correct answer. Catelynn, your TWG patch is on its way! 💌

Anna Writes: Hi Sam & Kristie! My name is Anna from Cincinnati (hometown of Rose Lavelle, woohoo!). I recently had my first baby, and it has been so sweet and fun watching my sister interact with her – it has brought us closer than ever! Listening to you all talk about Kristie and Jagger’s most recent trip to Vermont made me curious. Now that Kristie is a mom, how has your dynamic changed as sisters? Has entering your mom/aunt era together brought out a different side of your relationship? THANK YOU!! I absolutely love your podcast and love to listen while I’m nap-trapped. 🥰

Sam Writes: Hi Anna, First off, congrats on becoming a new mom for the first time! It’s been so fun getting to see a new side of Kristie since she’s become one too. She’s still as hilarious and fun as ever, but now I get to watch her and Sam channel all that wild energy into my nephew Jagger, which is the sweetest thing. 

I am also fully embracing my auntie era… both when it comes to Jagger, and now with Becky and Lynn’s kids too. Seeing the world through my nephew’s eyes, makes me appreciate the little moments (even if the cost is having that horse song stuck in my head for eternity). Despite the distance, we’ve made it work, and it’s led to some truly amazing trips and fun times hosting Kristie and Jagger in Vermont. I am so happy for their family and excited to make more special memories together, especially ones where we get to introduce Jagger to our favorite sport. <3

Love,
Sam

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