The summer soccer calendar is packed with major events. As the Gold Cup and Club World Cup head towards their conclusions, another significant competition, the Women`s Euros, is just beginning in Switzerland, bringing together 16 top national teams. Adding to the busy schedule is a notable friendly match featuring the U.S. women`s national team against Canada on Wednesday.
Upcoming Matches
- Wednesday, July 2
- Women`s Euro: Iceland vs. Finland, 12 p.m. ET
- Women`s Euro: Switzerland vs. Norway, 3 p.m. ET
- Gold Cup: USMNT vs. Guatemala, 7 p.m. ET
- Women`s friendly: USWNT vs. Canada, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Gold Cup: Mexico vs. Honduras, 10 p.m. ET
- Thursday, July 3
- Women`s Euro: Belgium vs. Italy, 12 p.m. ET
- Women`s Euro: Spain vs. Portugal, 3 p.m. ET
- MLS: New York City FC vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Defining Moments for Young USMNT and USWNT Squads
The U.S. men`s national team steps into the spotlight on Wednesday for their Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal against Guatemala. While history and predictions favor the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino, this unpredictable Gold Cup tournament presents an opportunity for them to make a significant statement.
The USMNT advanced to the semifinals after a hard-fought penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica in the quarterfinals on Sunday. That challenging match represented arguably the first truly gritty and meaningful win of Pochettino`s tenure. He`s entrusted the pursuit of the USMNT`s first Gold Cup title in four years to a youthful and less experienced squad. Several players are now demonstrating their capabilities; Malik Tillman, set to join Bayer Leverkusen, has been a standout, while goalkeeper Matt Freese, defender Max Arfsten, and midfielder Diego Luna also impressed on Sunday.
Heading into the semifinals, the key question is whether the team can translate the positives from Sunday`s performance into sustained upward momentum and provide a basis for optimism after a year marked by disappointing results. A major focus is on individual player performances, as each player is vying for a regular spot in the main squad later this year, with an eye firmly on the 2026 World Cup roster.
Concurrently in Washington, D.C., the U.S. women`s national team is engaged in a similar phase of experimentation during their friendly against Canada, although the stakes are different. Coach Emma Hayes has designated this match as the conclusion of her extensive effort to evaluate a wide range of players within the USWNT pool. It`s a final chance for a group of young talents to impress before Hayes dedicates the next two years to building chemistry specifically for the Women`s World Cup. Hayes will certainly have a wealth of strong candidates across various positions. A particularly interesting area to watch is the competition for the starting goalkeeper role, potentially succeeding Alyssa Naeher. Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey both started recent games against Ireland, with Angelina Anderson also included in the goalkeeping group for this training camp.
Euros and Club World Cup Updates
Women`s Euros Begin, Club World Cup Quarterfinals Set
The summer of major international soccer tournaments intensifies with the start of the Women`s Euros, expected to be another showcase for the sport`s growth in Europe. Several teams are considered realistic title contenders. Reigning world champions Spain aim to win the competition for the first time and build a legacy after their World Cup victory two years ago, while a revitalized Germany looks to improve on their Olympic bronze medal. However, some analysis suggests England, the defending champions, are the favorites.
- Analysis highlights England under coach Sarina Wiegman as the top-ranked team entering the tournament. Despite some retirements and withdrawals, many players from the 2022 winning squad remain. Goalkeeping is noted as a potential area of concern, offering an opportunity for Hannah Hampton to step up.
The tournament will feature both established stars and emerging talents. Spain`s Aitana Bonmati, a Ballon d`Or winner, is a key player, though her availability at the start is uncertain due to illness. Spain possesses ample attacking talent, including NWSL player Esther Gonzalez and promising youngster Claudia Pina, who is seen as a potential breakout star in Switzerland, capable of contributing even without Bonmati pulling the strings.
Club World Cup`s Last Eight Confirmed
While attention is on Switzerland and the U.S., the Club World Cup completed its quarterfinal matchups. Real Madrid secured their spot by defeating Juventus 1-0 and will face Borussia Dortmund in a rematch of the 2024 Champions League final. Dortmund advanced with a 2-1 win over Monterrey. The anticipated match-up between the Bellingham brothers is delayed, as Dortmund`s Jobe Bellingham is suspended for the quarterfinal against Real Madrid, meaning only Jude Bellingham will be available.
Monday saw some significant surprises. Fluminense`s 2-0 win over Inter Milan was a notable upset, showcasing one of the two Brazilian sides remaining in the competition, while Inter has been in inconsistent form. Even more surprising was Al-Hilal`s 4-3 extra-time victory over Manchester City in a thrilling contest. City dominated possession and shots but were undone by defensive lapses, leaving Al-Hilal as the sole team from outside Europe and South America still in the running.
Other Soccer News
- Veteran Tim Ream discussed the USMNT`s Gold Cup campaign and his role as an experienced player mentoring younger teammates, alongside news about Matt Freese`s rise and a drone incident at training.
- CBS Sports team predictions for the Women`s Euros, including potential winners, runners-up, and key players.
- USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes is reportedly close to a move from Ajax to OL Lyon, a significant step for the 18-year-old`s development.
- Discussion on Arsenal`s search for a left winger and the feasibility of signing Rodrygo.
- An explanation of the recent public disagreements involving Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglou, and the club president at Inter Milan.
- A look back at some of the most disappointing high-profile signings in MLS history, following Toronto FC`s decision regarding Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne.
