US men’s national soccer team kicks off World Cup run with big win
Dan Dakich analyzes the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s impressive 4-1 World Cup victory against Paraguay. He emphasizes the team’s speed and confidence, attributing it to many players’ experience at higher levels. This strong start positions the USA team well for their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 showdown.
Final Friday of June. We’re here. We’re doing it. One week from today, we’ll be on the eve of our 250th birthday.
How lucky are we that the Fourth of July falls on a SATURDAY this year? I’d wager to say that’s arguably the best holiday to fall on a Saturday, right?
What’s the order?
- Fourth of July
- Halloween
- Christmas
- New Year’s Day?
That last one can be workshopped. I’m open to suggestions. But the first three are pretty locked in. God, I love this country.
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Let’s roll.
Welcome to a Friday Nightcaps — the one where Americans rage at former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband for ruining what was a perfect World Cup we had going. Are they just allergic to winning? Seems like it at this point.
Fans of the United States enjoy the atmosphere before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and the U.S. at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on June 25, 2026. (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
What else? I’ve got more Caitlin Clark fallout (you guys are FIRED up), Red Sox fans still have the fastball even though the team STINKS this season, and NASCAR’s Natalie Decker celebrates her birthday with a swim.
OK, grab your dog for National Take Your Dog To Work Day — quickly shut the door and leave it at home because nobody wants that — and THEN settle in for a Friday ‘Cap!
It hasn’t been a great run for politicians at big games
It’s a Friday in the middle of summer and we’ve all got much better things to do, so let’s have some fun today and end this class early so we can start our weekends.
Sound good? Good!
Let’s start in Los Angeles, where our US of A soccer team collapsed last night in a meaningless game. Phew. I don’t pretend to know anything about soccer, but this one seemed to surprise everyone.
United States fans cheer after a goal against Turkiye in the second half of a FIFA World Cup 2026 match at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026. (Keith Birmingham/Pasadena Star-News)
The most surprising thing for me, frankly, was who we lost to.
When in the world did Turkey become Turkiye? I’ve never been more confused. I had to look it up to make sure it was the same country. Wild stuff. Apparently, this change took place in 2022 when Ankara, the capital of Turkey, sent in a formal request to rebrand its country’s name to a name that better highlights its culture and expressionism.
I didn’t realize you could just change the name of a country? Is it that easy? The more you know, I reckon!
Anyway, as for the game itself … things were going just fine until Doug Emhoff, the husband of Kamala Harris, posted a picture of two lovebirds from the game.
Vice President Kamala Harris hugs Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff after speaking on the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 22, 2024. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)
Seconds after the post, the U.S. went down, 2-1. Not great! Turkey … Turkiye? … would go on to win in the last minute, and the former VP took yet another loss.
Not a great month for politicians at big games. First President Donald Trump at Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and now Harris. Let’s hope the fellas on the pitch can regroup in the same way the Knicks did.
As for Harris … the internet wasn’t pleased:
The Caitlin Clark verdict …
You know what the craziest part is? Obviously, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff aren’t to blame for the US losing last night. I may despise them, but I’m also not insane. Neither is Usha Vance, who was also at the game!
That being said … is it really that insane to imagine a world where the looney left roots against a US team? Of course not!
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I mean, just LOOK at this headline from the insufferable folks over at Politico this week:
“Democrats grapple uncomfortably with World Cup success.”
Goodness gracious. What a piece of work this Pulitzer must be! You can’t even imagine. In fact, I won’t make you.
Here’s a little snippet:
In an interview with POLITICO Thursday, Boyle said, “this has been a great moment, actually devoid of politics, and I think it would be best to keep politics out of it.”
“Let me be clear, my comments are irrespective of the Trump administration. Frankly, his immigration policies for the last year and a half did scare some people off from coming to the United States,” said Boyle. “The credit goes to the local host committees.”
Amazing. Yeah, judging by the crowds we’ve seen over the past two weeks, it sure seems like folks are scared to come to the United States!
Dummy.
Moving on …
Yesterday’s class was all about Caitlin Clark getting absolutely mugged on the court while the refs just stood there and watched.
Shockingly, about 400 of you weighed in.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever 111-109. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
From Rick O:
Have to send a message next time. I mean, enough is enough. Throw the Dam Punch!!! The Black players don’t want Caitlin in the league.
From Patrick H:
I wish that there was ten dads in the folding chairs on each baseline at a Fever game so we could respond to the violence on the court and beat the crap out of the ugly perpetrator.
From Leif N.
Sure, Clark COULD fight back…but who in their right mind is running this league? This league would be NOWHERE without her.
And, from Darrell M:
I have never seen a sports league so stupid that they “promote” the taking down a notch of the only WNBA player in the history of the league that has piqued the interest of the sporting community as Ms Clark has done.
Natalie, Red Sox fans & a Giant mess!
Thanks, all! I have a couple more I left on the cutting room floor, but may work them in on Monday. Seems like everyone is on the same page as it pertains to Caitlin Clark.
She’s out for the next game due to the back injury she suffered the other night (totally unrelated to the curb-stomp, I’m sure!). The WNBA suspended Alyssa Thomas for one game, only after the outrage, I’m sure.
Oh well. What’s done is done. Looking forward to seeing Caitlin back on the floor some day! Head on a swivel:
OK, let’s rapid-fire this Friday class into a big weekend.
First up? If you’ve made it this far and thought to yourself, “Man, I wish there was more virtue-signaling and lecturing about Pride month in this class,” do I have some good news for you …
Giants CEO Larry Baer, everybody:
How about THAT for some serious word-salad? Kamala would be so proud.
“This ownership group has been really involved in supporting the LGBTQ community. It’s strong and unwavering for over 30 years now,” he said before launching into a history lesson about how human rights have been a “North Star” in the organization for three decades.
Seems odd to make inclusivity a north star over … winning baseball games … but whatever. Semantics!
What a mess. And hey! We get the Orioles’ Pride night tonight, featuring the water-splashing drag queen. Can’t wait!
Next? Let’s stay in the AL East and check in on Red Sox fans as the team suffers through just an embarrassing season:
“I guess the standings on the left field board. They can’t see those.”
Good one, Michael Kay! How long has it been since the Yankees won a title again? Nearing two decades?
Okeedokee!
Yes, I’m a miserable Red Sox fan. Let me just have this one, please? OK. That’s it for today — and this week.
Good work, everyone.
Here’s NASCAR mom Natalie Decker celebrating the big 2-9 in the pool before another race weekend.
See you Monday.
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OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots).
Is a 1-game suspension enough for the mugging? Email me at [email protected].
