Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We are one day away from the start of the World Cup and only two days away from the USMNT’s first match against Paraguay. If you can’t wait for a day or two, England is playing Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium this very afternoon. Despite the MLS and NWSL breaks, there is so much soccer to watch, and I love it. Let’s get to the links.

Perelman is Staying…For Now

You might think that Orlando City’s record and goals allowed would mean the coach might not be back after the World Cup break, and you’d be correct to think that is what it should mean. However, despite Orlando City having good reasons to bring in another coach, Martin Perelman will remain interim head coach when the season resumes. Perhaps there is a coach who isn’t available until the end of the season. Or maybe the club is giving Perelman even more time to “earn” the permanent job. Ricardo Moreira is monitoring potential coaches, but there doesn’t seem to be an active search based on his comments.

OCB’s Belgodere Honored

Matthew Belgodere earned MLS NEXT Pro honors thanks to his monstrous goal in OCB’s comeback 3-2 victory over Carolina Core. He is the fourth Orlando City Academy player to win the Rising Star Acolade this sesaon. It was Belgodere’s first professional goal and it came at a great time for OCB. In case you missed it, here it is.

Former Lions in the News

You may not have heard of Canada’s Sigma FC youth development program, but you have heard of Cyle Larin and Richie Laryea. The two former Orlando City players were products of that system and are regulars with the Canadian National Team. Meanwhile, Alex Freeman is flaunting his style in the latest issue of Flaunt. The meteoric rise of Orlando City’s former defender continues. Finally, Pedro Gallese did not have a good time in goal in Peru’s 3-1 loss to Spain. That was especially true with this own goal.

Inter&Co Stadium Welcomes International Competition

England takes on Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium in a final World Cup tune-up for the Three Lions. England Coach Thomas Tuchel will have his full roster available for the friendly. Tickets should still available for the match if you are able to make the 4 p.m. kickoff. The England squad is preparing for the heat during the World Cup. Of course, we know that they may have to deal with rain and lightning like Orlando teams do all the time.

USWNT Defeats Brazil

The USWNT and the Brazil Women’s National Team picked up right where they left off after the last friendly — by not being very friendly. To say this match was chippy in the first half is a massive understatement. Players were dragged down left and right on both sides. The U.S. was able to finally break through in the second half on what was originally scored as a goal by Sophia Wilson but was ultimately given as an own goal by Isabela Chagas. Before the end, several of Brazil’s staff were sent off, as was Beatriz Joao and Tarciane. After the final whistle, two more red cards were shown to Brazil. Ultimately, the U.S. was able to earn a 1-0 victory in a very wild match to watch.

Free Kicks

• Bad news for the Colorado Rapids. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen is likely out for the season due to shoulder surgery.

• Former OCB player Joe Gallardo celebrated 100 appearances in USL League One. The latest was with his current club, Spokane Velocity FC.

• We have more evidence of how messed up the World Cup is as FIFA has revoked Iran’s ticket allocation at the team’s three World Cup games in the U.S. Supposedly, FIFA is working the IR Iran Football Federation to provide opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend other matches, presumably in Canada or Mexico.
• We’re coming up on the 10th Anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The rainbow seats in Inter&Co Stadium are a consistent reminder that as a club and a community we remain united even during the most horrific tragedies.

That will do it for today. Are you excited for the World Cup to start? Are you planning on going to the watch parties? Let us know in the comments below. Vamos Orlando and Go USA!

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a restful weekend, but there’s no time to gently ease into this week. The United States Women’s National Team plays tonight, the United States Men’s National Team plays its first group game of the World Cup on Friday, and Orlando City B returns to action on Saturday. We’ve understandably got lots to talk about today, so let’s have a look at the links.

Emma Hayes Wants More in Brazil Rematch

The USWNT will run it back against Brazil tonight, after losing the first of two friendlies against the South American nation 2-1 on Saturday. USWNT manager Emma Hayes said that her team needs to get a little more uncomfortable and accustomed to playing in conditions that aren’t perfect, and she sees the two matches against Brazil as the perfect opportunity to do just that. Hayes called on her team be tougher in tonight’s rematch and encouraged the players to accept difficult conditions or calls that are out of their control. She also declined to discuss tactics or lineups for the match, as she’s treating it as a psuedo-World Cup run and won’t be discussing those things during the tournament either.

USMNT Health Update

We got a positive update when it comes to the health of the United States Men’s National Team on Monday, as center back Chris Richards was a full participant in training for the first time since joining up with the team. Richards has been dealing with an ankle injury since May 17 that kept him from playing in the USMNT’s warm-up friendlies against Senegal and Germany. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino did not provide any clues as to whether or not he will be ready to start in the team’s World Cup opener on Friday, but this is a good step. Additionally, Tyler Adams did not participate in the training session, which was a “load management” decision, and probably a wise one considering he’s the glue holding the midfield together.

Jim Curtin Takes Austin Job

Jim Curtin will become the new head coach of Austin FC at the end of the 2026 MLS season, with Tom Bogert breaking the news on Monday afternoon before the club confirmed it shortly afterwards. Davy Arnaud will continue as interim coach until the end of the season, and the club is still looking for a new sporting director. Curtin had been out of a job since being fired by the Philadelphia Union at the end of the 2024 season, bringing to an end an 11-season spell with the team. Bogert provided some nice additional nuggets like the Portland Timbers reportedly being a team that had interviewed Curtin for its managerial vacancy.

Pre-World Cup Friendlies Continue

The World Cup is almost upon us, but there are still a few more tune-up friendlies taking place before the big dance arrives. France beat Northern Ireland 3-1 on Monday thanks to a Michael Olise hat trick, while The Netherlands used a Cody Gakpo brace to ease by Uzbekistan 2-1. Today will see Senegal face Saudi Arabia, while Argentina takes on Iceland. Things then wrap up on Wednesday with Portugal playing Nigeria, Algeria squaring off against Bolivia, and England playing Costa Rica.

Free Kicks

• Orlando’s sports teams have launched a new shirt that honors the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the Orlando United program.

• Christian Eriksen is recovering at home with his family after collapsing while playing for Denmark on Sunday.
• Somalian referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the U.S. and will not be an official at the World Cup.
• Brazil announced that Neymar is making “good progress” in his recovery from a calf injury.
• Rafael Leao has defended punching Chilean defender Ivan Roman in the face during a friendly between the two teams on Saturday, saying that he simply intended to help teammate Joao Cancelo.

That’ll do it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work over the weekend, and like many of you, I’m looking forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off later this week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Belgodere’s Late Winner Lifts OCB over Carolina Core FC

Orlando City B overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Carolina Core FC 3-2 at Osceola County Stadium Sunday. Arnaud Tattevin struck first for Carolina, giving the visitors and early lead. Carolina added another goal to go up 2-0 before defender Jair Caiza received a red card for violent conduct against Issah Haruna in the penalty area, and OCB was awarded a penalty kick. Pedro Leao converted from the spot to pull the Young Lions within one before halftime. In the second half, Leao added another goal to tie the match for OCB. Matthew Belgodere came off the bench and scored the late winner for the Young Lions, who earned all three points at home and extended their winning streak to three games. OCB will be on the road to take on Huntsville City FC Saturday at Wicks Family Field.

Barbra Banda Named to NWSL Best XI for May

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was named to the National Women’s Soccer League Best XI for the month of May. It’s the third monthly Best XI of the year award for Banda this season. She recorded six goals and added one assist in May. Two of those goals were winners against the North Carolina Courage and Bay FC. Banda leads the NWSL Golden Boot race with 11 goals in 12 matches during the 2026 campaign.

OCB Transfers Jaylen Yearwood to FC Naples

Orlando City B announced Friday that the club has transferred defender Jaylen Yearwood to USL League One side FC Naples. OCB will retain a sell-on percentage if FC Naples transfers Yearwood to another club in the future. Yearwood, Orlando City’s No. 14 overall draft pick in the first round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, made 10 appearances for the Young Lions during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, starting six matches, and made two appearances for the Trinidad & Tobago Men’s National Team.

USMNT Falls 2-1 to Germany in World Cup Send-Off Match

The U.S. Men’s National Team fell 2-1 to Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, Saturday in an international friendly. Former Lion Alex Freeman started the match and played 72 minutes. Kai Havertz scored the opening goal two minutes into the match to give Germany the lead. Antonee Robinson scored the equalizer for the Yanks before halftime. In the second half, Leroy Sane added the winning goal for Germany. The USMNT will take on Paraguay Friday in its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

USWNT Loses Road Friendly at Brazil

The U.S. Women’s National Team fell 2-1 to Brazil at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday in an international friendly. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina started the match for Brazil, playing 68 minutes, while defender Rafaelle came off the bench in the second half and played 10 minutes. Orlando Pride forward Marta was on Brazil’s bench but did not play. Sophia Wilson scored her first goal for the USWNT since 2024 early in the first half. However, Brazil scored two quick goals from Taina Maranhao and Bia Zaneratto to take a 2-1 lead and held on for the win. The USWNT will face Brazil on the road again on Tuesday at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza.

Free Kicks

• In case you missed it Friday, check out this amazing save by Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau for the Canadian Men’s National Team in its friendly against Ireland.

• Former Lion Cyle Larin is staying with EFL Championship side Southampton after the club announced his loan from Mallorca had been converted into a permanent transfer.
• NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, a limited partner in the ownership group for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride, was interviewed by Yahoo Sports and shared insights into his experience investing in soccer, growing up playing soccer in Northern Virginia, his thoughts on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and more.
• Major League Soccer announced its First XI players named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, which will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, on July 29. None were Lions.
• EFL Championship side Derby County has reportedly reached an agreement with the Vancouver Whitecaps to sign midfielder Sebastian Berhalter.

• The USL Super League will reportedly flip its calendar to begin play in the spring and end its season in the fall beginning in 2027 to align with the NWSL. The league will play a fall season in 2026 before transitioning to the new calendar.
• The Iranian soccer federation has accused the United States of “vindictive behavior” after stating that visas were denied to key administrative and managerial officials. The Iranian Men’s National Team will only be allowed to travel to the U.S. on matchdays and must leave the country after each match.
• Midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during the match for Denmark in an international friendly against Ukraine Sunday. The match was abandoned, and the national team shared an update. We here at The Mane Land wish Eriksen a speedy recovery.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.