Lion Links: 11/26/25

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! We’re only a day away from most of us stuffing ourselves with too much food amongst our relatives. Whether you are hosting, traveling, or taking some alone time for yourself, just know how thankful we here at The Mane Land are for you, our dear readers. Let’s get to the links.

A Turkey Club

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride teamed up with sponsor Publix for the club’s 10th annual turkey distribution. The event happened on Monday at Inter&Co Stadium, where over 1,000 turkeys and accompanying side items were distributed to Orlando residents for the upcoming holiday. The club also provided care kits for unhoused neighbors in partnership with Heart of Florida United Way.

USMNT World Cup News

Is it too early to start talking about the World Cup? I don’t think so. The USMNT finished the year on a five-match unbeaten streak, with Orlando City’s Alex Freeman providing a strong case for his inclusion in the World Cup roster. Speculation about who might make that roster has begun. The U.S. is hosting, along with Canada and Mexico. We know the when and where each of the host teams will play, but we have to wait until the group stage draw on Dec. 5 to find out the opponents.

U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team Wins Again

The United States Deaf Women’s National Team won the gold medal at the Deaflympics, defeating Japan 4-0. That is a record fifth Deaflympics gold medal and eighth overall world championship for the USDWNT. It’s actually much more impressive than that, given the team has never lost a match. That record of 44 wins and one draw goes all the way back to 2005. My only complaint is I’m finding out about this team now, when I could have been watching all along.

Champions League Results

USMNT players made an impact abroad with Juventus’ Weston McKennie scoring in the 3-2 Champions League victory over Bodo/Glimt. Here’s a good look at his perfectly taken header.

Tim Weah provided an assist on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s game winner in Marseille’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

Here are the current Champions League standings.

Free Kicks

• If you’re still watching the MLS playoffs, here is the information on the upcoming conference finals schedule and broadcast details.
• McKennie and Weah weren’t the only USMNT players in action Tuesday. Aidan Morris, Josh Sargent, and Patrick Agyemang all made appearances for their respective English Championship clubs.
• USWNT Coach Emma Hayes had the team prepare a special welcome for the Gotham FC players to the December camp following their NWSL Championship victory.

• Usually, we expect consequences for one’s actions. Of course, when FIFA is involved that’s not always the case. Cristiano Ronaldo may not serve any of his suspension in the upcoming World Cup.
• Speaking of Ronaldo, Taylor Twellman had some choice words about the superstar and his new outlook on winning the World Cup.

That will do it for today. If you are traveling for the holiday, please do so safely. Vamos Orlando!