With the World Cup in full swing, we’re leaning into sports content today.

The heavy political stuff isn’t going anywhere, especially since those are usually our most popular features.

But when I came up with The Level, I always thought the two-sided approach would be perfect for sports content. So there’s no better time to lean into it than during one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

Let me know your feedback. Is this something you want to see more of? Less of? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts by replying to this email. I read and reply to every single one.

Check out our feature story below along with the poll. And if you’re watching the matches, enjoy the game tomorrow.

-Neil

We already have so much to be proud of. But if Canada tops Group B, this run stops being a feel-good underdog story and becomes proof our soccer program has arrived.

A first-ever point, a first-ever win and a 6-0 statement have turned decades of doubt into belief.

Now comes Switzerland as the real test that can make it official.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. If Canada loses to Switzerland, the easier knockout path disappears and the home-field edge vanishes along with it.

Bosnia and Herzegovina was progress, and Qatar was historic, but neither match earned us much new respect outside our own borders.

So before pulling out the champagne, let’s have a reality check.