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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 7/19/26


The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week.


World Cup Drama

What a World Cup Final. So much drama. So much emotion. So many storylines! The game ultimately felt like it would be Spain's to win for the entire duration of the match. Yet, despite the focus on Messi, naturally, it was Emiliano Martinez who stole the show with a record-setting effort of 11 saves. Yet, in the end, it was Spain who triumphed.

Teenagers in the final; Messi's last dance and emotional stance at the end of the match; the halftime show performances; Enzo Fernenadez's red card; and even our President (because, of course) making headlines by refusing to get out of the final team picture - all of the drama...best sporting event of the 2026...thus far. 

And for what it's worth, I have an eight-year-old playing soccer this fall because of the World Cup. There ya go, U.S. Soccer. 

Congratulations to Spain!


War in Iran

It's incredibly unfortunate to start your Sunday with the news of American casualties in Iran. To be furthered by retaliation strikes by the United States. For me, I'm still struggling to understand the reasoning and point of this war. 

The overwhelming pathos in the narrative of the war has also gotten to me. I read this story just this morning, before the retaliation of the United States. 

There's a lot here - for me, again, for me! - that just doesn't make any sense. 



Absurd Broken Record

Josh Kerr broke the world record for mile time by doing so in 3 minutes and 43.13 seconds. Breaking the twenty-seven-year-old record by half a second. 

I'm a very slow runner. Always have been. This sort of stuff just blows my mind. Insane. 


Cover Photo

Lionel Messi slumps to the ground after the final whistle, in what will likely be the football legend's last World Cup game.

Getty Images: Michael Regan
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