The New York Times' daily word game Connections returns with a special Soccer Edition, timed to the build‑up of the 2026 World Cup. The puzzle challenges players to sort a set of sixteen terms into four hidden groups, each sharing a common thread.
Players may make up to three incorrect selections before the game ends, and each daily puzzle is guaranteed to have a single, logical solution. The difficulty for the July 6 edition is rated a three out of five, offering a moderate challenge for enthusiasts.
What you’ll be solving today
The four categories for the July 6 puzzle are World Cup final host cities, variations of the sport, nicknames of Major League Soccer clubs, and players who have been sent off in World Cup history. Hints provided for these groups are BERLIN, FUTSAL, RAPIDS and PEPE, guiding solvers toward the correct clusters.
The correct answers are YOKOHAMA, BERLIN, RIO DE JANEIRO and JOHANNESBURG for the host‑city category; BEACH, FUTSAL, FIVE‑A‑SIDE and FREESTYLE for the soccer‑variant category; FIRE, UNION, RAPIDS and TIMBERS for the MLS‑nickname category; and SONG, PEPE, HEITINGA and BALOGUN for the red‑card category.
The puzzle was created by Will Jeanes, a senior editor at The Athletic who specializes in soccer history and statistics. His work blends analytical depth with storytelling, helping fans engage with the sport beyond the pitch.
Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned solver, the Soccer Edition offers a fresh way to test your knowledge of the global tournament that will culminate next summer. Good luck, and enjoy the challenge.