Kickback '26
First Touch is Kickback Soccer Media’s home for World Cup 2026 storytelling and modern soccer coverage guiding fans from the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and beyond. From premium podcasts and original series to smart analysis and cultural context, First Touch brings new, emerging, and diehard fans inclusive, American-driven perspectives on the stories shaping the global game, from now, through World Cup 2026, and into soccer’s future.
Episodes
First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show: USA & Canada Kick Off
Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass get you ready for the USA's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay with Doyle's latest USMNT tactical session, a Football Manager 2026 simulation, and a full match preview. Plus, the crew recaps the opening day of the World Cup, including Mexico's historic win over South Africa and South Korea's comeback victory against Czechia, before
First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show Opening Day
The day has finally arrived and Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass give you all their fun soccer picks and predictions heading into the 2026 World Cup. They talk a little US and Canada with a special tactical breakdown from Doyle and a special World Cup simulation before the crew previews the first games of the tournament: Mexico against South Africa and a showdown between South Korea and
First Touch Dispatch Presented by Soccer.com | Ep. 6
On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, we give you all the latest news, from the injuries to key players, NYC watch parties, and a closer look at the legacy that the 2026 World Cup will leave.0:46 Injuries on the Rise3:00 Shooting near England Base Camp3:52 NYC Watch Parties4:55 USMNT Ticket Prices7:09 A Closer Look - The Legacy of World Cup 202612:04 Eric and Producer Brad give their World Cup
2026 World Cup Golden Boot Draft presented by Soccer.com
David Gass, Matt Doyle, Susannah Fuller and Tom Bogert go live from Soccer House in Chicago for a World Cup Golden Boot Draft, building their teams and predicting which stars will lead the tournament in goals. The group also discusses breakout candidates, tournament favorites, favorite World Cup memories and the fan cultures that make the tournament special.Please note: This episode was recorded l
World Cup Storylines We Can't Wait to Watch - Ep. 16 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com
David Gass is joined by Ryan Hunn and Musa Okwonga from Stadio to discuss what has them most excited as the World Cup approaches. The crew shares the players, teams, matches and moments they'll be watching throughout the month, from Mexico's opportunity on home soil and Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti to the stars who could define this tournament and shape the next decade of the game.0:00 Welcome &am
First Touch Dispatch Presented by Soccer.com | Ep. 5
On this episode of First Touch Dispatch we give the latest updates on injuries forcing players to withdraw from the tournament, a record breaking counterfeit merchandise bust, and a closer look at the new rules being implemented at the World Cup. All that and more on First Touch Dispatch.0:42 Injuries to Key Players2:46 Thomas Partey Ghana Inclusion4:11 Counterfeit Merchandise Bust5:39 Field Condi
World Cup Expectations, Rosters and Favorites - Ep. 15 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com
Susannah Fuller and David Gass break down the expanded World Cup format, the pressure facing some of the tournament favorites, and the teams generating the most intrigue heading into the summer. From the USMNT roster reveal and Jesse Marsch’s new Canada deal to France’s loaded squad, Brazil’s expectations under Carlo Ancelotti, Colombia’s top-heavy roster, and the group stage matches they can’t wa
First Touch Dispatch Presented by Soccer.com | Ep. 4
On this week's edition of First Touch Dispatch, we dive into the latest news surrounding the World Cup. Iran has officially moved their basecamp to Mexico, Messi has an injury scare, and the USMNT roster is now OFFICIALLY announced.0:36 Iran Base Camp Relocation1:58 Spain Roster Backlash3:23 Messi Injury Scare5:11 AC Milan, Juventus and the Italian National Team6:16 England's Pre-Tournament Player
First Touch '26 - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina returns to the World Cup with one of international soccer’s most emotional national team stories. We explore the country’s complex football history, the memories of Bosnia’s first World Cup appearance in 2014, and the dramatic road back to the global stage fueled by one of soccer’s most passionate fanbases, Bosnian icon Edin Džeko, and a new generation featuring Esmir Bajrak
First Touch ’26 - Sweden
Sweden returns to the World Cup with a history bigger than many realize and a new generation trying to add to it. We break down the Blue and Yellow’s controversial road to 2026, Graham Potter’s influence, Lukas Bergvall’s emergence, and the enduring impact of Zlatan Ibrahimović on Swedish football.
Left Off the Roster - Ep. 14 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com
World Cup roster season is here, bringing dream call-ups and heartbreaking omissions for players around the globe. Susannah Fuller discusses some of the notable snubs ahead of 2026 and the most memorable roster announcement videos so far. Then David Gass dives into the difficult reality of missing out on soccer’s biggest stage as former U.S. international and current LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vann
First Touch ’26 - DR Congo
Susannah Fuller is joined by Stadio’s Musa Okwonga for a conversation about DR Congo’s return to the World Cup after more than 50 years away. Together, they discuss the country’s history and identity through soccer, the emotion surrounding the Leopards and their supporters, and the mix of experienced and emerging players hoping to make an impact in 2026.
First Touch Dispatch Presented by Soccer.com | Ep. 3
On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, we dive into roster announcements, players getting political and a deep look into the mass amount of injuries heading into this World Cup. All that and more on this edition of First Touch Dispatch.0:37 DR Congo1:12 Roster Announcements4:20 Mbappe Gets Political6:07 Climate Concerns7:58 A Closer Look: Overuse and Injuries 12:14 One for the Road: Messi vs. La
Colombia, James Rodríguez & World Cup Passion - Ep. 13 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com
David Gass explores Colombia’s World Cup identity, the legacy of James Rodríguez, and why Los Cafeteros continue to inspire such passion ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Featuring perspectives from journalists Andy Deossa and Carl Worswick on Colombia’s history, culture, and connection to the national team, plus the latest World Cup news from around the globe.0:00 World Cup News Roundup4:39 Colombia’s
First Touch Dispatch | Ep. 2
On this episode of First Touch Dispatch we dive into the injuries plaguing two CONCACAF Nations, the state of Dual nationals and an MLS international star whose tenure is over nearly as quickly as it started.0:37 Johnny Cardoso 2:12 Alphonso Davies 3:54 Curaçao5:37 NJ Transit6:44 Neymar 9:18 Closer Look: Dual Nationals 15:16 One for the Road: James Rodriguez
First Touch ’26 - Iraq
Iraq is headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after one of the longest and most dramatic qualification journeys in the world. Valair Shabilla explores how soccer became a source of unity and hope through decades of war, hardship, and political turmoil, from the unforgettable 2007 Asian Cup triumph to the celebrations that followed qualification for 2026. Plus, a look at Iraq’
First Touch ’26 - Czechia
Czechia is back at the World Cup for the first time in 20 years after surviving two dramatic penalty shootouts in qualifying. Host David Gass explores the country’s deep soccer history, from the glory days of Czechoslovakia to the golden generation led by Pavel Nedvěd and Petr Čech. Plus, a look at the current squad led by Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček, Prague’s fierce club rivalries, and whether
First Touch '26 - Turkey
Turkey is back at the World Cup for the first time since its legendary 2002 run, and a new golden generation is raising expectations once again. Host David Gass explores the history of Turkish soccer, the passion behind the country’s biggest clubs, and the stars leading the 2026 squad, including Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Arda Güler, and Kenan Yıldız. Plus, a look at Turkey’s path back to the tournament an
The 2014 World Cup Went Viral - Ep. 12 First Touch Weekly
This week, host David Gass breaks down the latest news with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon before talking with Michael McColl, managing editor of AFTN (Away From The Numbers), about the Vancouver Whitecaps situation. Then, David and Susannah Fuller look back at how social media and memes helped turn the 2014 World Cup into the first truly viral World Cup.0:20 News on Australia, Edin Džeko &
Debut Of First Touch Dispatch News Show Hosted By Eric Krakauer | Ep. 1
On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, Eric Krakauer spins around the sporting globe for the most important World Cup headlines, including the changes to the yellow card accumulation rule, Memo Ochoa chasing history, the "Passport Gate" scandal, FIFA's proposed youth initiative, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino's comments on Iran's World Cup status. We then take a closer look into the America
State Of Mexican Soccer w/Eduardo Saracho - Ep. 11 First Touch Weekly
On this week's episode, host David Gass explores the ambition, growth, and the state of the game through the lens of several teams heading to the 2026 World Cup. This episode opens with news on updated yellow and red card rules for the World Cup, a German national team fighting for fitness, and an Iranian official being denied entry into Canada for a FIFA Conference. Gass is then joined by John Du
Elite National Teams Finding Their Base Camps - Ep 10. First Touch Weekly
This week on First Touch Weekly, host David Gass breaks down the biggest stories shaping the road to the 2026 World Cup—from Estêvão potentially missing the tournament to injury concerns surrounding Lamine Yamal. Gass is then joined by our soccer friend, Ryan Hunn of the Stadio podcast to discuss witnessing history as New Jersey native, Pellegrino Matarazzo led Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey glory
World Cup Cult Heroes w/Musa Okwonga & Carlos Queiroz w/Eric Krakauer - Ep 9. First Touch Weekly
This week host David Gass explores the characters that make a World Cup Special—the journeymen coaches, the big personalities, the cult heroes. To do so, Gass is joined by Eric Krakauer to discuss the winding and crazy coaching career of Carlos Queiroz, the newly appointed manager of Ghana. We are then joined by our friend Musa Okwonga from the Stadio podcast to define what it means to be a World
Tartan Army's USA Adventure & WC Ticket Prices - EP. 8 First Touch Weekly
Let’s hear it for the fans—or not. Host David Gass breaks down the good, bad, and ugly of the World Cup 2026 fan experience as we meet Hazel and Gregor, two long-standing members of Scotland’s famed Tartan Army (the good), breakdown how FIFA ticketing continues to make it impossible to afford (or experience) the upcoming World Cup (the bad), to commuting logistics that may potentially stealing the
WCQ Happiness & Heartbreak From Iraq To Italy - EP. 7 First Touch Weekly
We have a World Cup. With the completion of the UEFA and intercontinental playoffs, all 48 nations are now confirmed—the countdown is officially on. Hosts David and Susannah cover all the action, from the jubilation of Iraq, Sweden, DR Congo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina qualifying, to the heartbreak of Kosovo, Ukraine, Denmark, and Italy falling short. We also hear from Michele Giannone on how he r
Norway’s Road To This Golden Generation w/Antonio Nusa & Pa-Modou Kah - Ep 6. First Touch Weekly
We move ever closer to the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup and the hottest name on everyone’s lips is Norway. It has been 26 years since Norway has made any senior tournament. But they come into this World Cup flying as the highest scorer in UEFA. Our host David gets to the genius of this huge turnaround with two key members of the change former Norwegian international Pa-Modou Kah & current you
Musa Okwonga on Pressure & Purpose In World Cup Playoffs Preview - First Touch Weekly Ep. 4
Host David Gass is joined by soccer friend Musa Okwonga—co-host of Stadio, an exciting new partner of Kickback Soccer Media—to break down the biggest World Cup playoff storylines. They dive into why Italy and Turkey have the most to lose, while Kosovo and Ireland are playing with house money, before revisiting iconic playoff moments like Australia’s 2005 win over Uruguay and Ronaldo vs. Zlatan in
First Touch Weekly Ep. 3- 1998 Final Brazil vs France & Iraq Intercon Travel Challenges
Host David Gass breaks down Iraq’s crucial World Cup playoff match, and why it could be in jeopardy, joined by journalist Valair Shabilla. Then, ahead of the upcoming France vs. Brazil March friendly, Gass and Susannah Fuller look back one of the most iconic matches in World Cup history, the 1998 World Cup final. We close with the story of Egyptian legend Mohamed Aboutrika, one of the greatest pla
First Touch Weekly Ep. 2 - Brampton THE Soccer Powerhouse & Curaçao World Cup Darlings Manager Change
Host Susannah Fuller is back for Episode 2 of the first 2026 World Cup 2026 focused podcast. First she is joined by journalist Jon Arnold as he breaks down what Dick Advocaat's absence means for The Blue Wave of Curacao ahead of this summer's World Cup. Next, we discuss what makes the Canadian city of Brampton such a soccer powerhouse with former head of development at famed Sigma FC and current F
First Touch Weekly Ep. 1 - 1986 Failed US WC Bid & 2026 World Cup Boycotts
Susannah Fuller hosts the premiere episode of First Touch Weekly as dive into the biggest questions surrounding the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Guardian’s Senior Sports Editor Alexander Abnos breaks down whether a World Cup boycott is truly possible and what it would mean for fans, players, and national teams. Then, we look back at the U.S.’s failed bid to host the 1986 World Cup with vet
Kickback Soccer Media Emergency Podcast 2.0
We're entering a new era at Kickback Soccer Media. David Gass and Susannah Fuller sit down to talk about two incredible new shows, and to meet our HUGE winter window signing...Matt Doyle!It's Kickback Soccer Media 2.0, and we can't wait to share this momentous soccer year for American soccer with you!Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter on: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Subscribe to TacticsF
First Touch ’26 - USA
2026 could be the biggest year in the history of American soccer. As co-hosts of the largest World Cup ever, the U.S. men’s national team enters the tournament with real expectations—and a familiar question hanging over everything: is this finally the tipping point where the sport stops disappearing for four years at a time? In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down the full story of the R
First Touch ’26 - Uruguay
There are plenty of countries with rich soccer history, but you don’t get more “original power” than Uruguay. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into La Celeste. The first true giant of the sport, built on garra charrúa, the national mindset of grit, fight, and doing whatever it takes to win. We trace Uruguay’s roots from British influence and the earliest clubs, to the oldest internation
First Touch ’26 - Mexico
Mexico has been the backdrop for some of the World Cup’s most iconic moments—and in 2026, El Tri host the tournament for a record third time, hoping home soil can spark another magical run. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass explores Mexico’s deep football identity, its huge domestic league culture, and the enormous pressure of being a host nation—even if expectations for the current squad are
First Touch ’26 - South Africa, Featuring: Kiyan Singh & Pitchinvaders
There is so much to love about South Africa’s national team—Bafana Bafana—from the energy on the pitch to the color and spirit in the stands. In this World Cup Capsule, Kiyan Singh, Kickback Committee's resident South African, takes you inside his home country’s long-awaited return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, and explains why this moment feels bigger than soccer itse
First Touch ’26 - Switzerland
In the land of cheese, chocolate, and army knives, soccer is king—and Switzerland has deeper roots in the sport than most people realize. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down the story of The Nati: a founding FIFA member, a crossroads in football’s spread across Europe, and the quiet host nation that’s literally home to FIFA’s headquarters. We trace Switzerland’s early flashes of tour
First Touch ’26 - Norway
The land of the Vikings is back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998—and Norway arrive as one of the tournament’s must-watch darlings, led by their modern-day “Jarl”: Erling Haaland. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down how the Norwegians turned a generation of talent into a true golden age, built around Haaland’s ruthless finishing and robot-like intensity, and Martin
First Touch ’26 - Portugal Featuring Eric Kraukaer
A country of just 10 million people, Portugal has produced three Ballon d’Or winners—and in 2026 they might be the best bet to become the next new nation to lift the World Cup. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down how the Seleção went from late bloomers (just two World Cup appearances before 2002) to genuine “sharks” on the international stage, with insight from Portuguese-born commen
First Touch ’26 - Brazil
Brazil. Five World Cups. One bright yellow jersey that means everything. In this World Cup Capsules episode, David Gass dives into The Seleção—the most decorated nation in World Cup history—and asks the question every fan is thinking: can Brazil finally win a sixth star in 2026? We rewind through the myth and the magic (including the unforgettable 2002 final in Yokohama) and reckon with the modern
First Touch ’26 - Colombia
No country rides the emotional roller coaster of the World Cup quite like Colombia. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of Los Cafeteros—a team of dazzling highs and devastating lows, back on the biggest stage after an eight-year absence. We go from the game’s beginnings in Barranquilla and the wild “El Dorado” era, when Colombia briefly hosted the world’s best league, through th
First Touch ’26 - Morocco
There is no national team program hotter than Morocco right now. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into how the Atlas Lions went from perennial underdogs to the new center of the soccer universe—a fourth-place finish at Qatar 2022, a women’s team in the World Cup knockouts, Olympic bronze, a U-20 world title, and now a run of hosting almost every major tournament on the calendar. We trac
First Touch ’26 - Algeria Featuring Dean Ammi
Algeria might be best known to casual U.S. fans as the team on the wrong end of Landon Donovan’s “Go Go USA” moment in 2010—but the Fennec Foxes have one of the richest, most political football histories on the planet. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how the game arrived under French occupation in the late 1800s, how European settler clubs gave way to Algerian-run teams that doubled a
First Touch ’26 - Netherlands
The Dutch have perfected and even revolutionized the game—yet somehow, the Netherlands are still the greatest nation never to win a World Cup. Will 2026 finally be their time? In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down the story of the Oranje, from Pim Mulier’s first club in the 1870s through the birth of Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV, to the rise of Total Football under Rinus Michels and Johan
First Touch ’26 - Ghana
Ghana is one of the World Cup’s true cult favorites: bright colors in the stands, big moments on the pitch, and a history of punching above their weight when it matters most. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the Black Stars—from the game’s arrival with European merchants and the early AFCON glory years, to their late but spectacular World Cup debut in 2006 as the youngest s
First Touch ’26 - Argentina featuring Diego Valeri
When you close your eyes and picture the World Cup, chances are you see Argentina—the blue and white shirts, Maradona’s bouncing curls, Messi’s smile with the trophy in his hands. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into La Albiceleste: three-time champions, ever-present contenders, and the emotional heartbeat of the sport. We trace how immigrants and British (especially Scottish) workers
First Touch ’26 - Scotland
In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass celebrates the return of a nation that helped invent modern football, exported the passing game around the globe, and produced managerial legends from Bill Shankly to Sir Alex Ferguson. We walk through Scotland’s long, chaotic history: the first ever international match in 1872, early World Cups, and two decades of “glorious failure” where qualification heartb
First Touch ’26 - Australia featuring CB Miloš Degenek
Australian football has always been defined by a “never say die” mentality—and the 2026 Socceroos will need every bit of it. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how a sport brought by British immigrants in the late 1800s became a lifeline for migrant communities, producing ethnic clubs, a unique football culture, and eventually a national team known for its grit. We revisit the golden gen
First Touch ’26 - Croatia
Small but mighty, Croatia are the ultimate World Cup overachievers. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of a national team less than three decades old that’s already reached three semifinals and one final—an absurd record for a country of under four million people. We trace how Croatian football grew out of the Yugoslav era, from Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb’s “Eternal Derby” a
First Touch ’26 - Belgium
Belgium’s golden generation has come and gone, but the Red Devils still go as Kevin De Bruyne goes. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass looks at how a reshaped Belgium is trying to move past the dysfunction and disappointment of 2022 and write a new story in North America. We track the rise from early Olympic success to the first golden age of the 1980s, then the star-studded 2014–2018 era that
First Touch ’26 - England
Is Football Coming Home?For England, every major tournament starts with that exact question. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into the story of the Three Lions as they head into 2026 under new manager Thomas Tuchel, fresh off a flawless qualifying campaign with 22 goals scored and none conceded. We trace England’s role as the birthplace of modern football, the rise of the Premier League
First Touch ’26 - Germany
For generations, the World Cup script was simple: 22 players chase a ball for 90 minutes and, somehow, Germany end up in the semifinal. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how Die Mannschaft became the sport’s ultimate tournament machine. With four World Cup titles, four runner-up finishes, and 13 semifinal runs, before stumbling out in the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. We revisit th
First Touch ’26 - South Korea
South Korea doesn’t just show up at World Cups. They live there. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass looks at the Taeguk Warriors’ 11th straight appearance on the world stage and what could be the last dance for beloved superstar Son Heung-min. We relive the fairy-tale of 2002: co-hosting with Japan, Guus Hiddink’s revolutionary methods, a golden run through Italy and Spain, and the explosion of
First Touch ’26 - Jordan - Featuring Jamie Siaj
The World Cup has a new debutant: Jordan’s Al-Nashama, “the chivalrous ones,” finally stepping onto the biggest stage.In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass unpacks how a country better known for Petra and the Jordan River quietly built a serious football culture, from British-introduced games in the 1920s and early regional success to near-misses like the 2014 playoff defeat to Uruguay. We revisit
First Touch ’26 - Tunisia
Tunisia are about to play their seventh World Cup—more than almost any African nation—but the Eagles of Carthage still feel oddly overlooked. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass explores how football grew under French occupation, how early Tunisian-only clubs became hubs of resistance, and how a strong domestic league laid the foundation for one of Africa’s most consistent performers. We revisit
First Touch ’26 - Cape Verde
To find Cape Verde on a map, you have to keep zooming in. This is what the football world has had to do to understand: how the tiny Atlantic archipelago became a World Cup nation. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces the Blue Sharks’ rise from post-independence minnows to AFCON regulars and, finally, first-time World Cup qualifiers. We explore how a country of just over half a million peop
First Touch ’26 - Haiti
No team at this World Cup carries a heavier off-field burden, or a purer sense of joy, than Haiti. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the Grenadiers’ impossible run from a country in deep political and humanitarian crisis, where the national team hasn’t played a home game since 2021 and even the coach has never set foot in Haiti during qualifying. We go back to 1974 and Emman
First Touch ’26 - Paraguay
Some national teams have flair; Paraguay has garra guaraní: Guaraní grit. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into how La Albirroja’s identity was forged in the fires of the War of the Triple Alliance and lives on today in a team built on resilience, defensive steel, and a refusal to go quietly. From William Paats bringing a ball back from Buenos Aires and founding Club Olimpia, to quarterf
World Cup Draw Group By Group Analysis x Kickback '26
Kickback 26 is your front-row seat to the 2026 World Cup. Hosted by David Gass, Claudia Pagan, Heath Pearce, and Eric Krakauer, this podcast breaks down every World Cup group with a mix of tactical insight, big-picture context, and a healthy dose of banter. From host-nation pressure on Mexico, Canada and USA to dark horses, “groups of chaos,” and which third-place teams might sneak through, the Co
First Touch ’26 - Spain
Spain has only lifted the World Cup once, but La Roja seem omnipresent in every tournament conversation—and 2026 will be no different. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces the arc from Spain’s 19th-century football origins and Civil War-era politics, through decades of underachievement, to the tiki-taka golden age that produced Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012 in one breathtaking f
First Touch ’26 - Saudi Arabia
They shocked the world by toppling Messi’s Argentina in 2022; now Saudi Arabia is trying to prove that was no one-off. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the Green Falcons—from the early days of English sailors kicking a ball around the Gulf, through Asian Cup dominance and a magical 1994 run in the United States, to years of stop-start progress on the global stage. We break
First Touch ’26 - Egypt
Egypt helped invent African football greatness, but the World Cup has never quite gone their way. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass charts the Pharaohs’ journey from early Olympic pioneers and 1934 World Cup trailblazers to record seven-time AFCON champions. We revisit the Cairo derbies between Al Ahly and Zamalek, the ultras who helped power the Arab Spring, and the tragic stadium disasters t
First Touch ’26 - Iran
It’s hard to find a place where politics and football are more tightly intertwined than Iran. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how Team Melli has become a symbol of both state power and public resistance—from the 1998 “game of peace” win over the United States, to the emotionally charged 2022 rematch played amid the Mahsa Amini protests and reports of pressure from the regime. We walk
First Touch ’26 - Austria
Once home to the “Wunderteam” and the legendary Matthias Sindelar, Austria’s greatest football tales used to live in black and white. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass connects that glorious past: 1930s brilliance, a 1954 semifinal run, and the “Miracle of Córdoba” win over West Germany, to a modern side finally returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. We explore how Ralf Rang
First Touch ’26 - Ivory Coast
For many fans, Ivory Coast will always be the land of Drogba, the Touré brothers, and a golden generation that helped pause a civil war and made the Elephants a global cult favorite. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass revisits that era and then shifts to the present, where Côte d’Ivoire enter 2026 as defending African champions and one of the continent’s most exciting teams. We track their evol
First Touch ’26 - Panama
Panama’s World Cup history is short and brutal: one appearance, three losses, and a 32nd-place finish in 2018. But that’s only half the story. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into how a baseball country slowly built a football identity. Gary Stempel, who helped launch a generation, to steady growth in the Gold Cup, Nations League, and a spirited 2024 Copa América run. We revisit the nig
First Touch ’26 - Qatar
No country is more polarizing in modern football than Qatar. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass examines how a tiny, oil-rich Gulf state went from football afterthought to one of the game’s most influential players—from the creation of Aspire Academy and an aggressive naturalization strategy, to ownership stakes in European clubs and the era-defining takeover of PSG. We revisit the controversie
First Touch ’26 - France
For most countries, just qualifying for the World Cup is a dream. For France, it’s World Cup trophy or failure. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into the story of Les Bleus: a global powerhouse with two World Cups, two Euros, and a conveyor belt of stars that runs from Just Fontaine and Michel Platini to Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé. We trace France’s boom-or-bust history, from the
First Touch ’26 - Japan
No national team on earth has built their modern football project quite like Japan. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down how the Samurai Blue went from late arrivals on the global stage to qualifying for eight straight World Cups, and becoming the first team to punch their ticket to 2026. We go back to the sport’s arrival in the 19th century, the influence of the manga Captain Tsubasa
First Touch ’26 - Senegal
Step into Senegal and you immediately feel teranga: the Wolof concept of warmth, welcome, and generosity and nowhere is that spirit more alive than with the Lions of Teranga. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces Senegal’s journey from a quiet post-independence footballing nation to global darlings after their legendary upset of France in 2002, and on through the heartbreak of the 2018 fair
First Touch ’26 - New Zealand
The tiny island nation at the edge of the world, New Zealand is famous for the All Blacks, the second most dominant team in rugby history. But in 2026, it’s the All Whites chasing history. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass charts how a rugby-mad country with an almost entirely amateur domestic soccer setup keeps punching above its weight, from early tours in the 1900s to gritty World Cup appea
First Touch ’26 - Ecuador
For decades, Ecuadorian football has wrestled with belief, from being late to the World Cup party, short on trophies, but always rich in passion. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass explores how "La Tri" have quietly built one of South America’s most intriguing sides, going from perennial outsiders to finishing near the top of a brutal CONMEBOL qualifying, even after starting with a points deduc
First Touch ’26 - Uzbekistan
Once a Soviet republic and Silk Road crossroads, Uzbekistan has become one of world football’s most fascinating late bloomers. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the White Wolves: a team long haunted by near-misses and bizarre heartbreaks, like a World Cup qualifier that had to be annulled and replayed, a spot in Brazil 2014 lost by a single goal and a marathon penalty shooto
First Touch ’26 - Canada
The world is coming to Toronto and Vancouver, and Canada is determined to prove they are a soccer nation, not just a hockey one. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass unpacks how a country with one of the oldest football histories outside the UK went from years of false starts, failed leagues, and an infamous 8–1 loss in Honduras to a genuine golden generation hosting a home World Cup. We follow A
First Touch ’26 - Curaçao
Curaçao: beaches, blue water… and the biggest underdog story of the 2026 World Cup. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into how the “Blue Wave” became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, from their origins as part of the Netherlands Antilles to a dream qualifying run that went down to a VAR-reviewed penalty in Jamaica. We break down Dick Advocaat’s impact, the Dutch-ba
