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Artwork for First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast

First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast

Kickback Soccer Media
World Cup
World Cup 2026
United States Men's National Team
France
Morocco
Spain
Argentina
Soccer
Brazil
Football
Colombia
2026 World Cup
FIFA
Cape Verde
Scotland
Canada
Uzbekistan
AFC Asian Cup
Major League Soccer
Tartan Army

First Touch is the American home for the global game, exploring not just what happened, but why it matters. From iconic clubs and legendary rivalries to the cultures, communities, and surprising stories that shape the game, we bring the world's game into sharper focus. We're glad you're here.

PublishesDailyEpisodes116Founded8 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SoccerFootballSports

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast

Latest Episodes

Can South America keep pace with the rest of the world? David Gass and Matt Doyle examine Brazil's decline, Argentina's continued success, the region's rising contenders and the biggest storylines shaping CONMEBOL on the road to the 2030 FIFA World C... more

What went wrong for Asia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and who can lead the region forward? From Australia's rise to the challenges facing Japan, South Korea and Iraq, David Gass and Matt Doyle explore which nations are best positioned to shape Asia's ... more

Spain and France have set the standard in Europe, but who can challenge them next? David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Europe's top contenders, the shifting balance of power and what’s next on the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

This episode conti... more

After hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where does CONCACAF go from here? David Gass and Matt Doyle break down the region's biggest contenders, emerging stars and the teams to watch as the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup begins.

This episode is part ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Matt Doyle
Soccer analyst, co-host for the episode
Episode: First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Ronaldo, Portugal Prevail, Spain Coasts & Colombia, Argentina On Tap
Tommy Scoops
Soccer analyst providing on-ground warm weather and atmosphere insights
First Touch
Episode: First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Mbappé Leads France, Mexico Advances & USA's Knockout Test
Nuno Gomes
Portuguese football legend
Portugal national team legend
Episode: First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: USMNT Wraps Group Play, Ecuador Advances & Round of 32 Takes Shape
Nelson Smito
Soccer analyst
Episode: First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: USMNT Wraps Group Play, Ecuador Advances & Round of 32 Takes Shape
Sam Lovesekie
Guest joining from Texas during the show
Not explicitly stated
Episode: First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Vini Jr. Leads Brazil, Canada Makes History & USA Closes Group Play | World Cup Daily Show
Flo Lloyd-Hughes
Prominent football journalist
Episode: First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Tunisia Fires Coach, Japan-Netherlands Thriller & England Preview
Adam Schefter
Prominent sports journalist introduced as a guest by the hosts
ESPN/Media
Episode: 2026 World Cup Golden Boot Draft presented by Soccer.com
Greg Vanney
Manager of the LA Galaxy; former USMNT provisional squad member
LA Galaxy/US Soccer
Episode: Left Off the Roster - Ep. 14 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com
David Gass
Soccer analyst and colleague referenced by host
Episode: Left Off the Roster - Ep. 14 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com

Hosts

David Gass
Host with wide involvement in World Cup coverage and panel discussions
Michele Giannone
Co-host and commentator on World Cup coverage
Matt Doyle
Co-host/analyst with tactical insights
Jordan Angeli
Co-host/analyst on global soccer coverage
Susannah Fuller
Host/Co-host with world cup coverage and on-site reporting

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 71 ratings
  • If Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith covered Soccer

    I really needed an alternative to Alexi Lalas’ podcast and thought this could be it. Sadly, David Gass and Michele Giannone are even worse! When Susanna Fuller is on, the verbal vomit is a little better mediated. Each podcast I feel like I’m being convinced to hate a player, a team, Mexico, or Deschampes.They pile on the losing team or player after the match with a level of condescension that is unmatched except from Stephen A. Smith. They drone on and on and on about a player, coach or player w... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Colbért
    United Statesa month ago
  • Weird background music, confusion about episodes, and AI feeling scripts

    There are three main problems I have with first touch:

    1. What’s with the background music during segments? It’s like listening to a podcast while on hold with a mid size bank.

    2. To steal from Ted Lasso, “How many podcasts are in this podcast?” There’s the weekly, the dispatch, and the country preview? But they all of their own number…or not.

    3. Finally, I could be wrong here, but the country review scripts feel AI generated. But maybe I’m just being overly critical.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    CollinSolberg
    United States2 months ago
  • Must listen

    Absolutely love this! It has a little bit of everything for everyone - whether you’re a soccer die hard or just want to have a rough idea of what’s going on with each country in the World Cup, this is a must listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dave from Nashville
    United States7 months ago
  • Must listen

    What a great way to get ready for the World Cup. This show has the perfect combination of history, culture, and soccer stats to give you a feel for each team.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Agedrightback
    United States7 months ago
  • World Cup

    This is required listening for anyone wanting to follow the World Cup in ‘26

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Frank Dolan
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners criticize background music and scriptquality, suggesting improvements to production values and scripting.
Guest profiles highlight the show's ability to mix big-name guests with informed panelists, supporting strong sponsorship alignment.
Fans praise on-site energy, guest variety, and timely World Cup coverage that helps them feel present at venues.
Listeners note strong, knowledgeable analysis with a culture-forward approach that appeals to World Cup fans and marketers.
The host team's chemistry and banter are repeatedly highlighted as a strength for engaging storytelling and listener retention.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#211
United States/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#108
Argentina/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#115
Ukraine/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#126
Indonesia/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#134
Chile/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#174
Mexico/Sports/Soccer

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Tunisia Fires Coach, Japan-Netherlands Thriller & England Preview
Q: Flo, what do English fans consider as the bare minimum of success for England in this expanded 48-team World Cup, given the easier knockout path and new coach dynamics?
Flo explains that the extra knockout round makes the bar tougher; semi-finals would have been the baseline in a traditional 32-team World Cup, but with the 48-team format the expectation shifts to navigating the additional round and potentially topping the group to avoid a brutal Round of 16 matchup.
First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show: Spain Dazzles, Belgium Disappoints & Cape Verde Does It Again
Q: What did you think about Argentina's approach against Austria and Messi's role in the lineup?
The panel expressed interest in seeing Argentina perform without relying solely on Messi, hoping Lautaro Martinez or alternative formations could shoulder more responsibility while Messi adapts to a potentially shifted tactical role.
The 2014 World Cup Went Viral - Ep. 12 First Touch Weekly
Q: This is sounding a bit like the Save the Crew movement. Do you see any similarities there, and could there be a similar outcome?
The discussion suggests there are parallels in how ownership and location debates can mobilize fan bases, but outcomes depend on viable buyers who will keep teams in their current communities; the Vancouver Whitecaps situation mirrors broader tensions between expansion-market ambitions and preserving traditional home bases.
State Of Mexican Soccer w/Eduardo Saracho - Ep. 11 First Touch Weekly
Q: What is the current state of Mexican soccer domestically and internationally?
Eduardo notes that the Liga MX is stable with new ownership and stronger fan engagement, while the national team remains the most debated topic; the real challenge is balancing player availability with club commitments as Mexico hosts games and prepares for a record World Cup.
First Touch Weekly Ep. 2 - Brampton THE Soccer Powerhouse & Curaçao World Cup Darlings Manager Change
Q: Jon, what does Dick Advocaat stepping down mean for Curacao?
It signals a change in leadership but is not the end of Curacao's World Cup hopes; the team has been well-prepared and can weather the transition with a new manager who brings Dutch football connections, while still leveraging the existing core group.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast

What is First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts anchor a World Cup–focused show that blends sharp tactical analysis with cultural storytelling, fan experiences, and ongoing tournament storytelling. Episodes frequently dissect group-stage narratives, knockout-path implications, and standout players while weaving in travel textures, venue vibes, and sponsor integrations. Noteworthy are deep dives into emerging teams, diaspora perspectives, and a collaborative panel that shifts between data-driven takes and lively banter, making it useful for listeners who want practical insights for fans, marketers, and sponsors curious about the global game.

A standout trait is the show's emphasis on American-driven perspectives within a global sport, plus regular guests and on-site reporting t... more

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How many listeners does First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast:

1. Soccerwise | U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL
2. Scuffed | USMNT, World Cup, Yanks Abroad, futbol in America
3. Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ...
4. Men In Blazers
5. World Cup After Dark

How many episodes of First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast are there?

First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast launched 8 months ago and published 116 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast?

Recent guests on First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast include:

1. Matt Doyle
2. Tommy Scoops
3. Nuno Gomes
4. Nelson Smito
5. Sam Lovesekie
6. Flo Lloyd-Hughes
7. Adam Schefter
8. Greg Vanney

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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