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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
Soccer
Brazil
Morocco
France
Football
Colombia
2026 World Cup
FIFA
Cape Verde
Scotland
Uzbekistan
AFC Asian Cup
Major League Soccer
Canada
Tartan Army
Asian Cup
African Cup Of Nations

First Touch is the 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 ... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes108Founded8 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SoccerFootballSports

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast

Latest Episodes

Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle get you ready for World Cup Final weekend. After sleeping on the England-Argentina semifinal, they revisit one of the tournament's biggest matches before looking ahead to the third-place playoff between Engl... more

The gang is back as Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Argentina’s dramatic, come-from-behind win against England. They discuss the tactics, big moments, the greatness of Leo Messi and what’s next for England. Then they give you th... more

Susannah Fuller is back with David Gass and Matt Doyle to react to Spain's semifinal win over France, discuss what went wrong for Les Bleus, and break down the performances that shaped the match. Then, the crew looks ahead to the historic England vs.... more

Just four teams remain, David Gass and Michele Giannone preview a blockbuster UEFA showdown as France and Spain battle for a place in the World Cup Final. They also play Buy or Sell, talk about World Cup expansion and coaching changes and rumors in I... 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.

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

4.9 out of 5 stars from 38 ratings
  • 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 States6 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
  • David Gass is Absolute Class

    Phenomenal content, have been listening to and enjoying each episode. I love the interviews and sound bites stitched in. Pronunciation of the Paraguayan language Guaraní and drink Tereré could use some work, but I can’t fault him too much there ;) Keep it up Gass!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Matt Leavitt Jr.
    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
#49
United States/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#176
Canada/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#100
Italy/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#42
Indonesia/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#48
United Arab Emirates/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#50
Argentina/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 | World Cup, U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL
2. Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ...
3. Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos
4. Scuffed | USMNT, World Cup, Yanks Abroad, futbol in America
5. Men In Blazers

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

First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast launched 8 months ago and published 108 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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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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