Kickback '26

Jaksot

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  First Touch Dispatch | James Rodriguez Retires, VAR Controversy & the Ballon d’Or 15.09.2026 16min

  James Rodriguez brings his Colombia career to a close, four Americans are making their mark at Middlesbrough, and Paris FC and Como are emerging among Europe’s early-season surprises. Plus, the fallout from the Manchester Derby’s VAR controversy and a closer look at this year’s Ballon d’Or race.0:00 Intro0:34 James Rodriguez Retires1:33 Americans at Middlesbrough4:30 Paris FC Among France’s Elite6:23 Como’s Champions League Breakthrough8:17 Manchester Derby VAR Controversy11:00 A Closer Look: The Ballon d’Or15:00 One for the Road: Cavan SullivanThe American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  Open Mic | Mary Harvey on Building the Women’s Game 11.09.2026 1t

  Mary Harvey has seen the women’s game from almost every angle in her career, as a USWNT goalkeeper to FIFA leader and WPS executive. Today, she leads the Center for Sport and Human Rights, and she joins Open Mic to talk about the evolution of women’s soccer, the lessons of its past and where the game goes next. 0:00 Intro1:26 The 1991 World Cup4:57 Harvey’s Journey to the USWNT7:58 How 1991 Changed Women’s Soccer11:53 Inside the 1996 USWNT16:25 From Player to FIFA Leader24:11 How World Cups Drive Development28:26 What Happened to WPS?35:12 The Future of the Women’s Game41:51 The Responsibility of Each USWNT Generation44:46 Sport, Human Rights & the 2026 World Cup57:30 Harvey’s Favorite Sporting EventsOpen Mic is an Soccerwise interview series that features in-depth conversations with interest soccer voices from around the world. We’ll occasionally share select episodes here on First Touch when the conversation fits. The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Weekly | Nico Cantor Takes Us Inside South American Football 10.09.2026 37min

  Susannah Fuller welcomes Nico Cantor to explore the culture, history and competitive spirit of South American football. from the continent’s biggest clubs and competitions to Nico’s beloved Boca Juniors. They also discuss Lionel Messi’s international retirement and what his departure means for the future of the South American game.0:00 The Latest From Around the World4:32 Nico Cantor Joins the Show9:02 Inside South American Football12:36 The Powerhouses 14:47 Rise of Brazilian Clubs21:17 Copa Libertadores Storylines 24:25 The State of Boca Juniors29:07 Messi’s Argentine Farewell32:00 What’s Next in CONMEBOL? The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  Open Mic | Kieran Gibbs on Developing the Next Generation of Soccer Players 04.09.2026 32min

  Susannah Fuller chats with former Arsenal and England defender Kieran Gibbs to talk about his path from pro player to co-founding ONE FC, a youth soccer academy in Miami. Gibbs shares his approach to player development, how he hopes to bring his own experiences to the U.S. and where the project is now and going in the future. Plus, they discuss the 2026 World Cup and talk about Arsenal’s chance of repeating as Premier League Champions.0:00 Intro1:24 ONE FC Origin Story6:03 Lessons from European Academies8:26 The ONE FC Approach10:59 Identifying Soccer Talent in the U.S.14:36 Growing ONE FC18:38 The 2026 World Cup Experience25:26 Can Arsenal Repeat?30:05 Where to Find Out More About ONE FCOpen Mic is an Soccerwise interview series that features in-depth conversations with interest soccer voices from around the world. We’ll occasionally share select episodes here on First Touch when the conversation fits.The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Weekly | London City Lionesses Are Going For It 03.09.2026 15min

  The Women’s Super League (WSL) returns, and Susannah Fuller is joined by football journalist and the founder of The Cutback Flo Lloyd-Hughes to look at what could make this season different. They dive into Michelle Kang, Alexia Putellas and the ambitious London City Lionesses.0:00 Intro0:56 The Latest From Around the World3:49 The Rise of the WSL7:16 London City Lionesses, Michelle Kang & Alexia Putellas10:17 Multi-Club Ownership Conundrum12:22 Can London City Break Through?The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Dispatch | Messi Retires, Bayern Begin Again & Champions League Draw 01.09.2026 13min

  Messi calls time on his Argentina career, Bayern Munich begin another title defense, and London City Lionesses enter the WSL with a squad built to challenge the established order. Plus, a closer look at the Champions League’s new league phase and the stories to watch as the transfer window closes.0:00 Intro0:35 Copa Libertadores Update2:15 Bundesliga Kicks Off3:40 WSL Kickoff Approaches5:35 Messi Retires From International Soccer8:22 A Closer Look: The Champions League Draw12:36 One for the Road: Transfer Deadline DayThe American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Weekly | Europe Is Back! 27.08.2026 35min

  The European soccer season is underway, and there are already plenty of questions to answer.Can Liverpool thrive under Andoni Iraola? What makes Como one of Europe's most intriguing teams? And how will José Mourinho fare at Real Madrid?Susannah Fuller is joined by Ryan Hunn and Musa Okwonga of Stadio to look ahead at the teams, managers and storylines they're most excited to follow as the new season gets underway.0:00 Intro1:12 Premier League, Attendance Record & Baby Pitch Invader5:28 Ryan Hunn & Musa Okwonga Join the Show8:24 Liverpool’s New Era 13:26 Como Brings the Vibes 18:25 Venezia & Serie A Storylines24:05 Mourinho Returns to Real Madrid25:58 Marco Rose's Bournemouth30:43 Americans at MiddlesbroughThe American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Dispatch | Ronaldinho Returns, Alvarez Wants Out & The Mourinho-Vini Jr. Story 25.08.2026 15min

  Ronaldinho returns to the pitch as Europe’s new season gets underway, Julian Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid grows increasingly complicated, and we take a closer look at the complicated relationship between Jose Mourinho and Vinicius Jr.0:00 Intro0:36 Johor Darul Ta’Zim’s Record Run2:15 Ronaldinho Returns3:14 The Premier League Is Back6:20 Serie A Is Back8:45 Alvarez and Atletico Madrid Headed for a Divorce11:12 A Closer Look: Mourinho and Vini Jr.14:45 One for the Road: 2027 Women’s World Cup👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow🎧 Listen to First Touch wherever you get your podcasts:https://kickback-26.captivate.fm/listen🌐 Explore more from Kickback Soccer Media:https://kickbacksoccer.com📰 Subscribe to the Kickback newsletter:https://the-kickback.ghost.io📲 Follow First Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttouch_ksm/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/firsttouch.bsky.social
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  First Touch Weekly | The Rise and Fall of Gianni Infantino 20.08.2026 18min

  Gianni Infantino rose to power promising a new era for FIFA. Ten years later, his presidency is facing its biggest crisis yet.On the season two premiere of First Touch Weekly, Susannah Fuller examines how Infantino went from UEFA insider to the most powerful figure in world soccer, and how his pursuit of power, money and influence could ultimately define his legacy.0:00 Intro1:02 Chelsea, Liverpool & Memphis Depay4:52 Patrick Vieira Takes Over Senegal5:40 The Rise and Fall of Gianni Infantino13:52 The World Cup Is for Sale👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow🎧 Listen to First Touch wherever you get your podcasts:https://kickback-26.captivate.fm/listen🌐 Explore more from Kickback Soccer Media:https://kickbacksoccer.com📰 Subscribe to the Kickback newsletter:https://the-kickback.ghost.io📲 Follow First Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttouch_ksm/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/firsttouch.bsky.social
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  First Touch Dispatch | Arsenal Dominate Man City, Salah Heads to Turkey & FIFA Fallout 18.08.2026 16min

  Arsenal make a statement against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Mohamed Salah makes the move from the Premier League to the Turkish Super League, and the fallout continues around FIFA president Gianni Infantino.0:00 Intro0:37 Cameroon Win WAFCON1:48 Cristiano Ronaldo’s Potential Retirement4:14 Lens Win the Trophée des Champions6:32 Arsenal Beat Manchester City10:17 A Closer Look: Mohamed Salah Heads to Turkey15:37 One for the Road: FIFA Fires COO Kevin Lamour👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow🎧 Listen to First Touch wherever you get your podcasts:https://kickback-26.captivate.fm/listen🌐 Explore more from Kickback Soccer Media:https://kickbacksoccer.com📰 Subscribe to the Kickback newsletter:https://the-kickback.ghost.io📲 Follow First Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttouch_ksm/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/firsttouch.bsky.social
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  First Touch Dispatch | Malawi Makes History, Real Madrid & Barcelona’s Financial Muscle, Infantino Under Fire 12.08.2026 16min

  On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, we dive into the latest from the soccer world, including Malawi’s historic qualification for the Women’s World Cup, a closer look at the buying power of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and a look at the pressure facing FIFA president Gianni Infantino. All this and more on First Touch Dispatch.0:00 Intro0:39 Malawi Qualify for the Women’s World Cup2:20 Copa Libertadores3:48 The Eredivisie Is Back6:00 Falling Giants and Refereeing Controversy in Portugal10:00 A Closer Look: Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Buying Power14:50 One for the Road: Gianni Infantino’s Hot Seat👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow🎧 Listen to First Touch wherever you get your podcasts:https://kickback-26.captivate.fm/listen 🌐 Explore more from Kickback Soccer Media:https://kickbacksoccer.com 📰 Subscribe to the Kickback newsletter:https://the-kickback.ghost.io 📲 Follow First Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttouch_ksm/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/firsttouch.bsky.social
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  First Touch: CONMEBOL’s Road to the 2030 World Cup 05.08.2026 17min

  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 Cup.This episode continues First Touch's Road to the 2030 World Cup series, previewing every confederation, the biggest storylines and the teams to watch on the road to 2030.0:00 A Disappointing World Cup for CONMEBOL2:16 2030 World Cup Qualifying6:32 Brazil & Argentina Losing Steam9:51 Paraguay & Ecuador's Promise14:11 Venezuela's EmergenceMore Episodes🎙️ Africa's Road to the 2030 World Cup🎙️ CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup🎙️ UEFA's Road to the 2030 World Cup🎙️ Asia's Road to the 2030 World Cup👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow🎧 Listen to First Touch wherever you get your podcasts: https://kickback-26.captivate.fm/listen 🌐 Explore more from Kickback Soccer Media:https://kickbacksoccer.com📰 Subscribe to the Kickback newsletter:https://the-kickback.ghost.io📲 Follow First Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttouch_ksm/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/firsttouch.bsky.social⭐ Enjoying First Touch? Follow the podcast, leave a rating, and write a review to help more soccer fans discover the show.
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  First Touch: Asia’s Road to the 2030 World Cup 03.08.2026 19min

  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 future.This episode continues First Touch's Road to the 2030 World Cup series, previewing every confederation, the biggest storylines and the teams to watch on the road to 2030.0:00 A Disappointing World Cup for Asia3:14 The 2027 Asian Cup5:51 Australia's Bright Future10:55 Japan & South Korea15:07 Iraq & the Road to 2030More Episodes🎙️ Africa's Road to the 2030 World Cup🎙️ CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup🎙️ UEFA's Road to the 2030 World Cup👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow🎧 Listen to First Touch wherever you get your podcasts: https://kickback-26.captivate.fm/listen 🌐 Explore more from Kickback Soccer Media:https://kickbacksoccer.com📰 Subscribe to the Kickback newsletter:https://the-kickback.ghost.io📲 Follow First Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttouch_ksm/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/firsttouch.bsky.social⭐ Enjoying First Touch? Follow the podcast, leave a rating, and write a review to help more soccer fans discover the show.
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  First Touch: UEFA’s Road to the 2030 World Cup 29.07.2026 15min

  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 continues First Touch's Road to the 2030 World Cup series, previewing every confederation, the biggest storylines and the teams to watch on the road to 2030.0:00 Leading the Way: Spain & France1:48 The Next Tier: England & Portugal6:04 The Netherlands, Italy & Germany12:22 Euro 2028 & the Road to 2030#WorldCup #UEFA #FirstTouchRelated Episodes🎙️ Africa's Road to the 2030 World Cup🎙️ CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup
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  First Touch: CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup 24.07.2026 31min

  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 of First Touch's Road to the 2030 World Cup series, previewing every confederation, the biggest storylines and the teams to watch ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.0:00 The state of CONCACAF4:45 The Road Ahead10:11 Canada's World Cup breakthrough13:46 Mexico's resurgence15:41 CONCACAF's rising stars20:24 Panama’s next step24:06 Costa Rica, Jamaica & SurinameRelated Episodes🎙️ Africa's Road to the 2030 World Cup
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  First Touch 2030 World Cup Preview From Africa 22.07.2026 23min

  The road to the 2030 World Cup starts in Africa.David Gass and Matt Doyle take stock of African soccer after the 2026 World Cup, discuss the continent's next chapter with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon, and look at which nations are best positioned to challenge over the next four years.They discuss the rise of Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Ivory Coast, examine what's next for Senegal and Tunisia, spotlight Africa's next generation of talent, and debate whether Nigeria, Cameroon and other contenders can return to the top of African football before 2030.This episode kicks off First Touch's Road to the 2030 World Cup series, where we preview every confederation, the biggest storylines, and the teams to watch on the road to the next FIFA World Cup.0:00 The state of African soccer4:45 Cape Verde's breakout6:57 Egypt & DR Congo on the rise11:31 Senegal and Tunisia at a crossroads14:49 Africa's next generation17:04 Ivory Coast & Morocco shine19:06 Africa's remaining contenders
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  First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Spain Beat Argentina to Win the World Cup | Postgame Reaction 19.07.2026 56min

  Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle react to the World Cup Final, analyzing Spain's championship performance, Argentina's run, Lionel Messi's legacy and the standout performances from the final.
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  First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: World Cup Awards Show 18.07.2026 1t 10min

  Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass celebrate the best of the 2026 World Cup by handing out their tournament awards before wrapping up the show with a preview of the third-place match between France and England.0:00 Intro5:16 FM Tactician of the Tournament16:48 Golden Ball Award24:19 Best Defender of the World Cup32:20 Football Manager Level Up Player42:58 The Golden Glove: Best Goalkeeper48:40 Young Player of the Tournament55:52 World Cup Best XI1:03:07 England vs. France Third-Place Game
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  First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Musa Okwonga Joins to Preview the World Cup Final 17.07.2026 47min

  Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass continue getting you ready for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina and are joined by Musa Okwonga from the Stadio podcast to talk all things World Cup ahead of the final.
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  First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: World Cup Final Weekend: Spain, Argentina, Golden Boot & More 16.07.2026 46min

  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 England and France. The crew also breaks down the Golden Boot race, Doyle heads to the First Touch Tactics Board and everyone shares their favorite moments from an unforgettable tournament as the countdown to the World Cup Final begins.0:00 Morning After Thoughts on England vs. Argentina8:36 Picking A National Team Manager14:19 US Domestic Leagues World Cup Bump?19:08 3 Big Things of the World Cup26:08 Doyle Talking Spain Tactics against France & Argentina32:26 Third-Place Match & Golden Boot Race39:50 Kickback Hosts Golden Boot Draft Update