Kickback '26

Epizódok

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  First Touch Weekly | Italy’s Football Hall of Fame 01.10.2026 39p

  Susannah Fuller is joined by CBS Sports Serie A analyst and Italian Football TV founder Marco Messina to build an Italy Football Hall of Fame. They look back at the players, matches and moments that have shaped Italian football, from the glory of the 2006 World Cup to the unforgettable teams and stories along the way.0:00 Intro1:43 Manchester City: What Comes Next7:34 Welcome Marco Messina10:05 The State of the Italian National Team13:43 Icons: Pirlo & Baggio19:13 Legends: Del Piero & Cannavaro23:07 The 2006 World Cup28:26 Italy’s Football Culture31:27 EURO 201635:00 The Iconic Azzurri KitsThe American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Dispatch | Man City Guilty, Ronaldo Benched 29.09.2026 19p

  Manchester City’s guilty verdict, Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising night on the bench, and Neymar’s flirtation with Flamengo headline this week’s Dispatch. Plus, Javier Aguirre takes over at Valencia, injuries hit during the international break, and Harry Kane considers an NFL kicking career.0:00 Intro0:36 Vozinha’s Life After the World Cup2:47 Neymar Flirts with Flamengo4:29 Aguirre Takes Over Valencia6:25 Portugal Without Ronaldo9:17 Ireland vs. Israel11:50 International Break Injury List13:52 A Closer Look: Man City’s Guilty Verdict17:48 One for the Road: Harry Kane, NFL Kicker?The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Weekly | Building the Liverpool Hall of Fame with Peter McDowall 24.09.2026 46p

  Susannah Fuller is joined by LFCTV lead presenter, commentator and LFC stadium announcer Peter McDowall to build their own Liverpool of Hall of Fame, exploring the icons, legends, moments and memories that have shaped one of the world’s most storied clubs. 0:00 Intro1:40 The News: Christian Pulisic, Kylian Mbappé, Hull City’s chant4:48 Introducing Peter McDowall & the Liverpool Hall of Fame10:57 Jürgen Klopp & Ian Rush16:21 Ian St. John & Steven Gerrard22:31 2016 Europa League Final & 2024 Carabao Cup Final30:36 The LFC Foundation & “You’ll Never Walk Alone”36:28 Liverpool’s Trophy Parades & the Arrival of KloppThe American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Dispatch | Madrid Derby Chaos, Harry Kane Makes History & Marseille’s Crisis 22.09.2026 14p

  Romania introduces a black card for abusive behavior at youth matches, Harry Kane breaks a Bundesliga scoring record, and Marseille faces mounting financial trouble. Plus, the fallout from the Madrid Derby and the latest USMNT striker developments.0:00 Intro0:34 Romanian Football’s Black Card3:12 Harry Kane Breaks Bundesliga Record4:30 Marseille in Trouble7:08 A Closer Look: Madrid Derby Chaos13:13 One for the Road: Damion Downs for Ricardo Pepi The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Weekly | Deportivo A Coruña’s La Liga Resurgence 17.09.2026 16p

  Deportivo A Coruña is back in Spain’s top flight and off to a flying start. Susannah Fuller looks at the club’s remarkable journey from the heights of Super Depor to the depths of Spanish football, and the supporters and unexpected star helping fuel its next chapter.0:00 Intro0:29 The News: Berhalter, Yamal and Champions League Finals3:14 The Return of Deportivo5:09 Era of Super Depor 9:50 The Fall, Return & Supporters Who Stayed13:01 Aubameyang’s RebirthThe American home for the global game. Follow the conversation:https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm
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  First Touch Dispatch | James Rodriguez Retires, VAR Controversy & the Ballon d’Or 15.09.2026 16p

  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 1ó

  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 37p

  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 32p

  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 15p

  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 13p

  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 35p

  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 15p

  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 18p

  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 16p

  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 16p

  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 17p

  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 19p

  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 15p

  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 31p

  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