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 into soccer’s future.
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 & France 1:48 The Next Tier: England & Portugal 6:04 The Netherlands, Italy & Germany 12:22 Euro 2028 & the Road to 2030 #WorldCup #UEFA #FirstTouch Related Episodes 🎙️ Africa's Road to the 2030 World Cup 🎙️ CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup
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 CONCACAF 4:45 The Road Ahead 10:11 Canada's World Cup breakthrough 13:46 Mexico's resurgence 15:41 CONCACAF's rising stars 20:24 Panama’s next step 24:06 Costa Rica, Jamaica & Suriname Related Episodes 🎙️ Africa's Road to the 2030 World Cup
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 soccer 4:45 Cape Verde's breakout 6:57 Egypt & DR Congo on the rise 11:31 Senegal and Tunisia at a crossroads 14:49 Africa's next generation 17:04 Ivory Coast & Morocco shine 19:06 Africa's remaining contenders
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.
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 Intro 5:16 FM Tactician of the Tournament 16:48 Golden Ball Award 24:19 Best Defender of the World Cup 32:20 Football Manager Level Up Player 42:58 The Golden Glove: Best Goalkeeper 48:40 Young Player of the Tournament 55:52 World Cup Best XI 1:03:07 England vs. France Third-Place Game
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.
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. Argentina 8:36 Picking A National Team Manager 14:19 US Domestic Leagues World Cup Bump? 19:08 3 Big Things of the World Cup 26:08 Doyle Talking Spain Tactics against France & Argentina 32:26 Third-Place Match & Golden Boot Race 39:50 Kickback Hosts Golden Boot Draft Update
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 their initial thoughts and reactions to Spain taking on Argentina in the World Cup Final.
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. Argentina semifinal with lineup talk, key matchups, and predictions for who will join Spain in the World Cup Final. 0:00 Intro 2:03 Spain Shows Their Quality 6:36 Disappointing France 8:44 Is Didier Dechamps To Blame? 13:48 Spain Has France’s Number 16:31 The Top End Talent of Spain 19:00 Yamine Lamal’s World Cup 22:24 France Outlook & Final Spain Thoughts 28:55 Argentina and England Kits 33:56 England vs. Argentina Matchup 38:47 How Does England Contain Messi? 41:44 Jude Bellingham & Squad Selection 47:05 Argentina-England Predictions
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 Italy, Germany and Uruguay. 0:00 Intro 2:59 Buy or Sell: England & USMNT 8:52 World Cup Expansion 16:36 Fresh Start for Italy 22:11 Pep Guardiola as a National Team Coach? 27:40 Jürgen Klopp To Take Over Germany 30:56 Diego Forlan To Lead Uruguay? 34:25 France vs. Spain Preview & Predictions 44:38 Closing Thoughts
And then there were four. The final quarterfinal matches are in the books. David Gass and Michele Giannone break down all the controversy, tactics and key moments as England edged Norway in extra time and Argentina found a way past Switzerland to set the stage for the World Cup semifinals. 0:00 Intro 3:55 Kickoff Time in Miami 7:04 Norway vs. England Breakdown 10:50 Jude Bellingham’s Legacy 17:56 Controversial Calls & Spidercam Wire 23:49 Subbing Haaland, Norway’s Outlook & Sorloth’s Performance 29:51 England’s Postgame Comments 34:27 Gareth Southgate vs. Thomas Tuchel 39:10 Breel Emobolo VAR Decision 47:25 Argentina’s Underwhelming Performances 52:32 England-Argentina Rivalry & David Beckham 1:02:37 Messi vs. Maradona Discussion 1:05:40 Closing Thoughts
Mikel Merino's winner sent Spain past Belgium and into the World Cup semifinals. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle break down Spain's dramatic quarterfinal victory before previewing the final two quarterfinals: Harry Kane and England's showdown with Erling Haaland and Norway, plus Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Switzerland with the last two semifinal spots on the line. 0:00 Intro 5:18 Belgium Comes Up Short, Courtois Injury 13:04 Spain, Lineup Decisions & Looking Ahead to France 25:00 How Does Norway Setup Against England? 30:13 Starting Lineup Questions for England 32:35 The World Cup of Erling Haaland 36:30 England vs. Norway Predictions 41:26 Argentina Starting XI Decisions 48:38 Can Switzerland Challenge?
One quarterfinal is in the books and David Gass, Matt Doyle and Michele Giannone are back to break down France's convincing 2-0 win over Morocco as Kylian Mbappé delivered another standout performance to send Les Bleus into the semifinals. Then they preview Spain vs. Belgium before checking in on the latest news in and around the World Cup. 0:00 Intro 2:12 VAR Check on Mbappé Penalty 11:10 Mbappé: Where Does He Rank Among the All-Time Greats? 20:24 France vs. Morocco Breakdown 25:35 All-Time Best Belgium Kits 30:07 Can Spain's Defense Stop Belgium? 40:26 England Injury Update + Quansah Suspension 42:49 Sadio Mané International Retirement & Legacy
Morocco and France kick off the World Cup quarterfinals as David Gass, Matt Doyle and Michele Giannone preview one of the tournament's biggest matchups. Can the Atlas Lions continue their dream run against France's star-studded attack of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise? The crew breaks down the key tactical battles, what each team needs to do to advance and who they're picking to reach the semifinals. 0:00 Intro 5:48 World Cup News Updates 13:50 Mbappe & Olise Take on Morocco 27:40 How the U.S. fell apart against Belgium 31:01 Ranking France vs. Morocco Kits
We are down to 8 as the quarterfinal matchups are now set for the World Cup. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle break down the final Round of 16 matches, including another dramatic comeback from Messi and Argentina against Egypt and Switzerland's penalty shootout win over Colombia after a scoreless draw. The crew also reveals its Best XI of the tournament so far, looks back at how the host nations performed and give their predictions for the quarterfinal matches. 0:00 Intro 3:49 Reflections on the USMNT 7:18 Christian Pulisic Postgame Quote 23:30 Was This a Successful World Cup for Mexico? 28:13 Which Host Nation as Best Outlook for 2030 32:16 Canada's World Cup Takeaways 39:57 Best XI of the Tournament 52:55 Egypt Impresses, Argentina’s Dramatic Comeback 1:05:32 Switzerland Outlasts Colombia in PKs 1:12:00 Quarterfinal Predictions
The USMNT's World Cup run is over after a tough loss to Belgium. David Gass, Matt Doyle and Eric Krakauer break down what went wrong, what comes next for the U.S. plus they look at Spain’s win over Portugal. Then they preview Argentina vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Switzerland as the final quarterfinal spots are decided. 0:00 Intro 3:02 USMNT Pride & Balogun Controversy Effect 8:20 The Future of Soccer in America 18:43 What Went Wrong for the USMNT Against Belgium? 34:52 The Legacy of Christian Pulisic 41:23 The Role of MLS, Pochettino's Future & the Youth Pipeline 46:51 Spain Defense Shines, Portugal Disappointment 1:02:33 Argentina vs. Egypt - Messi vs. Salah 1:13:05 Colombia Battles Switzerland
The drama continued with a wild night at the Azteca as England escaped past Mexico, while Erling Haaland and Norway stunned Brazil to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Eric Krakauer break down both Round of 16 thrillers before looking ahead to a massive day featuring the USMNT against Belgium, including the controversial decision surrounding Folarin Balogun. The crew also previews the heavyweight showdown between Spain and Portugal for a place in the quarterfinals.
Morocco and France punched their tickets to the World Cup quarterfinals. David Gass, Eric Krakauer and Matt Doyle break down both Round of 16 matches before looking ahead to Sunday's blockbuster showdowns between Brazil and Norway and Mexico and England. The trio also gives their picks for the Golden Ball, Golden Glove, the Best Young Player and the best defender of the tournament. 0:00 Intro 2:49 World Cup Award Winner Picks 31:04 Morocco Gets Past Canada 53:57 France Survives Paraguay 1:08:16 Brazil Takes On Norway 1:18:55 Mexico Battles England
The Round of 32 came to a dramatic close as the knockout stage delivered more unforgettable moments. David Gass, Eric Krakauer and Michele Giannone break down Cape Verde's incredible performance that nearly knocked out Messi and Argentina, Egypt surviving a tense penalty shootout against Australia and Colombia cruising past Ghana to book its place in the Round of 16. The crew also previews Canada's showdown with Morocco, France's clash with Paraguay, and shares the Round of 16 matchups they're most excited to watch. 0:00 Intro & Mexico-England Kickoff Drama 12:20 Buy or Sell: Concacaf, Colombia, France 36:27 Cape Verde-Argentina Thriller 49:32 Egypt Gets Past Australia in Penalties 55:36 Favorite Games in Round of 16 1:08:00 France Attack Against Paraguay 1:13:23 Canada Battles Morocco
David Gass, Eric Krakauer, and Matt Doyle break down Portugal's dramatic victory over Croatia, Spain's dominant win over Austria and Switzerland winning a knockout game for the first time in 88 years as the Round of 32 continued at the World Cup. Then they preview Argentina vs. Cape Verde, Australia vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Ghana with the final three Round of 16 spots up for grabs. 0:00 Intro 3:29 3 Big Things 7:53 Portugal Survives Croatia Thriller 41:35 Spain Cruises Past Austria to Reach Round of 16 51:41 Switzerland Makes More History Against Algeria 1:00:16 Australia and Egypt Battle 1:05:13 David vs Goliath: Cape Verde vs. Argentina 1:11:16 Colombia Looks To Move On Against Ghana
