First Touch ’26 - Belgium

First Touch ’26 - Belgium

Author: Kickback Soccer Media December 14, 2025 Duration: 11:51

Belgium’s golden generation has come and gone, but the Red Devils still go as Kevin De Bruyne goes.

In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass looks at how a reshaped Belgium is trying to move past the dysfunction and disappointment of 2022 and write a new story in North America. We track the rise from early Olympic success to the first golden age of the 1980s, then the star-studded 2014–2018 era that peaked with a third-place finish in Russia and four straight years as the No. 1 team in the world—before it all fell apart in Qatar.

From Roberto Martínez’s messy exit and a fractured locker room to an unbeaten 2026 qualifying run under new manager Rudi Garcia, we break down how a leaner, less starry squad is being rebuilt around organization, transitions, and the still-brilliant De Bruyne. We spotlight winger Malick Fofana as the next big attacking threat, revisit Belgium’s comic-book culture from Tintin to the Smurfs, and ask whether a team freed from “golden generation” expectations might finally play its best football on the biggest stage. 


For fans feeling the growing buzz as the world turns toward North America, Kickback '26 is the essential audio companion. This podcast from Kickback Soccer Media digs into the long road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it’s about far more than just counting down the days. Here, you’ll find a blend of rich storytelling and sharp, modern analysis that connects the tournament to the wider culture of the sport. The focus is on delivering distinct, American-driven perspectives that welcome everyone, from those just discovering soccer to lifelong devotees. Each episode serves as a guide, exploring the narratives, personalities, and strategic shifts that are defining this unique moment in time. It’s about placing the upcoming World Cup within a larger context, examining how the game is evolving both on and off the pitch. By weaving together premium audio documentaries, candid discussions, and cultural commentary, this series creates a comprehensive portrait of soccer’s present and future. The journey through this podcast doesn’t end with the final whistle in 2026; it looks ahead to the legacy the tournament will leave and the stories that will continue to unfold. Tune in for an inclusive, thoughtful, and deeply engaging take on the beautiful game as it builds toward its biggest stage.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 61

Kickback '26
Podcast Episodes
First Touch ’26 - Cape Verde [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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First Touch ’26 - Haiti [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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First Touch ’26 - Paraguay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:22
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World Cup Draw Group By Group Analysis x Kickback '26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:30
Kickback 26 is your front-row seat to the 2026 World Cup. Hosted by David Gass, Claudia Pagan, Heath Pearce, and Eric Krakauer, this podcast breaks down every World Cup group with a mix of tactical insight, big-picture c…
First Touch ’26 - Spain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
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First Touch ’26 - Saudi Arabia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:25
They shocked the world by toppling Messi’s Argentina in 2022; now Saudi Arabia is trying to prove that was no one-off. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the Green Falcons—from the early days of Eng…
First Touch ’26 - Egypt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:57
Egypt helped invent African football greatness, but the World Cup has never quite gone their way. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass charts the Pharaohs’ journey from early Olympic pioneers and 1934 World Cup trailbla…
First Touch ’26 - Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:14
It’s hard to find a place where politics and football are more tightly intertwined than Iran. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how Team Melli has become a symbol of both state power and public resistance—from…
First Touch ’26 - Austria [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:46
Once home to the “Wunderteam” and the legendary Matthias Sindelar, Austria’s greatest football tales used to live in black and white. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass connects that glorious past: 1930s brilliance, a…
First Touch ’26 - Ivory Coast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:01
For many fans, Ivory Coast will always be the land of Drogba, the Touré brothers, and a golden generation that helped pause a civil war and made the Elephants a global cult favorite. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass…