First Touch ’26 - Cape Verde

First Touch ’26 - Cape Verde

Author: Kickback Soccer Media December 13, 2025 Duration: 11:49

To find Cape Verde on a map, you have to keep zooming in. This is what the football world has had to do to understand: how the tiny Atlantic archipelago became a World Cup nation.

In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces the Blue Sharks’ rise from post-independence minnows to AFCON regulars and, finally, first-time World Cup qualifiers. We explore how a country of just over half a million people used its vast diaspora—stretching from Portugal and Rotterdam to New England and Ireland—to build a competitive squad, recruiting players on LinkedIn and in lower European leagues while investing in new training facilities with FIFA funding. Manager Bubista’s insistence that Cape Verdean Creole be the “official language” of the team has forged a strong shared identity, even as dual nationals flood in. We revisit 2013 and 2023 AFCON upsets, the dramatic qualifying win over Eswatini, and spotlight forward Dailon Livramento, whose goals clinched their ticket. From half-day national holidays to parties in Brockton and Lisbon, this is the story of the smallest World Cup nation punching far above its weight. 


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
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