First Touch ’26 - France

First Touch ’26 - France

Author: Kickback Soccer Media December 3, 2025 Duration: 19:07

For most countries, just qualifying for the World Cup is a dream. For France, it’s World Cup trophy or failure. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into the story of Les Bleus: a global powerhouse with two World Cups, two Euros, and a conveyor belt of stars that runs from Just Fontaine and Michel Platini to Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé. We trace France’s boom-or-bust history, from the magic of 1998 and Euro 2000 to their shocking 2002 group-stage exit, the chaos and player revolt of 2010, and their return to dominance under Didier Deschamps, capped with the 2018 title and an all-time classic final in 2022. Along the way, we explore Clairefontaine and the academy system that keeps producing world-class talent and why Mbappé’s prime years might make 2026 a “final or bust” for one of the deepest squads on the planet. We wrap with superstition, street football, and the tiny details that make France brilliant.  


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 Dispatch | Ep. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:12
On this episode of First Touch Dispatch we dive into the injuries plaguing two CONCACAF Nations, the state of Dual nationals and an MLS international star whose tenure is over nearly as quickly as it started.0:37 Johnny…
First Touch ’26 - Iraq [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:37
Iraq is headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after one of the longest and most dramatic qualification journeys in the world. Valair Shabilla explores how soccer became a source of unity and hope th…
First Touch ’26 - Czechia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:20
Czechia is back at the World Cup for the first time in 20 years after surviving two dramatic penalty shootouts in qualifying. Host David Gass explores the country’s deep soccer history, from the glory days of Czechoslova…
First Touch '26 - Turkey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:34
Turkey is back at the World Cup for the first time since its legendary 2002 run, and a new golden generation is raising expectations once again. Host David Gass explores the history of Turkish soccer, the passion behind…
The 2014 World Cup Went Viral - Ep. 12 First Touch Weekly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
This week, host David Gass breaks down the latest news with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon before talking with Michael McColl, managing editor of AFTN (Away From The Numbers), about the Vancouver Whitecaps situation.…
State Of Mexican Soccer w/Eduardo Saracho - Ep. 11 First Touch Weekly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
On this week's episode, host David Gass explores the ambition, growth, and the state of the game through the lens of several teams heading to the 2026 World Cup. This episode opens with news on updated yellow and red car…