First Touch ’26 - Iraq

First Touch ’26 - Iraq

Author: Kickback Soccer Media May 13, 2026 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 through decades of war, hardship, and political turmoil, from the unforgettable 2007 Asian Cup triumph to the celebrations that followed qualification for 2026. Plus, a look at Iraq’s current squad, the rise of dual-national talent, legendary captain Younis Mahmoud, and what this return to the world stage means for Iraqis around the world.


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 - Argentina featuring Diego Valeri [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:17
When you close your eyes and picture the World Cup, chances are you see Argentina—the blue and white shirts, Maradona’s bouncing curls, Messi’s smile with the trophy in his hands. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass di…
First Touch ’26 - Scotland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:40
In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass celebrates the return of a nation that helped invent modern football, exported the passing game around the globe, and produced managerial legends from Bill Shankly to Sir Alex Fergus…
First Touch ’26 - Australia featuring CB Miloš Degenek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:05
Australian football has always been defined by a “never say die” mentality—and the 2026 Socceroos will need every bit of it. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how a sport brought by British immigrants in the l…
First Touch ’26 - Croatia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:22
Small but mighty, Croatia are the ultimate World Cup overachievers. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of a national team less than three decades old that’s already reached three semifinals and one fin…
First Touch ’26 - Belgium [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 disappo…
First Touch ’26 - England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:06
Is Football Coming Home?For England, every major tournament starts with that exact question. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into the story of the Three Lions as they head into 2026 under new manager Thomas Tu…
First Touch ’26 - Germany [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
For generations, the World Cup script was simple: 22 players chase a ball for 90 minutes and, somehow, Germany end up in the semifinal. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how Die Mannschaft became the sport’s u…
First Touch ’26 - South Korea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:56
South Korea doesn’t just show up at World Cups. They live there. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass looks at the Taeguk Warriors’ 11th straight appearance on the world stage and what could be the last dance for belove…
First Touch ’26 - Jordan - Featuring Jamie Siaj [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:19
The World Cup has a new debutant: Jordan’s Al-Nashama, “the chivalrous ones,” finally stepping onto the biggest stage.In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass unpacks how a country better known for Petra and the Jordan Rive…
First Touch ’26 - Tunisia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:53
Tunisia are about to play their seventh World Cup—more than almost any African nation—but the Eagles of Carthage still feel oddly overlooked. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass explores how football grew under French…