First Touch ’26 - Japan

First Touch ’26 - Japan

Author: Kickback Soccer Media December 3, 2025 Duration: 16:54

No national team on earth has built their modern football project quite like Japan. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down how the Samurai Blue went from late arrivals on the global stage to qualifying for eight straight World Cups, and becoming the first team to punch their ticket to 2026. We go back to the sport’s arrival in the 19th century, the influence of the manga Captain Tsubasa, the launch of the fully professional J.League in 1993, and the transformative impact of co-hosting the 2002 World Cup. Japan arrives in North America as Asia’s most methodically built powerhouse. Add in King Kazu’s legend, fans who clean the stadium after matches, and food facts ranging from KFC Christmas to polite noodle-slurping, and you’ve got one of the most unique football cultures at this World Cup.


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
Kickback Soccer Media Emergency Podcast 2.0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:18
We're entering a new era at Kickback Soccer Media. David Gass and Susannah Fuller sit down to talk about two incredible new shows, and to meet our HUGE winter window signing...Matt Doyle!It's Kickback Soccer Media 2.0, a…
First Touch ’26 - USA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:57
2026 could be the biggest year in the history of American soccer. As co-hosts of the largest World Cup ever, the U.S. men’s national team enters the tournament with real expectations—and a familiar question hanging over…
First Touch ’26 - Uruguay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:36
There are plenty of countries with rich soccer history, but you don’t get more “original power” than Uruguay. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into La Celeste. The first true giant of the sport, built on garra…