First Touch ’26 - Norway

First Touch ’26 - Norway

Author: Kickback Soccer Media December 31, 2025 Duration: 13:43

The land of the Vikings is back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998—and Norway arrive as one of the tournament’s must-watch darlings, led by their modern-day “Jarl”: Erling Haaland. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down how the Norwegians turned a generation of talent into a true golden age, built around Haaland’s ruthless finishing and robot-like intensity, and Martin Ødegaard’s leadership and creativity from midfield.

We trace the roots of Norwegian football—from the early clubs and the founding of the federation, to the quirks of a domestic game shaped by weather and geography—then revisit Norway’s previous World Cup moments, including the famous 1994 “four teams on four points” group and the iconic 1998 win over Brazil that sent them to the knockouts. From there, we jump into the road to 2026: Ståle Solbakken’s long, patient rebuild finally clicking into place, an 11-game surge through qualifying, and a side that suddenly looks balanced—dangerous going forward, and far stingier at the back than anyone expected.

We spotlight RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as the young player to know, pay tribute to Norwegian foundation-layers like John Arne Riise, and explore the country’s uniquely Norwegian football culture—from May 16th rivalry matchdays to some of the most photogenic pitches on earth. Drawn into a heavyweight group with Senegal and France, Norway have arrived with pressure, belief, and a superstar built for the biggest moments.


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]

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

Duration: 12:40
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First Touch ’26 - Australia featuring CB Miloš Degenek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:05
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First Touch ’26 - Croatia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:22
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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
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First Touch ’26 - Germany [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
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First Touch ’26 - South Korea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:56
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First Touch ’26 - Jordan - Featuring Jamie Siaj [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:19
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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…