First Touch ’26 - Panama

First Touch ’26 - Panama

Author: Kickback Soccer Media December 7, 2025 Duration: 12:55

Panama’s World Cup history is short and brutal: one appearance, three losses, and a 32nd-place finish in 2018. But that’s only half the story. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into how a baseball country slowly built a football identity. Gary Stempel, who helped launch a generation, to steady growth in the Gold Cup, Nations League, and a spirited 2024 Copa América run. We revisit the night Roman Torres scored in the 87th minute to send Panama to their first World Cup (and the U.S. crashing out), plus Felipe Baloy’s historic goal in Russia.

Then we fast-forward to a 2026 qualifying campaign where Thomas Christiansen’s organized, “stubborn” side leaned on structure, defensive grit, and sharp transitions to get back to the big stage. With a veteran core, CONCACAF-hardened experience, and midfield heartbeat Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla now starring in Liga MX, Los Canaleros arrive in a familiar time zone with unfinished business. 


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 - Ghana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:26
Ghana is one of the World Cup’s true cult favorites: bright colors in the stands, big moments on the pitch, and a history of punching above their weight when it matters most. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells t…
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…