First Touch ’26 - Tunisia

First Touch ’26 - Tunisia

Author: Kickback Soccer Media December 13, 2025 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 occupation, how early Tunisian-only clubs became hubs of resistance, and how a strong domestic league laid the foundation for one of Africa’s most consistent performers. We revisit historic milestones: the first ever World Cup win by an African team in 1978, the long group-stage curse, and the cathartic 2022 victory over France that still wasn’t enough to escape their group.

From there we break down a flawless 2026 qualifying campaign in which Tunisia became the first team ever to reach the World Cup without conceding a goal, powered by a blend of homegrown talent and dual nationals inspired by Morocco’s model. Under Sami Trabelsi’s organized 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, goals and responsibilities are shared, with fiery midfielder Hannibal Mejbri embodying the next generation’s energy. This is Tunisia’s bid to turn quiet consistency into a genuine knockout-round breakthrough.  


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
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First Touch ’26 - Argentina featuring Diego Valeri [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:17
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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
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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
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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
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…