First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Messi Again! Argentina Advance, Switzerland Survive & Quarterfinals Set

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Messi Again! Argentina Advance, Switzerland Survive & Quarterfinals Set

Author: Kickback Soccer Media July 8, 2026 Duration: 1:22:16

We are down to 8 as the quarterfinal matchups are now set for the World Cup. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle break down the final Round of 16 matches, including another dramatic comeback from Messi and Argentina against Egypt and Switzerland's penalty shootout win over Colombia after a scoreless draw. The crew also reveals its Best XI of the tournament so far, looks back at how the host nations performed and give their predictions for the quarterfinal matches.

0:00 Intro

3:49 Reflections on the USMNT

7:18 Christian Pulisic Postgame Quote

23:30 Was This a Successful World Cup for Mexico?

28:13 Which Host Nation as Best Outlook for 2030

32:16 Canada's World Cup Takeaways

39:57 Best XI of the Tournament

52:55 Egypt Impresses, Argentina’s Dramatic Comeback

1:05:32 Switzerland Outlasts Colombia in PKs

1:12:00 Quarterfinal Predictions


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: 50

First Touch | World Soccer
Podcast Episodes
First Touch: CONMEBOL’s Road to the 2030 World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:01
Can South America keep pace with the rest of the world? David Gass and Matt Doyle examine Brazil's decline, Argentina's continued success, the region's rising contenders and the biggest storylines shaping CONMEBOL on the…
First Touch: Asia’s Road to the 2030 World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:42
What went wrong for Asia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and who can lead the region forward? From Australia's rise to the challenges facing Japan, South Korea and Iraq, David Gass and Matt Doyle explore which nations are be…
First Touch: UEFA’s Road to the 2030 World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:55
Spain and France have set the standard in Europe, but who can challenge them next? David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Europe's top contenders, the shifting balance of power and what’s next on the road to the 2030 FIFA…
First Touch: CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:28
After hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where does CONCACAF go from here? David Gass and Matt Doyle break down the region's biggest contenders, emerging stars and the teams to watch as the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup…
First Touch 2030 World Cup Preview From Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:48
The road to the 2030 World Cup starts in Africa.David Gass and Matt Doyle take stock of African soccer after the 2026 World Cup, discuss the continent's next chapter with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the hor…
First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: World Cup Awards Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:40
Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass celebrate the best of the 2026 World Cup by handing out their tournament awards before wrapping up the show with a preview of the third-place match between France and England.0:…