First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Semifinals Set! England, Bellingham & Messi Leads Argentina Through

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Semifinals Set! England, Bellingham & Messi Leads Argentina Through

Author: Kickback Soccer Media July 12, 2026 Duration: 1:07:41

And then there were four. The final quarterfinal matches are in the books. David Gass and Michele Giannone break down all the controversy, tactics and key moments as England edged Norway in extra time and Argentina found a way past Switzerland to set the stage for the World Cup semifinals.

0:00 Intro

3:55 Kickoff Time in Miami

7:04 Norway vs. England Breakdown

10:50 Jude Bellingham’s Legacy

17:56 Controversial Calls & Spidercam Wire

23:49 Subbing Haaland, Norway’s Outlook & Sorloth’s Performance

29:51 England’s Postgame Comments

34:27 Gareth Southgate vs. Thomas Tuchel

39:10 Breel Emobolo VAR Decision

47:25 Argentina’s Underwhelming Performances

52:32 England-Argentina Rivalry & David Beckham

1:02:37 Messi vs. Maradona Discussion

1:05:40 Closing Thoughts


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 '26 World Cup Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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:…