First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: USMNT Wraps Group Play, Ecuador Advances & Round of 32 Takes Shape

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: USMNT Wraps Group Play, Ecuador Advances & Round of 32 Takes Shape

Author: Kickback Soccer Media June 26, 2026 Duration: 1:33:11

The World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion as the Round of 32 begins to take shape. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Eric Krakauer break down the USMNT's group stage finale, Ecuador's dramatic push into the knockout rounds, the Netherlands winning Group F and the biggest storylines from Groups D, E and F. Plus, they look ahead to the decisive matches that will complete the knockout bracket.

0:00 Intro

3:02 3 Big Things

10:43 USMNT Wraps Up Group Stage

28:01 Netherlands Wins Group F

39:27 Ecuador Reaches the Knockout Round

58:28 Mbappé vs. Haaland for Group I

1:04:43 Can Senegal Reach the Knockout Round?

1:07:24 Bielsa & Uruguay Drama

1:18:31 Group G Comes Down to the Wire

1:24:07 Level Up: Belgium's Fernandez-Pardo

1:29:44 Cape Verde's World Cup Magic


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
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First Touch: UEFA’s Road to the 2030 World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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First Touch: CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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…
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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:…