First Touch: Asia’s Road to the 2030 World Cup

First Touch: Asia’s Road to the 2030 World Cup

Author: Kickback Soccer Media August 3, 2026 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 best positioned to shape Asia's future.

This episode continues First Touch's Road to the 2030 World Cup series, previewing every confederation, the biggest storylines and the teams to watch on the road to 2030.

0:00 A Disappointing World Cup for Asia

3:14 The 2027 Asian Cup

5:51 Australia's Bright Future

10:55 Japan & South Korea

15:07 Iraq & the Road to 2030

More Episodes

🎙️ Africa's Road to the 2030 World Cup

🎙️ CONCACAF's Road to the 2030 World Cup

🎙️ UEFA's Road to the 2030 World Cup

👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow

🎧 Listen to First Touch wherever you get your podcasts:

https://kickback-26.captivate.fm/listen

🌐 Explore more from Kickback Soccer Media:

https://kickbacksoccer.com

📰 Subscribe to the Kickback newsletter:

https://the-kickback.ghost.io

📲 Follow First Touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttouch_ksm/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/firsttouch.bsky.social

⭐ Enjoying First Touch? Follow the podcast, leave a rating, and write a review to help more soccer fans discover the show.


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 Weekly | Deportivo A Coruña’s La Liga Resurgence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:29
Deportivo A Coruña is back in Spain’s top flight and off to a flying start. Susannah Fuller looks at the club’s remarkable journey from the heights of Super Depor to the depths of Spanish football, and the supporters and…
Open Mic | Mary Harvey on Building the Women’s Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:45
Mary Harvey has seen the women’s game from almost every angle in her career, as a USWNT goalkeeper to FIFA leader and WPS executive. Today, she leads the Center for Sport and Human Rights, and she joins Open Mic to talk…
First Touch Weekly | London City Lionesses Are Going For It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:21
The Women’s Super League (WSL) returns, and Susannah Fuller is joined by football journalist and the founder of The Cutback Flo Lloyd-Hughes to look at what could make this season different. They dive into Michelle Kang,…
First Touch Weekly | Europe Is Back! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:15
The European soccer season is underway, and there are already plenty of questions to answer.Can Liverpool thrive under Andoni Iraola? What makes Como one of Europe's most intriguing teams? And how will José Mourinho fare…
First Touch Weekly | The Rise and Fall of Gianni Infantino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:40
Gianni Infantino rose to power promising a new era for FIFA. Ten years later, his presidency is facing its biggest crisis yet.On the season two premiere of First Touch Weekly, Susannah Fuller examines how Infantino went…