First Touch Weekly | The Rise and Fall of Gianni Infantino

First Touch Weekly | The Rise and Fall of Gianni Infantino

Author: Kickback Soccer Media August 20, 2026 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 from UEFA insider to the most powerful figure in world soccer, and how his pursuit of power, money and influence could ultimately define his legacy.

0:00 Intro

1:02 Chelsea, Liverpool & Memphis Depay

4:52 Patrick Vieira Takes Over Senegal

5:40 The Rise and Fall of Gianni Infantino

13:52 The World Cup Is for Sale

👍 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


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:…