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


North American soccer is a sprawling, fast-moving world of its own, and Soccerwise is here to make sense of it all. This isn't just another highlight reel. Host David Gass, alongside insider Tommy "Scoops" Bogert and seasoned NWSL broadcaster Jordan Angeli, brings you into the conversation multiple times a week. They dissect the crucial matches from MLS and the NWSL, track the progress of the US National Teams, and dig into the emerging stories that define the sport on this side of the Atlantic. The analysis is informed and immediate, cutting through the noise to explain not just what happened, but why it matters. A key part of the Soccerwise dynamic is the direct line to listeners, with the team regularly weaving audience questions into their discussions, making each episode feel like a dialogue among fans who know their stuff. Tune in to this Kickback Soccer Media podcast for a comprehensive, engaging, and surprisingly detailed take on the entire ecosystem of North American soccer, from the biggest transfers to the tactical shifts you might have missed. It’s the kind of deep dive that feels like sitting in on a planning session with people who live and breathe the game, offering clarity and context whether you’re a longtime supporter or just finding your footing in the league.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Soccerwise | U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL
Podcast Episodes
MLS Soccerwise | What Comes Next for MLS? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:02
MLS owners are discussing the biggest roster rule changes the league has seen in years.David Gass and Matt Doyle break down the proposed changes, how they could reshape the way clubs build their rosters, which rules shou…
MLS Soccerwise | Hell Is Real Derby, MLS Transfer News & Buy or Sell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:38
Hell Is Real delivered another unforgettable chapter as emotions boiled over between Columbus and Cincinnati, reminding everyone why it's become one of MLS's fiercest rivalries. David Gass, Tom Bogert and Matt Doyle brea…
NWSL Soccerwise | Reshuffling The Deck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:10
Jordan Angeli is joined one more time (for now) by NWSL commentator and znalyst extraordinaire Jill Loyden. The duo react to Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina as La Furia Roja claim their second Men’s World Cup trophy i…
NWSL Soccerwise | NWSL Weekend Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:30
Jordan is joined one more time this week by NWSL Commentator and Friend of The Show, Jill Loyden. The pair react to the 2026 World Cup semifinal results before diving into the NWSL world. The Queen’s Classic marked +42,0…
U.S. Soccerwise: USMNT Road To 2030 Presented by Soccer.com [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:53
The 2026 World Cup is over, but the next cycle is already underway. David Gass, Matt Doyle and Tom Bogert look ahead to the future of the U.S. Men's National Team. The crew discusses the USMNT coaching search, discusses…