First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast

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.

The USMNT's World Cup run is over after a tough loss to Belgium. David Gass, Matt Doyle and Eric Krakauer break down what went wrong, what comes next for the U.S. plus they look at Spain’s win over Portugal. Then they preview Argentina vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Switzerland as the final quarterfinal spots are decided.

0:00 Intro

3:02 USMNT Pride & Balogun Controversy Effect

8:20 The Future of Soccer in America

18:43 What Went Wrong for the USMNT Against Belgium?

34:52 The Legacy of Christian Pulisic

41:23 The Role of...

The drama continued with a wild night at the Azteca as England escaped past Mexico, while Erling Haaland and Norway stunned Brazil to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Eric Krakauer break down both Round of 16 thrillers before looking ahead to a massive day featuring the USMNT against Belgium, including the controversial decision surrounding Folarin Balogun. The crew also previews the heavyweight showdown between Spain and Portugal for a place in the quarterfinals.

Morocco and France punched their tickets to the World Cup quarterfinals. David Gass, Eric Krakauer and Matt Doyle break down both Round of 16 matches before looking ahead to Sunday's blockbuster showdowns between Brazil and Norway and Mexico and England. The trio also gives their picks for the Golden Ball, Golden Glove, the Best Young Player and the best defender of the tournament.

0:00 Intro

2:49 World Cup Award Winner Picks

31:04 Morocco Gets Past Canada

53:57 France Survives Paraguay

1:08:16 Brazil Takes On Norway

1:18:55 Mexico Battles England

The Round of 32 came to a dramatic close as the knockout stage delivered more unforgettable moments. David Gass, Eric Krakauer and Michele Giannone break down Cape Verde's incredible performance that nearly knocked out Messi and Argentina, Egypt surviving a tense penalty shootout against Australia and Colombia cruising past Ghana to book its place in the Round of 16. The crew also previews Canada's showdown with Morocco, France's clash with Paraguay, and shares the Round of 16 matchups they're most excited to watch.

0:00 Intro & Mexico-England Kickoff Drama

12:20 Buy or Sell: Concacaf, Colombia, France

36:27 Cape Verde-Argentina Thriller<...

David Gass, Eric Krakauer, and Matt Doyle break down Portugal's dramatic victory over Croatia, Spain's dominant win over Austria and Switzerland winning a knockout game for the first time in 88 years as the Round of 32 continued at the World Cup. Then they preview Argentina vs. Cape Verde, Australia vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Ghana with the final three Round of 16 spots up for grabs.

0:00 Intro

3:29 3 Big Things

7:53 Portugal Survives Croatia Thriller

41:35 Spain Cruises Past Austria to Reach Round of 16

51:41 Switzerland Makes More History Against Algeria

1:00:16...

The USMNT is headed to the Round of 16! David Gass, Michele Giannone and Eric Krakauer break down the USA’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Harry Kane delivering for England and Belgium surviving a wild battle with Senegal. Plus, they look at the updated bracket and preview Thursday's Round of 32 matchups: Spain vs. Austria, Portugal vs. Croatia and Switzerland vs. Algeria.

0:00 Intro

2:28 3 Big Things

12:00 USA Wins & Red Card Controversy

33:00 Belgium Escapes in Wild Match with Senegal

46:44 Harry Kane Leads England Past DR Congo

58:26 Spain Looks To Advance Ag...

Another big day at the World Cup is in the books. David Gass and Matt Doyle break down France, Norway and Mexico advancing to the Round of 16 before previewing the USMNT's win-or-go-home clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Plus, Tom Bogert joins from USMNT camp with the latest ahead of kickoff.

0:00 Intro

2:45: Mexico explodes at the Azteca

31:43 Haaland finds a late winner

39:33 Mbappe and Olise star for France

45:25 Tom Bogert checks in from USA camp

1:06:32 USA Expectations for tonight

1:15:15 Battle between Belgium & Senegal

1:18:18 Will...

The World Cup delivered its wildest day yet as Brazil survived, Germany crashed out on penalties and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands. David Gass, Matt Doyle and Michele Giannone break down the biggest moments before turning their attention to Tuesday's Round of 32, where France faces Sweden, Mexico hosts Ecuador at the Azteca and Ivory Coast takes on Norway.

0:00 Intro

1:47 3 Big Things

9:25 Brazil Escapes

18:15 Japan Comes Up Short

32:00 Paraguay Stuns Germany in Pens

48:13 Morocco Knocks Out Netherlands

59:02 Doyle Breaks Down Bosnia

1:02:40 Ivory Coast vs. Norway<...

David Gass, Matt Doyle and Eric Krakauer break down the complete Round of 32 bracket and make their picks for the rest of the FIFA World Cup. They also react to Canada's historic first-ever World Cup knockout win before previewing Monday's Round of 32 matches, including Brazil vs. Japan, Germany vs. Paraguay and Netherlands vs. Morocco.

0:00 Intro

2:54 Round of 32 Bracket Picks

28:13 Canada's Historic Knockout Win

47:33 Brazil vs. Japan Preview

58:02 Germany Against Paraguay Matchup

1:02:05 Netherlands vs. Morocco Showdown

1:19:08 Final Thoughts

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is here! Michele Giannone and Eric Krakauer break down the final day of the group stage, including Colombia's statement performance to finish ahead of Portugal, the dramatic finish in Group J, Argentina's perfect group stage, and what the completed Round of 32 bracket tells us. Plus, they debate the tournament favorites, preview Canada vs. South Africa, and make their knockout stage predictions.

0:00 Intro

1:48 3 Big Things

5:56 Group J Drama: Algeria & Austria Advance

11:25 Messi Scores Again, Argentina Finish Perfect

16:30 Colombia Wins Group K Over...

The race for the Round of 32 is nearly complete. David Gass, Matt Doyle and Eric Krakauer discuss Cape Verde making history by reaching the knockout stage in its World Cup debut, Senegal keeping its hopes alive, and Norway's outlook heading into the knockout rounds. Then they preview Portugal vs. Colombia and break down the decisive finales in Groups J and L.

0:00 Intro

2:16 3 Big Things

10:19 Belgium & Egypt Advance, Iran Still Alive

24:44 Cape Verde Makes History, Uruguay Falls Short

42:41 Senegal Survives, Norway Eyes Knockouts

50:30 England, Croatia & Ghana: Group L...

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 f...

Vini Jr. leads Brazil to the top of Group C, Canada reaches the knockout rounds despite defeat, and South Africa celebrates a historic World Cup moment. Jordan Angeli, David Gass and Matt Doyle break down the biggest results from the day, including Mexico's perfect group stage, before previewing the USMNT's decisive Group D finale against Türkiye. Plus, the crew breaks down the knockout scenarios in Groups E and F as the race for the Round of 32 comes down to the final matchday, and Sky Sports' Sam Obaseki joins the show.

0:00 Intro

3:57 Three Big Things

Cristiano Ronaldo makes more history, England falls flat and Croatia keeps its World Cup hopes alive. David Gass, Jordan Angeli and Michele Giannone break down the biggest stories from Matchday 13 before previewing a decisive day of simultaneous group finales. Canada faces a win-and-in showdown with Switzerland, Brazil and Morocco battle for Group C positioning, and the race for second place behind Mexico goes down to the final matchday.

0:00 Intro

4:10 How Teams Advance & Knockout Projections

18:58 Portugal, Ronaldo Roll Past Uzbekistan

23:40 Colombia Defeats DR Congo

33:30 England Frustrated by Ghana

42:39...

Lionel Messi made history for Argentina, Algeria kept its World Cup hopes alive and France booked its place in the knockout rounds on Day 12 of the tournament. David Gass, Jordan Angeli and Matt Doyle break down all the action before turning their attention to Day 13, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face mounting pressure, England takes on Ghana, Colombia meets DR Congo and Croatia looks to bounce back against Panama.

0:00 Intro

1:53 3 Big Things

13:18 Messi Makes History Against Austria

18:46 Algeria Still Alive

24:37 Weather Delays, France Advances

31:30 Haaland...

Spain finally found their scoring touch against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde continued their stunning World Cup run, and Belgium stumbled again as the drama ramped up on Day 11 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. David Gass, Jordan Angeli, and Michele Giannone break down all the biggest stories from the day, project the USMNT lineup for its showdown with Türkiye, welcome Volair Shabila to discuss Iraq's tournament, and look ahead to another loaded slate of matches featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland.

0:00 Intro

3:45 Three Big Things

10:34 Spain & Lamine Yamal Shine vs. Saudi Ar...

David Gass and Michele Giannone are back talking about all the action from Day 10, including a rout by the Netherlands against Sweden, Germany punching its ticket to the next round against Ivory Coast and a historic scoreless draw between Curaçao and Ecuador. The pair plays another game of Buy or Sell this time looking at the Mexico, Canada and the USA and look ahead to a pressure-filled day as everyone on Day 11 is sitting one point.

0:00 Intro

2:55 Buy or Sell: North American Edition

13:30 Netherlands Rout Sweden

20:26 Japan Tops Tunisia With F...

The United States is through to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! David Gass and Michele Giannone are back to discuss Alex Freeman’s breakout performance and look ahead to the USA’s last group game and beyond. Plus, Paraguay earns a dramatic victory despite playing down a man, Türkiye faces mounting frustration, Morocco holds off Scotland, Brazil cruises to another win, and Sweden strengthens its position in Group C. The guys also look ahead to key Matchday 11 matchups, including Germany vs. Ivory Coast and Ecuador's must-win showdown with Curaçao.

0:00 Intro

2:06 USMNT...

It’s all about Concacaf at the 2026 FIFA World Cup today. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle break down Mexico securing a spot in the knockout round with a win over South Korea and Canada's historic 6-0 victory over Qatar behind a Jonathan David hat trick. Then the crew previews a pivotal Group D showdown as the United States takes on Australia in Seattle with major knockout-round implications. Plus, a look at the other games today including Scotland vs. Morocco, Brazil under pressure against Haiti, and Türkiye vs. Paraguay.

0:00 Intro

4:08 3 Big Things

1...

Matchday 1 is complete, and Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle play a round of Buy or Sell on the biggest teams, players and storylines from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They break down England's statement win behind Harry Kane, Portugal's frustrating draw with DR Congo, Panama's disappointing start and Colombia's victory over Uzbekistan. The duo also checks in on Christian Pulisic and the latest from USMNT camp before looking ahead to pivotal second matches for Canada and Mexico, with Edson Álvarez, Gilberto Mora and El Tri aiming to take another step toward the knockout rounds.

0:00 Intro + Buy or Sell: E...

Day 6 dazzled at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the stars took center stage. Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Kylian Mbappé's record-breaking performance for France, Erling Haaland's standout World Cup debut for Norway and another milestone moment from Lionel Messi as Argentina opened its campaign. Then the crew looks ahead to another huge day of action, including England and Harry Kane's showdown with Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal's tournament debut, Colombia's clash with Uzbekistan and what Cyle Larin's role could mean for Canada moving forward.

0:00 Three Big Things

8:47 Mbappé Breaks Another Re...

Cape Verde delivers the shock of the 2026 World Cup by taking points off Spain, while Belgium and Egypt share the spoils and Saudi Arabia frustrates Uruguay and New Zealand and Iran with a wild match to cap off the night. Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass break it all down from a day of draws at the World Cup.

Attention turns to France and Argentina as two of the tournament favorites begin their World Cup campaigns. Will France vs. Senegal deliver? Can Erling Haaland lead Norway on the game's biggest stage? And after one of the...

Day 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered more drama as Tunisia fired its coach, Japan and the Netherlands played one of the matches of the tournament and Germany put seven past Curaçao. Susannah Fuller and David Gass break down all the action from Groups E and F, including Sweden's red-hot attack and Ivory Coast's late win over Ecuador. Then Flo Lloyd-Hughes (The Cutback) joins the show to discuss the tournament so far, England's outlook, Harry Kane and the day's upcoming matches, including Spain vs. Cape Verde, Belgium vs. Egypt, Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia and Iran vs. New Zealand.

Day 4 of the World Cup here we go. Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Qatar's dramatic draw with Switzerland, Brazil and Morocco's heavyweight showdown, Scotland's first World Cup win in 28 years and Australia's statement victory over Turkiye led by Nestory Irankunda. Plus, Doyle reacts to the USMNT's opening win and looks ahead to Game 2 as the crew previews Germany vs. Curaçao, Netherlands vs. Japan, Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador and more from another packed day at the World Cup.

0:00 Gass Celebrates the Knicks

4:46 Three Big Things

10:06 Qatar's Dramatic First World C...

Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Michele Giannone break down the USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup, discuss Canada's first-ever World Cup point in their game against Bosnia & Herzegovina and preview today's matches headlined by Morocco vs. Brazil.

0:00 USMNT's Statement Win Over Paraguay

22:26 Folarin Balogun's Golden Boot Race & USA Standouts

37:40 Canada's Tournament-Opening Draw

47:58 Qatar vs. Switzerland Preview

50:52 Brazil vs. Morocco Showdown

1:05:50 Haiti vs. Scotland Matchup

1:13:15 Australia vs. Turkiye Breakdown

1:19:20 Final Thoughts

Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass get you ready for the USA's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay with Doyle's latest USMNT tactical session, a Football Manager 2026 simulation, and a full match preview. Plus, the crew recaps the opening day of the World Cup, including Mexico's historic win over South Africa and South Korea's comeback victory against Czechia, before looking ahead to Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina.

0:00 Intro

3:42 Three Big Things

8:30 Mexico vs. South Africa Recap

18:22 South Korea vs. Czechia Recap

23:20 Doyle's USMNT Tactical Session

The day has finally arrived and Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass give you all their fun soccer picks and predictions heading into the 2026 World Cup. They talk a little US and Canada with a special tactical breakdown from Doyle and a special World Cup simulation before the crew previews the first games of the tournament: Mexico against South Africa and a showdown between South Korea and Czechia.

0:00 Intro

4:53 1 Wish for this World Cup

9:36 The Tourney Favorites

15:40 The Dark Horses

22:00 Vibes SC Picks

26:26 Football Manager World...

On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, we give you all the latest news, from the injuries to key players, NYC watch parties, and a closer look at the legacy that the 2026 World Cup will leave.

0:46 Injuries on the Rise

3:00 Shooting near England Base Camp

3:52 NYC Watch Parties

4:55 USMNT Ticket Prices

7:09 A Closer Look - The Legacy of World Cup 2026

12:04 Eric and Producer Brad give their World Cup predictions

David Gass, Matt Doyle, Susannah Fuller and Tom Bogert go live from Soccer House in Chicago for a World Cup Golden Boot Draft, building their teams and predicting which stars will lead the tournament in goals. The group also discusses breakout candidates, tournament favorites, favorite World Cup memories and the fan cultures that make the tournament special.

Please note: This episode was recorded live at Soccer House in Chicago ahead of the World Cup. Audio quality may differ from our standard studio recordings.

David Gass is joined by Ryan Hunn and Musa Okwonga from Stadio to discuss what has them most excited as the World Cup approaches. The crew shares the players, teams, matches and moments they'll be watching throughout the month, from Mexico's opportunity on home soil and Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti to the stars who could define this tournament and shape the next decade of the game.

0:00 Welcome & France-Senegal Showdown

3:17 Mexico's Opportunity on Home Soil

10:41 World Cup Dreamers and Cinderella Runs

14:46 James Rodríguez, Colombia & World Cup Magic

17:17 The Stars o...

On this episode of First Touch Dispatch we give the latest updates on injuries forcing players to withdraw from the tournament, a record breaking counterfeit merchandise bust, and a closer look at the new rules being implemented at the World Cup. All that and more on First Touch Dispatch.

0:42 Injuries to Key Players

2:46 Thomas Partey Ghana Inclusion

4:11 Counterfeit Merchandise Bust

5:39 Field Conditions

8:52 A Closer Look - New Rules

12:54 One For the Road - MLS Players at WC '26

Susannah Fuller and David Gass break down the expanded World Cup format, the pressure facing some of the tournament favorites, and the teams generating the most intrigue heading into the summer. From the USMNT roster reveal and Jesse Marsch’s new Canada deal to France’s loaded squad, Brazil’s expectations under Carlo Ancelotti, Colombia’s top-heavy roster, and the group stage matches they can’t wait to watch, there’s no shortage of storylines as the countdown to the World Cup continues.

0:00 Scott McTominay, Jesse Marsch & USMNT Roster News

9:41 The Expanded World Cup Effect

13:27 F...

On this week's edition of First Touch Dispatch, we dive into the latest news surrounding the World Cup. Iran has officially moved their basecamp to Mexico, Messi has an injury scare, and the USMNT roster is now OFFICIALLY announced.

0:36 Iran Base Camp Relocation

1:58 Spain Roster Backlash

3:23 Messi Injury Scare

5:11 AC Milan, Juventus and the Italian National Team

6:16 England's Pre-Tournament Players

8:06 A Closer Look - USMNT Roster

11:56 One For The Road - Kochen + Rick

Bosnia and Herzegovina returns to the World Cup with one of international soccer’s most emotional national team stories. We explore the country’s complex football history, the memories of Bosnia’s first World Cup appearance in 2014, and the dramatic road back to the global stage fueled by one of soccer’s most passionate fanbases, Bosnian icon Edin Džeko, and a new generation featuring Esmir Bajraktarević.

Sweden returns to the World Cup with a history bigger than many realize and a new generation trying to add to it. We break down the Blue and Yellow’s controversial road to 2026, Graham Potter’s influence, Lukas Bergvall’s emergence, and the enduring impact of Zlatan Ibrahimović on Swedish football.

World Cup roster season is here, bringing dream call-ups and heartbreaking omissions for players around the globe. Susannah Fuller discusses some of the notable snubs ahead of 2026 and the most memorable roster announcement videos so far. Then David Gass dives into the difficult reality of missing out on soccer’s biggest stage as former U.S. international and current LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney shares his own experience of falling short of a World Cup roster.

0:00 World Cup roster drama & biggest snubs

3:09 The best World Cup roster reveal videos

6:04 The heartbreak of mi...

Susannah Fuller is joined by Stadio’s Musa Okwonga for a conversation about DR Congo’s return to the World Cup after more than 50 years away. Together, they discuss the country’s history and identity through soccer, the emotion surrounding the Leopards and their supporters, and the mix of experienced and emerging players hoping to make an impact in 2026.

On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, we dive into roster announcements, players getting political and a deep look into the mass amount of injuries heading into this World Cup. All that and more on this edition of First Touch Dispatch.

0:37 DR Congo

1:12 Roster Announcements

4:20 Mbappe Gets Political

6:07 Climate Concerns

7:58 A Closer Look: Overuse and Injuries

12:14 One for the Road: Messi vs. La Familia

David Gass explores Colombia’s World Cup identity, the legacy of James Rodríguez, and why Los Cafeteros continue to inspire such passion ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Featuring perspectives from journalists Andy Deossa and Carl Worswick on Colombia’s history, culture, and connection to the national team, plus the latest World Cup news from around the globe.

0:00 World Cup News Roundup

4:39 Colombia’s World Cup Story

7:55 The Legend of James Rodríguez

11:20 How Colombia Comes Alive for the World Cup