First Touch | World Soccer

Jen Beattie was diagnosed with breast cancer on a Thursday and scored for Arsenal that weekend. She and host Susannah Fuller, both survivors, talk about how little she knew going in, early detection, and what she would tell someone newly diagnosed.

Beattie, a former Scotland international and now CBS analyst, remembers being diagnosed alone in Covid, then the lumpectomy and radio therapy that followed. Between two women in a club neither chose to join, the talks turns to whether the survivor label firsts and whether the fear around follow-up scans ever fades.

October is Breast...

Musa Okwonga of the Stadio podcast joins Susannah Fuller to dig into football’s most notorious scandals and the people behind them. The discussion examines Manchester City’s financial charges, Juventus’ fall from grace after Calciopoli, and why the teams with the talent to win can still feel compelled to cheat. But when a club’s success becomes tied to scandal, what happens to everything it has achieved?

0:00 Manchester City Charges Lead the Week’s Headlines

4:18 Why We Love a Football Scandal

7:27 Will City’s Charges Tarnish the Club’s Legacy?

16:30 Calciopoli Sta...

Cristiano Ronaldo is fined after his Portugal walkout, while Manchester City faces reports of potential points deductions. Plus, Ligue 1’s five-way title race, Serie A’s unbeaten contenders, Barcelona Femení’s streak ends, and our PSG vs. Barcelona Champions League preview.

0:00 Intro

0:35 Ronaldo Fined After Portugal Walkout

1:23 Manchester City Faces Reported Deductions

2:32 Premier League: Brighton Rises, United Struggles

4:20 Serie A’s Four Unbeaten Teams

7:14 Ligue 1’s Five-Way Title Race

09:48 Barcelona Femení’s Unbeaten Run Ends

10:57 Champions League: PSG vs. Barcelona

12:07 One for the Road...

José Mourinho is back at Real Madrid, but his career has become as much about dramatic departures as trophy-winning success. We trace his rise through Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan, Premier League titles with Chelsea, and the controversies that followed him as some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

0:00 Intro

0:41 Headlines: Ronaldo, Michelle Kang & Manchester City

3:26 José Mourinho: Champion or Villain?

5:45 The Making of Mourinho

7:19 Building a Winning Legacy Across Europe

10:40 Real Madrid Fallout

14:05 A Revolving Door of Clubs

18:43 Second Chance in M...

Could the United States host an expanded Copa America in 2028? From major developments in European football to South Melbourne’s historic Australia Cup triumph, this week’s show covers the stories making headlines across the global game. Plus, why Real Betis are emerging as one of La Liga’s early-season surprises.

0:00 Show Rundown

0:37 Copa America 2028: U.S. Host?

2:25 UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin’s Next Term

4:00 Everton Up for Sale

5:19 Clarece Seedorf to Corinthians

6:20 South Melbourne’s Australian Cup Victory

9:29 Champions League Preview: Biggest Matchups

10:45 A C...

Rafa Márquez is a Mexican football legend, but what makes him suited for the sidelines? Dax McCarty, who played alongside Márquez in MLS, joins host Susannah Fuller to explore Márquez’s unique qualities, his connection to Mexico, and the challenges he faces as the new manager of the Mexican National Team.

0:00 Intro

1:05 Headlines: Turkey Betting Scandal, ASEAN Cup & Saudi Stadium

5:10 From Atlas to New York

8:40 His Legacy With Mexico

9:45 Rafa the Coach

12:59 The Pressure Cooker of Mexico

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On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, the international futures of three legends, the beginning of a new era in Germany under Jurgen Klopp and a new generation of USMNT players. Plus, the latest on Manchester City and a proposed shake-up in Asian football.

0:00 Intro

0:33 The Latest on Manchester City

2:32 Dzeko, Messi & Ronaldo’s International Futures

6:41 AFC Nations League Restructure

8:49 Stella Artois Champions League Update

9:53 A Closer Look: Klopp’s Germany

13:40 One for the Road: USMNT’s Youngest Goal Scorers

The Americ...

Susannah Fuller is joined by CBS Sports Serie A analyst and Italian Football TV founder Marco Messina to build an Italy Football Hall of Fame. They look back at the players, matches and moments that have shaped Italian football, from the glory of the 2006 World Cup to the unforgettable teams and stories along the way.

0:00 Intro

1:43 Manchester City: What Comes Next

7:34 Welcome Marco Messina

10:05 The State of the Italian National Team

13:43 Icons: Pirlo & Baggio

19:13 Legends: Del Piero & Cannavaro

23:07 The 2006 World Cup

28:26 Italy’s Fo...

Manchester City’s guilty verdict, Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising night on the bench, and Neymar’s flirtation with Flamengo headline this week’s Dispatch. Plus, Javier Aguirre takes over at Valencia, injuries hit during the international break, and Harry Kane considers an NFL kicking career.

0:00 Intro

0:36 Vozinha’s Life After the World Cup

2:47 Neymar Flirts with Flamengo

4:29 Aguirre Takes Over Valencia

6:25 Portugal Without Ronaldo

9:17 Ireland vs. Israel

11:50 International Break Injury List

13:52 A Closer Look: Man City’s Guilty Verdict

17:48 One for the Road: Ha...

Susannah Fuller is joined by LFCTV lead presenter, commentator and LFC stadium announcer Peter McDowall to build their own Liverpool of Hall of Fame, exploring the icons, legends, moments and memories that have shaped one of the world’s most storied clubs.

0:00 Intro

1:40 The News: Christian Pulisic, Kylian Mbappé, Hull City’s chant

4:48 Introducing Peter McDowall & the Liverpool Hall of Fame

10:57 Jürgen Klopp & Ian Rush

16:21 Ian St. John & Steven Gerrard

22:31 2016 Europa League Final & 2024 Carabao Cup Final

30:36 The LFC Foundation & “You’ll Never Walk Alone”

36:28 L...

Romania introduces a black card for abusive behavior at youth matches, Harry Kane breaks a Bundesliga scoring record, and Marseille faces mounting financial trouble. Plus, the fallout from the Madrid Derby and the latest USMNT striker developments.

0:00 Intro

0:34 Romanian Football’s Black Card

3:12 Harry Kane Breaks Bundesliga Record

4:30 Marseille in Trouble

7:08 A Closer Look: Madrid Derby Chaos

13:13 One for the Road: Damion Downs for Ricardo Pepi

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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 unexpected star helping fuel its next chapter.

0:00 Intro

0:29 The News: Berhalter, Yamal and Champions League Finals

3:14 The Return of Deportivo

5:09 Era of Super Depor

9:50 The Fall, Return & Supporters Who Stayed

13:01 Aubameyang’s Rebirth

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James Rodriguez brings his Colombia career to a close, four Americans are making their mark at Middlesbrough, and Paris FC and Como are emerging among Europe’s early-season surprises. Plus, the fallout from the Manchester Derby’s VAR controversy and a closer look at this year’s Ballon d’Or race.

0:00 Intro

0:34 James Rodriguez Retires

1:33 Americans at Middlesbrough

4:30 Paris FC Among France’s Elite

6:23 Como’s Champions League Breakthrough

8:17 Manchester Derby VAR Controversy

11:00 A Closer Look: The Ballon d’Or

15:00 One for the Road: Cavan Su...

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 about the evolution of women’s soccer, the lessons of its past and where the game goes next.

0:00 Intro

1:26 The 1991 World Cup

4:57 Harvey’s Journey to the USWNT

7:58 How 1991 Changed Women’s Soccer

11:53 Inside the 1996 USWNT

16:25 From Player to FIFA Leader

24:11 How World Cups Dri...

Susannah Fuller welcomes Nico Cantor to explore the culture, history and competitive spirit of South American football. from the continent’s biggest clubs and competitions to Nico’s beloved Boca Juniors. They also discuss Lionel Messi’s international retirement and what his departure means for the future of the South American game.

0:00 The Latest From Around the World

4:32 Nico Cantor Joins the Show

9:02 Inside South American Football

12:36 The Powerhouses

14:47 Rise of Brazilian Clubs

21:17 Copa Libertadores Storylines

24:25 The State of Boca Juniors

29:07 Messi’s Argentin...

Susannah Fuller chats with former Arsenal and England defender Kieran Gibbs to talk about his path from pro player to co-founding ONE FC, a youth soccer academy in Miami. Gibbs shares his approach to player development, how he hopes to bring his own experiences to the U.S. and where the project is now and going in the future. Plus, they discuss the 2026 World Cup and talk about Arsenal’s chance of repeating as Premier League Champions.

0:00 Intro

1:24 ONE FC Origin Story

6:03 Lessons from European Academies

8:26 The ONE FC Approach

...

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, Alexia Putellas and the ambitious London City Lionesses.

0:00 Intro

0:56 The Latest From Around the World

3:49 The Rise of the WSL

7:16 London City Lionesses, Michelle Kang & Alexia Putellas

10:17 Multi-Club Ownership Conundrum

12:22 Can London City Break Through?

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Messi calls time on his Argentina career, Bayern Munich begin another title defense, and London City Lionesses enter the WSL with a squad built to challenge the established order. Plus, a closer look at the Champions League’s new league phase and the stories to watch as the transfer window closes.

0:00 Intro

0:35 Copa Libertadores Update

2:15 Bundesliga Kicks Off

3:40 WSL Kickoff Approaches

5:35 Messi Retires From International Soccer

8:22 A Closer Look: The Champions League Draw

12:36 One for the Road: Transfer Deadline Day

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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 at Real Madrid?

Susannah Fuller is joined by Ryan Hunn and Musa Okwonga of Stadio to look ahead at the teams, managers and storylines they're most excited to follow as the new season gets underway.

0:00 Intro

1:12 Premier League, Attendance Record & Baby Pitch Invader

5:28 Ryan Hunn & Musa Okwonga Join the Show

8:24 Liverpool’s N...

Ronaldinho returns to the pitch as Europe’s new season gets underway, Julian Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid grows increasingly complicated, and we take a closer look at the complicated relationship between Jose Mourinho and Vinicius Jr.

0:00 Intro

0:36 Johor Darul Ta’Zim’s Record Run

2:15 Ronaldinho Returns

3:14 The Premier League Is Back

6:20 Serie A Is Back

8:45 Alvarez and Atletico Madrid Headed for a Divorce

11:12 A Closer Look: Mourinho and Vini Jr.

14:45 One for the Road: 2027 Women’s World Cup

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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

<...

Arsenal make a statement against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Mohamed Salah makes the move from the Premier League to the Turkish Super League, and the fallout continues around FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

0:00 Intro

0:37 Cameroon Win WAFCON

1:48 Cristiano Ronaldo’s Potential Retirement

4:14 Lens Win the Trophée des Champions

6:32 Arsenal Beat Manchester City

10:17 A Closer Look: Mohamed Salah Heads to Turkey

15:37 One for the Road: FIFA Fires COO Kevin Lamour

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On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, we dive into the latest from the soccer world, including Malawi’s historic qualification for the Women’s World Cup, a closer look at the buying power of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and a look at the pressure facing FIFA president Gianni Infantino. All this and more on First Touch Dispatch.

0:00 Intro

0:39 Malawi Qualify for the Women’s World Cup

2:20 Copa Libertadores

3:48 The Eredivisie Is Back

6:00 Falling Giants and Refereeing Controversy in Portugal

10:00 A Closer Look: Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Buying...

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 road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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 CONMEBOL

2:16 2030 World Cup Qualifying

6:32 Brazil & Argentina Losing Steam

9:51 Paraguay & Ecuador's Promise

14:11 Venezuela's Emergence

More...

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...

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 World Cup.

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 Leading the Way: Spain & France

1:48 The Next Tier: England & Portugal

6:04 The Netherlands, Italy & Germany

12:22 Euro 2028 & the Road to 2030

#WorldCup #UE...

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 begins.

This episode is part of First Touch's Road to the 2030 World Cup series, previewing every confederation, the biggest storylines and the teams to watch ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

0:00 The state of CONCACAF

4:45 The Road Ahead

10:11 Canada's World Cup breakthrough

13:46 Mexico's resurgence

15:41 CONCACAF's rising stars

20:24...

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 horizon, and look at which nations are best positioned to challenge over the next four years.

They discuss the rise of Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Ivory Coast, examine what's next for Senegal and Tunisia, spotlight Africa's next generation of talent, and debate whether Nigeria, Cameroon and other contenders can return to the top of African football...

Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle react to the World Cup Final, analyzing Spain's championship performance, Argentina's run, Lionel Messi's legacy and the standout performances from the final.

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.

0:00 Intro

5:16 FM Tactician of the Tournament

16:48 Golden Ball Award

24:19 Best Defender of the World Cup

32:20 Football Manager Level Up Player

42:58 The Golden Glove: Best Goalkeeper

48:40 Young Player of the Tournament

55:52 World Cup Best XI

1:03:07 England vs. France Third-Place Game

Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass continue getting you ready for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina and are joined by Musa Okwonga from the Stadio podcast to talk all things World Cup ahead of the final.

Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle get you ready for World Cup Final weekend. After sleeping on the England-Argentina semifinal, they revisit one of the tournament's biggest matches before looking ahead to the third-place playoff between England and France. The crew also breaks down the Golden Boot race, Doyle heads to the First Touch Tactics Board and everyone shares their favorite moments from an unforgettable tournament as the countdown to the World Cup Final begins.

0:00 Morning After Thoughts on England vs. Argentina

8:36 Picking A National Team Manager

14:19 US Domestic Leagues World Cup...

The gang is back as Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Argentina’s dramatic, come-from-behind win against England. They discuss the tactics, big moments, the greatness of Leo Messi and what’s next for England. Then they give you their initial thoughts and reactions to Spain taking on Argentina in the World Cup Final.

Susannah Fuller is back with David Gass and Matt Doyle to react to Spain's semifinal win over France, discuss what went wrong for Les Bleus, and break down the performances that shaped the match. Then, the crew looks ahead to the historic England vs. Argentina semifinal with lineup talk, key matchups, and predictions for who will join Spain in the World Cup Final.

0:00 Intro

2:03 Spain Shows Their Quality

6:36 Disappointing France

8:44 Is Didier Dechamps To Blame?

13:48 Spain Has France’s Number

16:31 The Top End Talent of Spain

...

Just four teams remain, David Gass and Michele Giannone preview a blockbuster UEFA showdown as France and Spain battle for a place in the World Cup Final. They also play Buy or Sell, talk about World Cup expansion and coaching changes and rumors in Italy, Germany and Uruguay.

0:00 Intro

2:59 Buy or Sell: England & USMNT

8:52 World Cup Expansion

16:36 Fresh Start for Italy

22:11 Pep Guardiola as a National Team Coach?

27:40 Jürgen Klopp To Take Over Germany

30:56 Diego Forlan To Lead Uruguay?

34:25 France vs. Spain P...

And then there were four. The final quarterfinal matches are in the books. David Gass and Michele Giannone break down all the controversy, tactics and key moments as England edged Norway in extra time and Argentina found a way past Switzerland to set the stage for the World Cup semifinals.

0:00 Intro

3:55 Kickoff Time in Miami

7:04 Norway vs. England Breakdown

10:50 Jude Bellingham’s Legacy

17:56 Controversial Calls & Spidercam Wire

23:49 Subbing Haaland, Norway’s Outlook & Sorloth’s Performance

29:51 England’s Postgame Comments

34:27 Gareth Southgate vs. Thomas Tuchel <...

Mikel Merino's winner sent Spain past Belgium and into the World Cup semifinals. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle break down Spain's dramatic quarterfinal victory before previewing the final two quarterfinals: Harry Kane and England's showdown with Erling Haaland and Norway, plus Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Switzerland with the last two semifinal spots on the line.

0:00 Intro

5:18 Belgium Comes Up Short, Courtois Injury

13:04 Spain, Lineup Decisions & Looking Ahead to France

25:00 How Does Norway Setup Against England?

30:13 Starting Lineup Questions for England

32:35 The World Cup...

One quarterfinal is in the books and David Gass, Matt Doyle and Michele Giannone are back to break down France's convincing 2-0 win over Morocco as Kylian Mbappé delivered another standout performance to send Les Bleus into the semifinals. Then they preview Spain vs. Belgium before checking in on the latest news in and around the World Cup.

0:00 Intro

2:12 VAR Check on Mbappé Penalty

11:10 Mbappé: Where Does He Rank Among the All-Time Greats?

20:24 France vs. Morocco Breakdown

25:35 All-Time Best Belgium Kits

30:07 Can Spain's Defense Stop Belgium?

4...

Morocco and France kick off the World Cup quarterfinals as David Gass, Matt Doyle and Michele Giannone preview one of the tournament's biggest matchups. Can the Atlas Lions continue their dream run against France's star-studded attack of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise? The crew breaks down the key tactical battles, what each team needs to do to advance and who they're picking to reach the semifinals.

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...