First Touch

Which USMNT badge gets your vote: old school or new look? 🇺🇸

In an interview with ESPN MX, Patriots QB Drake Maye says Messi & Argentina are his World Cup favorites 🇦🇷⚽

Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl this weekend? 🏈🔥

Lionel Messi is no stranger to Kansas City, having played and trained there before 🤝

Now, with Argentina making KC their 2026 World Cup base, let’s take a look at the key moments he’s performed in front of KC fans for both club and country 🇦🇷

Weston McKennie is locked in for more in Turin after reaching a verbal agreement on a new deal. Big minutes at an elite club keep a USMNT midfield cornerstone sharp ahead of the World Cup. 🇺🇸⚽ ️

(via @GiovaAlbanese)

With two titles under its belt, Uruguay is hungry for more 🇺🇾

A true powerhouse in world football, The Sky Blue are preparing to make history. We break down the story of La Celeste.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/66Dq...

The Austrian national team will train at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium and stay in Goleta during the 2026 World Cup, opening group play June 16 in Santa Clara before returning between matches 🇦🇹

(via Santa Barbara Independent)

Brazil has chosen the New York Red Bulls’ training facility in North Jersey as its World Cup base 🌎 🇧🇷

Its location is convenient access to both East Rutherford and Philly 🔃

(Via New Jersey Digest)

The tiny nation who is looking to make some noise at the World Cup 🇨🇻

With a population of just over 500,000, this squad is looking to make World Cup history. We break down the story of The Blue Sharks.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7MyL...

Following a controversial AFCON final, Morocco sets its sights on the World Cup 🇲🇦

Morocco has developed into a powerhouse, and it won’t slow down anytime soon. We break down the story of The Atlas Lions.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7cbV...

Mexico is hoping to capitalize on homegrown talent in 2026 🇲🇽

With numerous young prospects developing rapidly at home and across the globe, this World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of El Tri.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/21Nh...

After over 25 years without appearing at a World Cup, the Scots are back! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

With the world-class experience the Scots have, they are looking to a historic run in 2026. This is the story of The Tartan Army.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7xGr...

For Qatar, earning its first point at the World Cup is crucial 🇶🇦

The AFC Champions hope to make a strong tournament run next summer. This World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of The Maroons.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6iS6...

One last chance at glory for the oldest squad 🇭🇷 

Following back-to-back semi-final appearances, there is hope that it could happen once again in 2026. This World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of Vatreni.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6FA4...

Saudi Arabia hopes to build off the momentum of the 2022 World Cup when they visit North America 🇸🇦

With the explosion of the Saudi Pro League, this World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of the Green Falcons.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1YxO...

These stunning stadiums will be welcoming some of the world’s best in Mexico 🇲🇽 Which one would you most want to see a game in?

Mexico will host 13 matches during the #WorldCup, with 5 in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca (which will host the 2026 opener), 4 in Monterrey, and 4 in Guadalajara.

Australia is looking to once again battle with the world’s best 🇦🇺

The Green and Blue have tremendous talent coming through their ranks for 2026. This World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of The Socceroos.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0azQ...

Jordan is looking to seize a first opportunity on the global stage 🇯🇴

Jordanians are hoping to make strong progress next summer in its 1st appearance. This World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of Al Nashama.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6W71...

Can Tunisia finally make the knockout rounds for the first time? 🇹🇳

As North African soccer continues to rise, Tunisians believe they can over perform in 2026. This is the story of The Eagles of Carthage.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/51Ki...

There is no party that compares to a Senegal trophy celebration! 🇸🇳

The Senegalese people came out in the thousands to welcome their heroes home from #afcon in a shared explosion of joy!

Dive into the African game with us this week by reading and subscribing to our Newsletter at Kickbacksoccer.com!

O Canada, how we can not wait to see you next summer 🇨🇦

Canada will host 13 matches during the #WorldCup, with six in Toronto’s BMO Field (including Les Rouges’ opening game) and seven in Vancouver.

We ALL remember that Clint Dempsey golazo against Ghana in 2014 🤩

Clint Dempsey joined @soccerwisehq.bsky.social to chat about his favorite World Cup memories as the #USMNT prepares for another tournament run on home soil!

For Haiti, overcoming adversity at home is done through football 🇭🇹

Having not played a game at home throughout qualifying, this World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of Les Grenadiers.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0PZz...

Brazil is looking to add another star above the crest in 2026 🇧🇷

With a new era of Brazilian stars taking over the squad, such as Willian Estevao, this World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of A Seleção.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/k...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/69bh...

Without a doubt 🤝

Are red/white stripes back for the #USMNT for the World Cup??

Footy Headlines have just posted this supposed U.S. World Cup kit for this summer!

Does Switzerland have the squad to make a deep run in 2026? 🇨🇭

Switzerland has a strong foundation that will look to dominate in the US next year. This World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of La Nati.

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/k...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2iqU...

Portugal has their eyes set on a first World Cup title in 2026 🇵🇹

Can Ronaldo secure this trophy? This World Cup Capsule breaks down the story of A Seleção with an interview with @erickrakauer.bsky.social

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/k...

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Fun...