27 Aug 2025

First Touch '26

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Remembering a Random World Cup Legend:

1998 Golden Boot winner, Croatia’s Davor Šuker. Hell yeah!

Headlines:

U.S. Soccer released their roster for the September international window and its matches against Japan (September 6th, 5 p.m. ET, Sports Illustrated Stadium) and South Korea (September 9th, 7:30 p.m. ET, Lower.com Field). The roster marks the return of star right back Sergino Dest from a lengthy injury and Christian Pulisic following a (contentious) summer break, but also relies heavily on holdovers from the summer Gold Cup (where the U.S. lost 2-1 to Mexico in the final). Head Coach Maurio Pochettino’s favoring of recent MLS-centric call-ups over what was previously considered the core team, largely based in Europe, is sure to be the talking point over the series of Fall friendly matches for the USMNT.

The 2026 managerial carousel already includes first-time World Cup qualifiers Uzbekistan, who offered a role to 2014 World Cup winner Joachim Low, but were rejected. The ambition from the Uzbeks is commendable, especially as the curiosity of soccer watchers around the world is piqued.

Editorial Note: From our seat, there may be no more lovable 2026 underdog than Uzbekistan. We recommend you score a recipe for some of their beloved national dish, plov, and get to know your new favorite country.

When we remember World Cups past, we remember the legendary performances and the incredible matches. We also, of course, remember the iconic kits! Over the next few months, we will share the best (and worst) of the 2026 World Cup kits. For now, Footy Headlines is tracking the leaks.

World Cup Tickets Update:

We will update you weekly on the best way to purchase tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

The first lottery begins September 10th and you should register beforehand for the draw at https://www.fifa.com/en/tickets.

Note the tickets on sale right now are hospitality only. If you’re insanely rich, go for it! If you’re not…register for the lottery.

The World Cup Trophy, called the Jules Rimet Trophy, has been stolen twice. It was stolen in 1983 from Brazil’s federation’s headquarters, and never recovered.

It previously had been stolen from display in London in 1966, and recovered by a dog named Pickles. Cheers, Pickles!

Some Cool S*:**

The local NPR affiliate in Kansas City has an amazing story of the immigrants who planted the seed for soccer in one of the capitals of the sport in the U.S., and the surprise host city for 2026.

While some may contest Kansas City’s claim for “Soccer City USA,” the growth of the world’s game in America’s heartland has been undeniable. The rebranding of MLS originals Kansas City Wizards to Sporting KC coincided with the construction of Children Mercy’s Park and a resurgence of local interest, and NWSL leaders Kansas City Current are arguably the strongest women’s club on the continent.

Check it out here!

Amazing Moments in World Cup History:

The greatest team in international soccer history may have never won the World Cup. The Hungarian national team of the early 1950’s is ranked as the best all time by ELO, and only lost once after a stretch of over 30 matches — in the World Cup final, to West Germany.

The pioneers behind “Total Football,” the Hungarians adopted a more dynamic approach closer to the modern game that left its opponents dumbfounded. Following an 8-3 thrashing of West Germany earlier in the ‘54 tournament, they were expected to waltz to victory.

However, a torrential rainstorm left the fleet of foot Hungarians literally stuck in the mud, while the Germans featured new screw-in cleats custom made by adidas. A late West German goal ended up ceiling their 3-2 victory and relegating Hungary to the annals of best-to-never.

Level Up:

Each week Kickback approves the leveling up of a player who simply has taken that crucial leap with their game.

This week, we highlight Turkish wonderkid and Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, who has had an exceptional few months. Heralded as Juventus’s “next Del Piero,” Yildiz’s flair is accentuated by exceptional 1v1 skills and technical ability.

With five goal contributions in four matches at the Club World Cup, and two assists in the Serie A opener, Yildiz is looking to cement his stardom in advance of the 2026 World Cup, where he would be joined by fellow Türkiye wonderkid Arda Güler in heralding a potential golden generation for their nation.

Allocate your points wisely, Kenan.

USMNT Player of the Week:

Let’s put this clearly: no American player has a wider disparity of potential outcomes for 2026 than Gio Reyna. He could miss the World Cup entirely, or he could be the talisman for the USMNT.

But after four years battling injuries and off-the-pitch drama, the 22 year-old former wonderkid’s move to Borussia Mönchengladbach perhaps renews some of the hope around Reyna, who broke out as a 16-year-old at Dortmund with performances that augured a legendary USMNT career.

Tune in for Gio Reyna’s likely debut with ‘Gladbach this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. ET against Stuttgart on ESPN+.

Qualified Teams (so far):

Here’s the countries who have booked their spot at the final tournament, so far!

U.S.A, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Australia, New Zealand

Also 0n First Touch:

First Touch: Each week, our host Claudia Pagan runs you through the big stories to follow in global soccer!

August 27, 2025 — Newsletter #1