05 Nov 2025

First Touch '26

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Remembering a Random World Cup Legend:

Paolo Rossi, 1982 Golden Boot winner and World Cup Champion with Italy. Previously disqualified for two years as part of an infamous match fixing scandal.

Headlines From the Pitch:

The U-17 World Cup has started in Qatar! While it is fairly unlikely any of the stars of this tournament feature in 2026, the 48 team tournament usually features the top players in the age bracket (unlike the U20’s, where the top players have progressed to the full team). The U.S. side notably features the strongest top end talent it’s likely ever rostered (more on this later).

USMNT Head Coach Maurio Pochettino will announce his last roster of 2025 this Thursday. While Christian Pulisic is likely to sit this one out following his injury in the October camp, the November matches against Paraguay and Uruguay are likely to feature the return of players like Tyler Adams, Ricardo Pepi, and Sergino Dest.

Speaking of that Pulisic injury, turns out Pochettino isn’t making many friends in club soccer. After AC Milan publicized their gripes about Pochettino’s handling of Pulisic and his injury in October, Crystal Palace has also bemoaned how the U.S. utilized Chris Richards.

Headlines From Off the Pitch:

A scandal is brewing in Asia as complaints grow louder about Qatar’s and Saudi Arabia’s outsized influence on the confederation, and how they utilized their power to arrange home matches, better rest periods, and more tickets for crucial qualifiers.

Rumors of Japan and other federations pushing to divide the Asian confederation and start a East Asian confederation in protest are growing.

In more fun news, we’ve got kit leaks! The adidas home kits are rumored to be released next week, and as usual Footy Headlines has the scoop.

The World Cup has become a focal point in a unique space, the New York mayoral election. Democratic nominee and frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has not only centered the cost of World Cup tickets, but is proposing a reduction of red tapes and permitting for 2026 activations.

The conversation around ticket prices at the 2026 World Cup may end up being the story of the tournament. The Guardian’s Leander Schaelaeckens asks, “Who Is This World Cup For?”

World Cup Tickets Update:

Each week First Touch ‘26 will provide an update on the best way to purchase tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

Phase two of the FIFA World Cup Lottery is now closed! This phase introduced an additional one million tickets, and an exclusive window for residents Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

If you signed up for this lottery, FIFA claims that winners will be notified of their time slot no earlier than November 7th. If you don’t receive a notification by then, it does not necessarily mean you will not be selected at a later date.

If you did not register, and are still looking for tickets, you can still purchase tickets on the resale platform but we also recommend developing ancillary income streams via pool sharking, pyramid scheming, or via other classic wise guy activities.

“The Battle of Santiago” is assuredly the only time the police had to intervene amongst the players numerous times throughout the match.

The 1962 World Cup in Chile took place after the largest earthquake recorded in human history, and visiting European scribes were not happy about it. The Italian press especially had some horrid things to say about their stay in Chile, and the public backlash to insult led to even Italian-looking Argentine writers having to depart the country.

The match itself was a literal bloodbath. A red card in the first ten minutes saw an Italian player dragged by police off the pitch, and punches thrown, broke noses, and continued fighting saw the police intervene multiple times throughout the match.

Chile won 2-0, and eventually finished third overall.

A Thing We're Excited About & Level Up:

It’s a special edition this week, combining our Level Up and what we’re most excited about: the most talented U17 USMNT World Cup team ever.

We’re not making any promises about the quality of their performance, which kicks off November 5th vs. Burkina Faso at 10:15 am. However, the top-end of this team is unprecedented in terms of resume. We highlight some players to watch:

Cavan Sullivan, Attacking Midfield, Philadelphia Union: This one you assuredly know. The Union’s wonderkid is the youngest ever MLS debutant, and has already secured his transfer to Manchester City at age 18. Having only recently turned 16, Sullivan is still young for the tournament, but the dynamic and relentless attacker will want to prove he’s ready for the spotlight.

Mathis Albert, Forward, Borussia Dortmund: If it weren’t for Sullivan, we’d all be talking about Albert. The Dortmund winger has excelled at every level in Germany, with the 16-year-old slated to join the Dortmund second team upon his return. Albert has been unstoppable 1v1 this level, and excels as a finisher. Dortmund may have their next American star.

Julian Hall, Striker, New York Red Bulls: Hall has been a part of the Red Bulls’ first team for two years despite his young age, and seemingly earned starter minutes at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Hall is a natural number nine who, despite his young age, already ranks toward the top of MLS in progressive passes received and touches in attacking areas. In layman’s terms? Hall’s movement is excellent, and he’s likely to feast on the playmaking abilities around him.

Christopher Cupps, Center Back, Chicago Fire: Sixteen year old center backs don’t normally get MLS minutes and become the club’s youngest ever player, but Cupps is different. The potential captain of the U17’s exhibits every aspect of a star defender on the come up; composure, positioning, athletic ability, and passing range. He may not be the biggest name, but Cupps may be the most important player for the U.S.

Maximo Carrizo, Attacking Midfield, New York City FC: The Argentine-American was the youngest ever signing for New York City FC, and has been touted as the club’s most talented ever homegrown signing. While the silky and technically impressive Carrizo had to hone his sharpness in the final third, he’s taken big steps in the 2024-25 season and began earning crucial first team minutes with the club. Carrizo has featured with the U17’s, and is likely to pull the strings for the U.S.’s dynamic attack.

Kickback Soccer Media's Playoff Challenge:

Did you sign up for Kickback’s American Soccer Playoff Challenge? Good news! You can track your results here.

Even if you didn’t, you can participate in the last leg, a NWSL pool! You can fill out your form here.

Qualified Teams (so far):

Here are 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, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Morocco, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Egypt, England, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

November 5, 2025 — Newsletter #11