12 Nov 2025

First Touch '26

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Remembering a Random World Cup Legend:

South Korea’s 2002 star, Park Ji-sung!

Headlines From the Pitch:

Elsewhere, Europe may potentially feature a series of head-to-matches to determine World Cup berths, including Austria vs. Bosnia, Italy vs. Norway, Spain vs. Turkey, Denmark vs. Scotland, and Germany vs. Slovakia. With 12 second place teams and four Nations League qualifiers competing in a playoff for the final spots, there’s plenty to play for still in Europe.

There is still an Intercontinental spot to play for in Asia, as UAE will face Iraq in a home-and-away with both hoping to keep the dream alive of returning to their second World Cup (neither has qualified since 1990).

The biggest surprises this week may come from Concacaf, where Suriname and Curacao are battling to qualify for their first World Cup this week, and Costa Rica and Panama may find themselves missing out despite the expanded field. Nine nations in total remain eligible for three qualifying spots and two Intercontinental Playoff positions.

The U.S Men’s National Team will again face-off in two friendlies, against Paraguay and Uruguay. With stars like Pulisic, Richards, Adams, and McKennie out, Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino will again be testing the pool’s depth. Only one international window (March) remains for the U.S. between this camp and the start of the World Cup training camp in June of 2026.

The US won all three of their group stage matches at the U17 World Cup, featuring exceptional play from Chicago Fire defender Christopher Cupps and Philadelphia Union wonderkid Cavan Sullivan. The U.S. group win draws the U.S. with…you guessed it, Morocco, who have knocked the U.S. out of successive tournaments (the Olympics and U20 World Cup).

Headlines From Off the Pitch:

The sports gambling crisis has hit international soccer, as the Turkish Federation announced the suspension of over 1,000 players and nearly 150 referees, including one national team player who was pulled from the squad prior to a qualifier.

A report from The Athletic highlights expected World Cup parking prices to range from $75 to $175, adding to the cacophonous conversation about the exorbitant cost of the 2026 World Cup to be borne by its attendees.

With affordability a widespread conversation across American society, the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York following his crusade against World Cup prices has some calling for Mamdani to use his new office to directly combat FIFA.

The first World Cup kits are officially available! adidas has released its first run of home kits, including Argentina, Mexico, Germany, and more. Our favorite? El Tri’s Aztec-inspired kit, sure to become an iconic jersey for years to come:

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 in process! 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, winners are currently receiving notification of their timeslot to purchase.

Amongst a slew of crucial UEFA World Cup qualifiers, one stands out for its historical precedence. Group A leaders Switzerland face off against second place Kosovo, a national team that was petitioned for by Kosovan emigrants on the Swiss national team like Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka.

Shaqiri’s footwear in previous World Cup’s has gone so far as to feature the Kosovo flag on one shoe, and the Swiss on another.

Matches to Watch:

Scotland vs. Denmark (November 18th, 2:45 ET): With the nations tied atop Group C, this match may determine a World Cup berth. Neither side has lost in Group C, having only dropped points in a draw in their previous match.

Austria vs. Bosnia (November 18th, 2:45 ET): Another all-to-play-for match, this time in Group H. Austria enters the week with two points in hand on Bosnia, but if the gap is maintained may need to hold serve at home to ensure their World Cup trip.

Jamaica vs. Curacao (November 18th, 8:00 ET, Paramount+): Curacao will travel to fellow Caribbean nation Jamaica, potentially with the chance to earn their first ever World Cup qualification.

U.S. vs. Uruguay (November 18th, 8:00 ET, TNT): The U.S. faces off against Uruguay for the first time since the South Americans knocked the U.S. out of Copa America (and Gregg Berhalter out of his job). A perennial top ten side, Uruguay offers the U.S. some of its best competition of the year.

Level Up:

Every week we identify an international player each week that has “Leveled Up” their game in advance of the 2026 World Cup. This week’s winner is Denmark’s and FC Porto’s Victor Froholdt.

After completing a move from FC Copenhagen, the 19-year-old all-around midfielder has excelled for club and country. Froholdt earned a starting spot and a goal and assist in Denmark’s route of Belarus, and has played nearly every available minute for FC Porto this season while accumulating five goal contributions.

Froholdt excess in ball progression, featuring exceptional close control, excellent stamina, and a focus on progressive passes. Such has his contribution been to FC Porto, rumors already abound of January bids from some of Europe’s giants.

Allocate your points wisely, Victor.

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 12, 2025 — Newsletter #12