First Touch '26

February 11, 2026 — Newsletter #23

Remembering a Random World Cup Legend Every Week:

Algerian icon from the 1982 and 1988 World Cups, Rabah Madjer!

Headlines :

Today, we’re focusing on the generation of stars who have defined this era of the game, most of whom are in flux as they prepare for their last World Cup…if they make it ‘til then.

• Obviously Messi is the biggest name of the generation of stars, but he’s also the one with the most solid lead in to the World Cup. Messi’s season starts next week with Inter Miami, who have loaded up and may be favorites in every competition they play in.
• Joining Messi in MLS at Minnesota United in a stunning move is one of Colombia’s best ever, James Rodriguez. James seems to always perform best for the national team, and only signs a short term contract through the World Cup.
• An even bigger name coming to MLS is starting to become a possibility as drama has erupted between Cristiano Ronaldo and his club, Al Nassr. Ronaldo recently ended a “strike” based on his belief that the Kingdom was preferring a rival, Al Hilal.
• The drama may not be over, as the conflict between Mo Salah and Liverpool may spillover to Cristiano Ronaldo’s universe. Al Nassr may look at Mo Salah as a potential Ronaldo replacement, offering the Arabian superstar a massive contract once he becomes a free agent this summer.
• Finally, the defining talent for Brazil of the era, Neymar, has seemingly revived his career at his boyhood club Santos. However, Neymar has said he may retire if he’s not selected for Ancelotti’s squad this summer.

Tickets:

The Phase Three and final lottery has ended, with tickets distributed to winners. Yes, we’re getting to the end folks.

Besides the (very) expensive resale market, a final “first come, first serve” direct purchase option will be available in April. To which matches and how many, we don’t know. 

In the meantime, each participating federation is distributing their own allotment at their own discretion, and keep an eye on brands awarding customers.

Next up is a Capital One Ventures exclusive sale for cardholders on Thursday.

A Thing We're Excited About:

USMNT star Weston McKennie has had a very successful career in Europe, but he’s turned into an absolute monster of late. 

McKennie has contributed five goals from central midfield for Juventus this calendar year, and become an undisputed star for the famed Italian club. 

McKennie is out of contract at the end of the year, ensuring Juventus will face a lot of competition for his signature.

In addition, Pochettino will have a lot to consider around his role this summer with McKennie in some of the best form we’ve ever seen from an American abroad,

Newsletter Halftime: Let's Do Some Trivia!

The Winter Olympics are in full swing, and today we’ll remember USSR former gold medalist Ice Hockey player Vsevolod Bobrov.  The Soviet star Bobrov scored 89 goals in 59 games over the course of his Soviet career in the rink, but uniquely added goals on the pitch as well.

Bobrov doubled as a star soccer player, featuring for the Soviets in the 1952 Summer Olympics and scoring five goals over three matches.

Goal scorers just know how to find the net, we suppose.

A Way Too Early Ranking of Upsets to Watch:

5. Ecuador vs. Germany.

4. Tunisia vs. The Netherlands

3. Iran vs. Belgium

2. Senegal vs. France (again)

1. Uzbekistan vs. Portugal

Dark Horse Vibes Team of the Week

Uzbekistan may be in their first World Cup, but when you’re really tough to score against, you tend to get results:

Road to '26:

Brazil, France, Croatia, Colombia…you don’t have to wait until the summer to see the world’s best play in the U.S.! 

Road to ‘26 kicks off this summer with the best players in the world competing on your doorstep. 

Go to Roadto26.com to sign up and get early updates around upcoming match announcements and pre-sales, and to purchase for March’s matches.

Don’t sell your car for a soccer ticket this summer. See the world’s best play in Road to ‘26!

Today Kickback Soccer Media announced First Touch Weekly!

First Touch Weekly is a premium weekly podcast exclusively focused on the 2026 World Cup and the tournament’s most important and compelling stories. Hosted by Susannah Fuller and David Gass, the show is the first dedicated exclusively to the 2026 World Cup, and leans into the tradition of topical deep dives and evergreen storytelling from shows ranging from Planet Money to The Daily.

First episode debuts next week!

• You can listen here on your preferred platform in our “Kickback ‘26” feed found on our Linktree here.
• Follow us on Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube @firsttouchksm
• Find our links at kickbacksoccer.com!