First Touch '26
March 11, 2026 — Newsletter #27
Remembering a Random World Cup Legend Every Week:
Socrates!!!!!!!
Headlines :
Let’s collectively pinch our nose and get through the week of World Cup news:
The conflict in Iran has grounded planes in the region, leading to an immediate emergency for the Iraqi national team in advance of their World Cup playoff match in Mexico.
A majority of the Iraqi squad plays domestically. Without an alteration to the March 31st play-in game, Iraq would have to field a severely restricted squad, or worse.
Iran’s participation is severely in doubt following the continued conflict that started following joint attacks from Israel and Iran. Donald Trump did chime in this week on their World Cup participation, stating he “doesn’t care” if Iran manage to field a team.
Meanwhile, the domestic news isn’t much more comforting. The standoff between Foxborough, MA and the Boston 26 has widened as federal funding has fallen through and the city’s refusal to issue an entertainment license without the ~$8m in security costs being funded has put the Boston World Cup matches under direct threat.
Tickets:
This is the likely conclusion of our ticket segment, with all official lotteries completed.
If you haven’t acquired World Cup tickets yet, we recommend focusing your efforts instead on making a lot of money over the next few months. Probably a lot more than you’ve been making previously.
Newsletter Halftime: Let's Do Some Trivia!
A lot of eyes will be on Mauricio Pochettino over the next week as he selects his last roster prior to his World Cup selection late May.
One question for prognosticators is, could we see a surprise inclusion of one of the breakout young MLS stars of 2026, like Zavier Gozo? If so, that player could become one of the U.S.’s youngest players to ever make a World Cup…but assuredly not the youngest.
Joe Martinelli, who was 17-years-old in 1934, holds the honor as youngest USMNT player to make a World Cup. The second you perhaps remember better, Julian Green.
Green turned 19 at the World Cup in 2014, and even scored in the knockout rounds. HIs career from there didn’t necessarily meet expectations, but Green has found a niche as a bit of a club legend at Greuter Fuerth. Green has over 200 appearances now at Greuter Furth, and 35 goals!
A Thing We're Excited About:
Playing some soccer!
It seems so mundane, but every week the world encroaches further on World Cup 2026. We don’t mean to be pedantic—if arrangements aren’t made for Iraq to appropriately field a team for their World Cup playoff match, it will be an immutable black mark on this World Cup—but damn if we aren’t ready to see some meaningful matches in a few weeks.
From Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to Ireland’s Boys in Green, the world could use some of the joy and enthusiasm that the sport’s biggest moments can deliver. We’re just two weeks away from that, and can’t wait to talk about what’s happening on the pitch for a little while…
Another Way Too Early Prediction Ranking:
Here is our prediction for the five biggest disappointments at the 2026 World Cup
5. Croatia
4. Portugal
3. The Netherlands
2. Brazil
1. England
(Yeah, there’s a bit forming here).
Week World Cup Palette Cleanser:
We’re keeping this segment going, and don’t foresee it stopping anytime soon.
This week, we’re featuring a different Socrates on the pitch…it’s Monty Python’s Holy Grail iconic skit about philosophers playing soccer!
Road to '26:
Brazil, France, Croatia, Colombia, Egypt…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 spring 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!
Episode 2 of First Touch Weekly is Out Now!
Introducing Kickback Soccer Media’s First Touch Weekly, our premium 2026 World Cup podcast, covering the biggest stories across global soccer—from players and matches to politics, culture, host cities, the fan experience, and beyond. Hosted by Susannah Fuller and David Gass alongside a rotating cast of journalists and experts, the show delivers smart, inclusive analysis and deep dives into everything shaping the road to and through the FIFA World Cup 2026—and continues beyond the tournament as a weekly destination for what’s next in the global game.
- This week’s episode dives deep on the talks of 2026 boycott with Alex Abnos, the little known “almost” of a 1986 World Cup in the U.S. with Michael Lewis, and the case of the fake gold medals for a South Korean soccer team.
- Listen here (Apple) or here (Spotify) or wherever you find your podcasts!
Every World Cup Nation, Previewed!
Over at our website kickbacksoccer.com, we’ve launched a first-of-its-kind team by team preview of every participating World Cup nation!
You can find both written overviews, and special video and podcast primers for every country, all right at your fingertips.
Check it out here and tell your friends!