First Touch '26
May 6, 2026 — Newsletter #35
Dear First Touch Friends,
We know you’ve come here thinking “I just can’t start my day without reading about all the reasons I should be anxious about the 2026 World Cup delivering,” especially when we’ve delivered again and again. It’s may now, though, and it’s time we try on a little more soccer for size.
Thank you for giving us a chance.
Remembering a Random World Cup Legend Every Week
Norway’s Tore Andre Flo!!!
Headlines:
A month out and we’re starting to see expectations crystalize via betting odds. The Yamal injury and the success of PSG seems to have vaulted the French into favorites status over Spain, with England third and Argentina and Brazil a bit behind the top three.
Portugal and Germany, and to an extent The Netherlands, are the only other sides given a realistic shot to win. Next up? You’re going to hear it so much so prepare accordingly…the 2026 Dark Horse, Norway.
Mexico is in the next tier of nations, but will nonetheless feature a World Cup GOAT. Goalkeeper Memo Ochoa will be part of their squad for an astounding sixth World Cup, and retire following the tournament.
The biggest news for the USMNT in some time came this weekend as Sergino Dest returned to action for PSV, logging over thirty minutes in his return from injury. His potential replacement, Alex Freeman, has now stood out in consecutive starts at Villarreal as well.
Up top, the strikers showed their form as well, as both Folarin Balgoun and Ricardo Pepi continued to add to their sizable goal scoring tallies this weekend.
The Socceroos extended callups to their non-European based players to their World Cup camp, and notably featured amongst them is 18-year-old Colorado Rapids centerback Lucas Harrington. Harrington has been one of the best young players in MLS in 2026, and may catch the eye of some big European suitors this summer.
Colombian talisman James Rodriguez’s Minnesota sojourn may be at its very abbreviated end, as he’s looking to join World Cup camp following this weekend’s matches. He’s only logged 100 minutes in 2026, but does that ever matter for James when he puts on a Colombia kit?
Let's Do Some Trivia!
You assuredly know who has the most World Cup championships. But do you know who has the most World Cup losses?
Of course it comes with frequent qualification, but it has to come with the additional losses the group stages provide. That likely means a nation from outside the historical continental powerhouses of Europe and South America…
…the title belongs to the long dominant nation of North America, Mexico, who have 28 losses. Their frequent qualification from North America provided many early World Cup losses as they were still evolving as a soccer nation, while their long streak of qualification from their group provided them an opportunity to earn an extra loss after the group stage.
A Thing We're Excited About:
We’ve mentioned Australia’s call-up of standout 18-year-old center back Lucas Harrington, but he won’t be the only MLS star to catch the interest of an international audience.
Whether it’s Petar Musa of Croatia and FC Dallas bagging goals, or Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew and Cape Verde marauding forward from his center back position, there are so many unique talents playing in North America who have a chance to show themselves off to the world this summer.
We’re so excited about it, we’re making this a combination “A Thing We’re Excited About” and “A World Cup Prediction” special combination segment.
A World Cup Prediction:
Standout MLS contributors at the World Cup (Hard Mode: No Messi, James, or Son Heung-min, one per country).
10. Danley Jean-Jacques (Haiti - Philadelphia Union)
9. Michael Boxall (New Zealand - Minnesota United)
8. Patrick Yazbek (Australia - Nashville SC)
7. Steven Moreira (Cape Verde - Columbus Crew)
6. Miggy Almiron (Paraguay - Atlanta United)
5. Rodrigo de Paul (Argentina - Inter Miami)
4. Stephen Eustaqio (Canada - LAFC)
3. Diego Luna (U.S.A. - Real Salt Lake)
2. Petar Musa (Croatia - FC Dallas)
1. Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa - Chicago Fire)
Episode 12 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.
- 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!