First Touch '26
June 17, 2026 — Newsletter #41
Our daily World Cup show, First Touch ‘26, is live daily on both First Touch and Soccerwise YT! You can get your 24/7 World Cup coverage from our First Touch IG and Bluesky accounts, and USMNT/El Tri/Canada from Soccerwise.
The Wednesday newsletter will remain broadly World Cup focused, while Friday’s will focus on USMNT momentarily until returning to incorporating MLS/NWSL coverage as those leagues restart.
Remembering a Random World Cup Legend Every Week
Headlines:
The USMNT delivered in their first match with a historic 4-1 win against Paraguay in front of a record 25 million person TV audience. We’ll have more on the USMNT in our Friday newsletter, but you can also watch our recap of the Paraguay match here:
Tuesday's action was highlighted by significant performances from the world’s biggest stars. Lionel Messi delivered his first World Cup hattrick to propel Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria and his World Cup goal figure to tied-for-first with Miroslav Klose, Mbappe scored a brace in France’s win, and Haaland’s World Cup paired two goals with a 4-1 Norway Victory.
Argentina also delivered on behalf of South America and CONMEBOL, who had previously been winless in four matches.
Meanwhile, Asia has been the surprise of the tournament, with Jordan’s and Iraq’s defeats on Tuesday ending a six-game unbeaten run to start the tournament.
Another big storyline to watch early in the tournament is the performances of the perceived “minnows” in an expanded World Cup. Outside of Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curacao, the World Cup underdogs have impressed, including Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain.
Issues with visas have continued to play out, namely with Iran who are forced to train in Mexico due to limitations in the length of their stay in the U.S. They came back to earn a draw in their initial match against New Zealand in front of a predominantly Iranian crowd in Los Angeles.
Politics will continue to play a prominent role in the 2026 World Cup, all the way to the trophy celebration. Like in the Club World Cup, Donald Trump will be permitted to hold the trophy and take part in the winner’s celebration.
Let's Do Some Trivia!
The USMNT weren’t the only Americans to star on the pitch so far this tournament.
There are quite a few players across the tournament who would’ve been eligible for the U.S. have stood out early on.
Mexico’s playmaker Brian Gutierrez started with the U.S., but moved to Mexico from Chicago this year, and committed to El Tri. His performances have reportedly already join th attention of clubs like Monaco.
Meanwhile, German-American Nathanial Brown scored a goal for Germany in part of their 7-1 win over Curacao. The fullback had previously considered playing for the U.S., but now features for the Germans and is slated for a move to Bayern Munich.
While he was always more of a longshot, Norway and Borussia Dortmund fullback Julian Ryerson has American citizenship and was one of the stars in his team’s 4-1 victory over Norway.
Finally, Japanese-American goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was one of the standouts for his side’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
A Thing We're Excited About:
For all the forces seemingly dragging this World Cup down—from ticket prices to geopolitical issues—the magic of the World Cup seems to be winning out.
Lawrence, Kansas is falling in love with the Algerian team. America is falling in love with Scottish fans. People from the UK are falling in love with food with flavor. And the soccer has been great!
The strength of the American diaspora always has made the U.S. an ideal destination for the world’s biggest celebration, and foundation may just win out over exogenous forces.
Our World Cup Vibes Ranking (So Far):
10. Egypt
9. Mexico
8. Iran
7. Sweden
6. Ivory Coast
5. USMNT
4. South Korea
3. Norway
2. Scotland
1. Cape Verde
First Touch's World Cup 2026
First Touch has announced its 2026 slate of soccer coverage, featuring a daily studio show every morning, live from New York!
Hosted by Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle, and David Gass alongside a rotating cast of journalists and experts, the show delivers the sharpest coverage of matches and previews of the upcoming day.
- Watch here.
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!