08 Oct 2025

First Touch '26

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Remembering a Random World Cup Legend:

Batigolllllllllllllll!!!!! Gabriel Batistuta!

Headlines From the Pitch:

The USMNT announced their rosters for their friendlies against Ecuador (October 10th, Austin) and Australia (October 14th, Denver). The major headline is the return of many of the seasoned players to the team, including Weston McKennie and Tim Weah. However, Pochettino did face questions about the absences of Yunus Musah and Joe Scally, and responded strongly.

This international window features the last round of qualifying in Africa, and seven sports are still up for grab. While Egypt, Cape Verde, Algeria, and Ghana look likely to clinch their group, there’s still plenty to play for between Benin and South Africa, Ivory Coast and Gabon, and Senegal and D. R. Congo in their respective groups..

At the U-20 level, the U.S. shone during the group stage of the World Cup, defeating France 3-0 and eventually winning their group. Even in their loss against South Africa with a heavily rotated squad, the U.S. excelled in every match in nearly every phase and may have a shot at becoming the first ever U.S. male team to finish top three at a FIFA tournament.

Headlines From the Suites:

FIFA has been trialing a new VAR system at the U20 World Cup, and fans of American football will recognize the system. Each manager has been provided two reviews they can demand at any time during the match. Don’t worry folks, it’s not flags…they’re cards!

Adidas has introduced the World Cup 2026 match ball, the Triondo. The ball features inspiration from Canada’s, Mexico’s, and the U.S.’s colors. The big question for everyone, through, is how it flies. Y’all remember the Jabulani in 2010?

We’re talking about FIFA ticket prices. You’re talking about FIFA ticket prices. The Athletic is pretty much on a daily beat now on World Cup ticket prices. While prices have increased via the dynamic pricing mechanism, access via the lottery still seems to be the main sticking point for most. The good news? New emails are still going out inviting people to the Visa Presale lottery.

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.

Did you get access last week from the lottery? Probably not. HOWEVER, there have been new acceptances to the Visa presale lottery going out as late as October 7th. Check your mail, you may have recently been invited to purchase!

If you’re rolling your eyes telling yourself “but those prices!,” we get it. Look, it’s going to cost a lot of money to go to the 2026 World Cup. But if you’re the type of person who would read this newsletter, you’re probably the type of person who just wants to make this happen. We’ll continue to help you find a (legal) way in.

Your options, as of today, which we will continue to update you on:

Check your mail! Maybe you got a last second acceptance email from the Visa Presale lottery!
U.S. Soccer Insiders lottery. Sign up for the Insider program at ussoccer.com
FIFA lottery round two. This starts October 27th.
FIFA resale platform.This should launch Thursday, October 2nd.
The MyVerizon app. Verizon has announced that they will begin giving away tickets to customers starting 9 a.m. ET Thursday, October 7th, on the MyVerizon app.

We’ll keep you posted on more ways to find tickets as they arise!

We’ve got the World Cup ball, so now we’re all waiting with baited breath on the official World Cup anthem. You may now ask yourself, wait…what was the 1994 U.S. World Cup anthem?

Well, it’s called Gloryland, and it was performed by Daryl Hall and the Sound of Blackness. Does the song slap? Absolutely not. Is the video of it being performed at the opening of the World Cup require you’re immediate attention?

Absolutely.

Matches to Watch:

US U20’s vs. Italy U20’s (October 9th, 3:30 ET, Fox Sports). We’ve been having a blast watching the U.S. at the U20 World Cup, and they’ll kick off the knockout rounds against Italy. You may think “well it’s Italy, they’ll lose,” but don’t. This U.S. team has the juice, give ‘em a shot! Watch it!

Saudi Arabia vs. Iraq (October 14th, 2:45 ET). Geopolitical considerations aside, the final round of qualifying in Asia is offering sides like Iraq an opportunity to break into the expanded field. This match seems likely to determine the winner of the group.

U.S. vs. Ecuador (October 10th, 8:30 ET, TNT). Pochettino has called up a robust roster, and looks to build on the team’s success against Japan following the shift to a back three. Facing Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, this match will either confirm a positive direction following the tactical shift, or resurrect the questions about the team’s direction so close to the World Cup.

Italy vs. Israel (October 14th, 2:45 ET). Their first match was bananas, a 5-4 Italy win with four goals after the 80th minute, two own goals, and a stoppage time winner. With both teams on nine points well back of group leader Norway, this could determine a World Cup berth.

A Thing We're Excited About:

Monterrey! The tickets are cheaper, and the view is one of the best in the world.

Level Up:

Each week Kickback approves the leveling up of a player who has taken that crucial leap with their game.

The youngest ever player to suit up for Mexico is starring at the U20 World Cup, in advance of potentially being the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup. Only sixteen years old, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora is leveling up.

The Club Tijuana attacking midfielder has three goals in Liga MX this season, but is making his biggest name from his international appearances. Mora starred in the 2025 Gold Cup final against the U.S., and has been the centerpiece of El Tri’s U20 squad despite also being eligible for the U17 World Cup.

If you haven’t been inundated with the Mora hype yet, brace yourself. He’s being linked to the biggest clubs in Europe, and the Mexican wonderkid could become the central story of Mexico’s World Cup roster come next summer.

Allocate your points wisely, Gilberto.

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

October 8, 2025 — Newsletter #7