David Gass explores Colombia’s World Cup identity, the legacy of James Rodríguez, and why Los Cafeteros continue to inspire such passion ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Featuring perspectives from journalists Andy Deossa and Carl Worswick on Colombia’s history, culture, and connection to the national team, plus the latest World Cup news from around the globe.

0:00 World Cup News Roundup

4:39 Colombia’s World Cup Story

7:55 The Legend of James Rodríguez

11:20 How Colombia Comes Alive for the World Cup

On this episode of First Touch Dispatch we dive into the injuries plaguing two CONCACAF Nations, the state of Dual nationals and an MLS international star whose tenure is over nearly as quickly as it started.

0:37 Johnny Cardoso

2:12 Alphonso Davies

3:54 Curaçao

5:37 NJ Transit

6:44 Neymar

9:18 Closer Look: Dual Nationals

15:16 One for the Road: James Rodriguez

Iraq is headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after one of the longest and most dramatic qualification journeys in the world. Valair Shabilla explores how soccer became a source of unity and hope through decades of war, hardship, and political turmoil, from the unforgettable 2007 Asian Cup triumph to the celebrations that followed qualification for 2026. Plus, a look at Iraq’s current squad, the rise of dual-national talent, legendary captain Younis Mahmoud, and what this return to the world stage means for Iraqis around the world.

Czechia is back at the World Cup for the first time in 20 years after surviving two dramatic penalty shootouts in qualifying. Host David Gass explores the country’s deep soccer history, from the glory days of Czechoslovakia to the golden generation led by Pavel Nedvěd and Petr Čech. Plus, a look at the current squad led by Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček, Prague’s fierce club rivalries, and whether Czechia can make noise at the 2026 World Cup.

Turkey is back at the World Cup for the first time since its legendary 2002 run, and a new golden generation is raising expectations once again. Host David Gass explores the history of Turkish soccer, the passion behind the country’s biggest clubs, and the stars leading the 2026 squad, including Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Arda Güler, and Kenan Yıldız. Plus, a look at Turkey’s path back to the tournament and whether this team can make a deep run on the world stage.

This week, host David Gass breaks down the latest news with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon before talking with Michael McColl, managing editor of AFTN (Away From The Numbers), about the Vancouver Whitecaps situation. Then, David and Susannah Fuller look back at how social media and memes helped turn the 2014 World Cup into the first truly viral World Cup.

0:20 News on Australia, Edin Džeko & Haiti

3:06 Vancouver Whitecaps Saga

13:50 The 2014 Viral World Cup

On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, Eric Krakauer spins around the sporting globe for the most important World Cup headlines, including the changes to the yellow card accumulation rule, Memo Ochoa chasing history, the "Passport Gate" scandal, FIFA's proposed youth initiative, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino's comments on Iran's World Cup status. We then take a closer look into the American influence this World Cup will feature. To round out the show we address a World Cup host city that could be losing the club that has called it home for over 50 years. All that on this edition of First Touch Dispatch.

• 0:49 Yellow Cards
• 2:39 Memo Ochoa 6th World Cup
• 4:23 Passport Gate In The Netherlands
• 6:43 FIFA Youth Initiative
• 8:04 Infantino's Iran Comments
• 9:37 A Closer Look - Americana at the World Cup
• 15:04 One for the Road - Vancouver Whitecaps

On this week's episode, host David Gass explores the ambition, growth, and the state of the game through the lens of several teams heading to the 2026 World Cup. This episode opens with news on updated yellow and red card rules for the World Cup, a German national team fighting for fitness, and an Iranian official being denied entry into Canada for a FIFA Conference. Gass is then joined by John Duerden—a Guardian and BBC contributor and author of How Soccer Explains Asia—to break down World Cup outlook for countries from the Asian Football Confederation. Then Gass and fellow Kickback contributor Tom Bogart are joined by former Pumas and Pueblo sporting director, Edward Saracho to discuss the current state of the Mexico national football team and the broader landscape of soccer in Mexico.

0:30 News On German & Mexican World Cup Rosters

3:15 John Durden "How Soccer Explains Asia" On Korea, Japan & Saudi Arabia

14:50 Eduardo Saracho (former Pumas & Puebla Sporting Director) On All Things El Tri & Mexican Soccer