Episodes

20h ago

Algeria might be best known to casual U.S. fans as the team on the wrong end of Landon Donovan’s “Go Go USA” moment in 2010—but the Fennec Foxes have one of the richest, most political football histories on the planet. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how the game arrived under French occupation in the late 1800s, how European settler clubs gave way to Algerian-run teams that doubled as hubs of cultural and anti-colonial resistance, and how the FLN’s exile team turned football into a weapon for independence. We relive the golden 1980s, the infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” in 1982 that forced FIFA to change its group-stage rules, and the 2014 run to the knockouts where Algeria took eventual champions Germany to extra time. From there we jump to a modern era defined by a massive diaspora talent pool and a new qualifying campaign where Vladimir Petković’s tactically flexible side—built around Riyad Mahrez, Baghdad Bounedjah, Aïssa Mandi and rising star Rayan Aït-Nouri—cruised through their group and now aims to turn continental pedigree into World Cup wins. Along the way, we spotlight Rabah Madjer’s backheel in the 1987 European Cup final, USM Alger’s recent continental success, and the way Algerian football continues to mirror the country’s broader struggles, pride, and sense of identity.

1d ago

The Dutch have perfected and even revolutionized the game—yet somehow, the Netherlands are still the greatest nation never to win a World Cup. Will 2026 finally be their time? In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down the story of the Oranje, from Pim Mulier’s first club in the 1870s through the birth of Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV, to the rise of Total Football under Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff. We relive the heartbreak of the 1974 and 1978 finals, the near-miss in 2010, the 5–1 demolition of Spain and Tim Krul shootout heroics in 2014, and the fiery “Battle of Lusail” against Argentina in 2022. On the modern side, we look at Virgil van Dijk as the calm, commanding face of the team, supported by stars like Memphis Depay, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo and a new wave of talent including Xavi Simons, Ryan Gravenberch and Jurriën Timber. We unpack Ronald Koeman’s efficient, sometimes “uninspiring” but effective 4-3-3 variations, an undefeated qualifying campaign, and a Group F draw with Japan, Tunisia, and a yet-to-be-determined European side. Plus, we celebrate Cruyff the player, coach, and icon (right down to the Cruyff turn), the sea of orange that takes over every host city, and a country with more bikes than people still chasing the one trophy that’s always just out of reach.

2d ago

Ghana is one of the World Cup’s true cult favorites: bright colors in the stands, big moments on the pitch, and a history of punching above their weight when it matters most. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the Black Stars—from the game’s arrival with European merchants and the early AFCON glory years, to their late but spectacular World Cup debut in 2006 as the youngest squad at the tournament, beating both Czechia and the United States before falling to Brazil. We relive the heartbreak of 2010 against Uruguay, when Asamoah Gyan—Ghana’s all-time leading scorer and the top African scorer in World Cup history—missed a last-minute penalty that would have made Ghana the first African semifinalist, and how that near-miss still shapes the country’s footballing psyche today.

3d ago

When you close your eyes and picture the World Cup, chances are you see Argentina—the blue and white shirts, Maradona’s bouncing curls, Messi’s smile with the trophy in his hands. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into La Albiceleste: three-time champions, ever-present contenders, and the emotional heartbeat of the sport. We trace how immigrants and British (especially Scottish) workers helped build Argentina’s game in the late 1800s, from the founding of one of the world’s oldest leagues to the birth of La Nuestra —a style defined by skill, flair, and a little viveza criolla street cunning. From there, we walk through Argentina’s World Cup story: the first-ever final in 1930, hosting glory in 1978, Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” in 1986, the heartbreaks of 1990 and 2014, and Messi’s long, winding quest that finally ended with immortality in Qatar 2022. We then fast-forward to the road to 2026, where Lionel Scaloni’s balanced, hard-working side cruised through qualifying and now faces a looming handoff to a new generation. With Julián Álvarez stepping into superstardom, Alejandro Garnacho on the rise, and teenage phenomenon Franco Mastantuono already breaking records at River Plate and Real Madrid, we explore what Argentina’s “post-Messi” era might look like. Along the way, we hit Superclásico lore, cult heroes like Riquelme and El Trinche Carlovich, and the way fútbol, tango, politics, and daily life all blur together in one of the world’s most passionate football cultures.

4d ago

In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass celebrates the return of a nation that helped invent modern football, exported the passing game around the globe, and produced managerial legends from Bill Shankly to Sir Alex Ferguson. We walk through Scotland’s long, chaotic history: the first ever international match in 1872, early World Cups, and two decades of “glorious failure” where qualification heartbreak became a national art form. Then we land in the present, where Steve Clarke has led Scotland to back-to-back Euros and now a long-awaited World Cup via a wild 4–2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park—complete with a Scott McTominay bicycle kick some are already calling the greatest Scottish goal ever. With Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, and a new wave featuring winger Ben Doak, Scotland arrive as more than just a cult favorite. Add in the Tartan Army, one of football’s great traveling fan bases, and North America is about to learn exactly why “No Scotland, No Party” rings so true.

5d ago

Australian football has always been defined by a “never say die” mentality—and the 2026 Socceroos will need every bit of it. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how a sport brought by British immigrants in the late 1800s became a lifeline for migrant communities, producing ethnic clubs, a unique football culture, and eventually a national team known for its grit. We revisit the golden generation of 2006—from the epic, drought-breaking playoff win over Uruguay and Mark Schwarzer’s penalty heroics to Tim Cahill’s historic World Cup goals—and follow Australia’s move from Oceania to the Asian confederation, an Asian Cup title on home soil, and six straight World Cup qualifications. With former 2006 legend Tony Popovic now in charge, the Socceroos play a high-intensity pressing style, lean on veterans like Mathew Ryan and Milos Degenek (interviewed in this episode) and pin big hopes on rising stars Alessandro Circati and Nestory Irankunda as they head into a brutal group with the United States, Paraguay, and a European wildcard. Along the way, we celebrate Aussie legends like Cahill, the sacrifices that got him to Europe, and even learn why Australia somehow has more camels than Egypt.

6d ago

Small but mighty, Croatia are the ultimate World Cup overachievers. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of a national team less than three decades old that’s already reached three semifinals and one final—an absurd record for a country of under four million people. We trace how Croatian football grew out of the Yugoslav era, from Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb’s “Eternal Derby” and the legendary Torcida fan culture to independence, a brand-new domestic league, and a meteoric rise from 125th in the FIFA rankings to a third-place finish at France ’98. From there, we relive the 2018 and 2022 runs powered by Luka Modrić’s genius, Zlatko Dalić’s pragmatic, players-first leadership, and a second “golden generation” that just refused to die, grinding through extra time and penalty shootouts on the biggest stage. We dig into Croatia’s youth development miracle—why they “only had one Modrić” and had to protect every fragile talent—highlighting rising center back Luka Vušković as the next big thing. Along the way, we hit Slaven Bilić’s outsized influence, the infamous Dinamo–Red Star riot that helped spark the independence struggle, and even the Croatian claim to inventing the necktie. With an aging core, a brutal group, and a country that expects deep runs now, this might be the last stand for one of the great modern World Cup stories.

Dec 14

Belgium’s golden generation has come and gone, but the Red Devils still go as Kevin De Bruyne goes. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass looks at how a reshaped Belgium is trying to move past the dysfunction and disappointment of 2022 and write a new story in North America. We track the rise from early Olympic success to the first golden age of the 1980s, then the star-studded 2014–2018 era that peaked with a third-place finish in Russia and four straight years as the No. 1 team in the world—before it all fell apart in Qatar. From Roberto Martínez’s messy exit and a fractured locker room to an unbeaten 2026 qualifying run under new manager Rudi Garcia, we break down how a leaner, less starry squad is being rebuilt around organization, transitions, and the still-brilliant De Bruyne. We spotlight winger Malick Fofana as the next big attacking threat, revisit Belgium’s comic-book culture from Tintin to the Smurfs, and ask whether a team freed from “golden generation” expectations might finally play its best football on the biggest stage.

Dec 13

Is Football Coming Home? For England, every major tournament starts with that exact question. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into the story of the Three Lions as they head into 2026 under new manager Thomas Tuchel, fresh off a flawless qualifying campaign with 22 goals scored and none conceded. We trace England’s role as the birthplace of modern football, the rise of the Premier League juggernaut, and a national team history defined as much by heartbreak—penalty shootouts, near-misses, and agonizing finals—as by its lone triumph of 1966. Along the way we relive Geoff Hurst’s legendary hat trick at Wembley, revisit the dark days of hooliganism and stadium disasters that reshaped the game, and break down Tuchel’s tactically flexible, front-foot system built around Harry Kane and a golden generation of young stars like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Declan Rice, and rising midfielder Elliot Anderson. With a football-obsessed nation behind them and expectations set at “deep knockout run or bust,” this is England’s latest attempt to finally turn potential into a second star.

Dec 12

For generations, the World Cup script was simple: 22 players chase a ball for 90 minutes and, somehow, Germany end up in the semifinal. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how Die Mannschaft became the sport’s ultimate tournament machine. With four World Cup titles, four runner-up finishes, and 13 semifinal runs, before stumbling out in the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. We revisit the Miracle of Bern in 1954, the politically charged 1974 win as hosts, reunified glory in 1990, and the ruthless 7–1 demolition of Brazil in 2014 that still haunts an entire country. From Nazi-era erasures to today’s Julius-Hirsch-Preis, we also look at how Germany reckons with its past through football. Fast-forward to Julian Nagelsmann’s high-pressing, tactically flexible side, fresh off a promising Euro 2024 on home soil but still searching for consistency against Europe’s elite. With veterans like Joshua Kimmich joined by rising stars Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and breakout Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade, Germany arrive in 2026 as dangerous “non-favorites”—which might be the most frightening version of them yet.

Dec 12

South Korea doesn’t just show up at World Cups. They live there. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass looks at the Taeguk Warriors’ 11th straight appearance on the world stage and what could be the last dance for beloved superstar Son Heung-min. We relive the fairy-tale of 2002: co-hosting with Japan, Guus Hiddink’s revolutionary methods, a golden run through Italy and Spain, and the explosion of the Red Devils fan culture that helped launch the Korean Wave worldwide. From the Royal Navy’s first kickabouts in the 1880s to the modern K League’s record attendances, we chart how football became part of South Korea’s national story. Then we break down a turbulent recent era—Jurgen Klinsmann’s short, chaotic tenure, an Asian Cup meltdown, and the return of legend Hong Myung-bo—plus a stacked core featuring Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan, and teenage star-in-waiting Yang Min-Hyeok. It’s a deep dive into a team stuck between group-stage frustration and quarterfinal ambition, trying to write one more magical chapter for Sonny.

Dec 12

The World Cup has a new debutant: Jordan’s Al-Nashama, “the chivalrous ones,” finally stepping onto the biggest stage. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass unpacks how a country better known for Petra and the Jordan River quietly built a serious football culture, from British-introduced games in the 1920s and early regional success to near-misses like the 2014 playoff defeat to Uruguay. We revisit the rise of domestic giants Al-Faisaly and Al-Wehdat and how their fierce rivalry reflects deeper questions of identity and community. Then we follow Jordan’s breakthrough run: an Asian Cup final in 2023, a nervy coaching change, and a third-round qualifying campaign where a disciplined defense and clutch wins over Oman and Iraq edged them into 2026 just behind South Korea. Up front, poacher Ali Olwan headlines a growing group of overseas-based players ready to shock bigger names. For a nation with no prior World Cup history, this feels like the start of something much bigger than one tournament.

Dec 12

Tunisia are about to play their seventh World Cup—more than almost any African nation—but the Eagles of Carthage still feel oddly overlooked. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass explores how football grew under French occupation, how early Tunisian-only clubs became hubs of resistance, and how a strong domestic league laid the foundation for one of Africa’s most consistent performers. We revisit historic milestones: the first ever World Cup win by an African team in 1978, the long group-stage curse, and the cathartic 2022 victory over France that still wasn’t enough to escape their group. From there we break down a flawless 2026 qualifying campaign in which Tunisia became the first team ever to reach the World Cup without conceding a goal, powered by a blend of homegrown talent and dual nationals inspired by Morocco’s model. Under Sami Trabelsi’s organized 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, goals and responsibilities are shared, with fiery midfielder Hannibal Mejbri embodying the next generation’s energy. This is Tunisia’s bid to turn quiet consistency into a genuine knockout-round breakthrough.

Dec 12

To find Cape Verde on a map, you have to keep zooming in. This is what the football world has had to do to understand: how the tiny Atlantic archipelago became a World Cup nation. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces the Blue Sharks’ rise from post-independence minnows to AFCON regulars and, finally, first-time World Cup qualifiers. We explore how a country of just over half a million people used its vast diaspora—stretching from Portugal and Rotterdam to New England and Ireland—to build a competitive squad, recruiting players on LinkedIn and in lower European leagues while investing in new training facilities with FIFA funding. Manager Bubista’s insistence that Cape Verdean Creole be the “official language” of the team has forged a strong shared identity, even as dual nationals flood in. We revisit 2013 and 2023 AFCON upsets, the dramatic qualifying win over Eswatini, and spotlight forward Dailon Livramento, whose goals clinched their ticket. From half-day national holidays to parties in Brockton and Lisbon, this is the story of the smallest World Cup nation punching far above its weight.

Dec 12

No team at this World Cup carries a heavier off-field burden, or a purer sense of joy, than Haiti. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the Grenadiers’ impossible run from a country in deep political and humanitarian crisis, where the national team hasn’t played a home game since 2021 and even the coach has never set foot in Haiti during qualifying. We go back to 1974 and Emmanuel Sanon’s iconic goal that ended Dino Zoff’s record shutout streak, then fast-forward through earthquake-era heartbreak, Gold Cup parties, and a qualifying campaign where every “home” game was on neutral soil. With insight from defender Duke LaCroix, we relive the final matchday miracle that saw Haiti top their group, huddled around a phone waiting on other results, and meet the new heroes: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Frantzdy Pierrot, and rising wingers Rúben Providence and Don Deedson Louicius. It’s a story of exile, diaspora, and a national team that keeps finding ways to dance in the dark.

Dec 12

Some national teams have flair; Paraguay has garra guaraní: Guaraní grit. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into how La Albirroja’s identity was forged in the fires of the War of the Triple Alliance and lives on today in a team built on resilience, defensive steel, and a refusal to go quietly. From William Paats bringing a ball back from Buenos Aires and founding Club Olimpia, to quarterfinal glory at the 2010 World Cup and a Copa América final reached without a single win in regulation, Paraguay’s story is one long lesson in survival. If you want to understand why Paraguay’s stadium is called Defensores del Chaco—and why no lead is safe against them—this episode is your guide.

Dec 8

Kickback 26 is your front-row seat to the 2026 World Cup. Hosted by David Gass, Claudia Pagan, Heath Pearce, and Eric Krakauer, this podcast breaks down every World Cup group with a mix of tactical insight, big-picture context, and a healthy dose of banter. From host-nation pressure on Mexico, Canada and USA to dark horses, “groups of chaos,” and which third-place teams might sneak through, the Committee walks you through the tournament one group at a time—making sense of the draw, matchups, and storylines that will define 2026.In this section, the team reacts to the World Cup draw and goes group by group, giving their analysis, predictions, and must-watch fixtures. Expect debates over Mexico’s ceiling as a co-host, South Africa’s resurgence, how dangerous Korea can be, what Switzerland and Italy really are at this stage, and which UEFA playoff nations could flip a group on its head. If you want smart, funny, and deeply informed World Cup talk that actually helps you understand what’s coming in 2026, this is where you start. Listen to our World Cup Capsule Podcasts and follow us on First Touch: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm 01:35 - Group A 12:01 - Group B 18:59 - Group C 27:12 - Group D 35:07 - Group E 39:35 - Group F 43:00 - Group G 46:37 - Group H 48:58 - Group I 52:02 - Group J 56:01 - Group K 59:22 - Group L

Dec 8

Spain has only lifted the World Cup once, but La Roja seem omnipresent in every tournament conversation—and 2026 will be no different. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces the arc from Spain’s 19th-century football origins and Civil War-era politics, through decades of underachievement, to the tiki-taka golden age that produced Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012 in one breathtaking four-year span. We break down what made that generation special, why things dipped from 2014 to 2022, and how a new wave has restored Spain’s status with a Euro 2024 title under Luis de la Fuente. At the center of it all is 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal—a Rocafonda kid turned Ballon d’Or contender—who has already become the creative heartbeat for both Barcelona and Spain. With an embarrassment of midfield and attacking talent, a refreshed tactical identity, and a habit of peaking in tournament play, Spain head to North America looking for their second star.

Dec 8

They shocked the world by toppling Messi’s Argentina in 2022; now Saudi Arabia is trying to prove that was no one-off. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the Green Falcons—from the early days of English sailors kicking a ball around the Gulf, through Asian Cup dominance and a magical 1994 run in the United States, to years of stop-start progress on the global stage. We break down the seismic 2–1 win over Argentina in Qatar, the national holiday that followed, and how that moment supercharged Saudi ambitions on and off the pitch. With Herve Renard back in charge, a high-pressing, physically demanding 4-2-3-1, and a squad drawn almost entirely from an increasingly star-studded Saudi Pro League, the Falcons head into 2026 as fascinating dark horses. Keep an eye on creative midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr, the league’s young player of the season, as the country builds momentum toward hosting the World Cup in 2034.

Dec 8

Egypt helped invent African football greatness, but the World Cup has never quite gone their way. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass charts the Pharaohs’ journey from early Olympic pioneers and 1934 World Cup trailblazers to record seven-time AFCON champions. We revisit the Cairo derbies between Al Ahly and Zamalek, the ultras who helped power the Arab Spring, and the tragic stadium disasters that shut the league down—twice. Then we fast-forward to a 2026 qualifying run where Egypt cruised through thanks to a renewed, younger squad under Hossam Hassan, who has built a balanced side around global superstar Mohamed Salah and rising Premier League forward Omar Marmoush. With a refreshed core, real attacking firepower, and a deeper supporting cast than in 2018, Egypt arrives in North America looking less like a one-man show and more like a true tournament threat.

Dec 7

It’s hard to find a place where politics and football are more tightly intertwined than Iran. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces how Team Melli has become a symbol of both state power and public resistance—from the 1998 “game of peace” win over the United States, to the emotionally charged 2022 rematch played amid the Mahsa Amini protests and reports of pressure from the regime. We walk through Iran’s rise as a three-time Asian Cup champion, the disruption of the revolution and Iran–Iraq war, and their modern identity as a defensively solid, hard-to-beat side under Amir Ghalenoei, whose record is among the best in international football. With a strong domestic league, a huge diaspora talent pool, emerging attacking threats like Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, and legends like Ali Daei looming in the background, this feels like Iran’s best chance yet to finally break the World Cup group-stage ceiling—if off-field politics don’t get in the way.

Dec 7

Once home to the “Wunderteam” and the legendary Matthias Sindelar, Austria’s greatest football tales used to live in black and white. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass connects that glorious past: 1930s brilliance, a 1954 semifinal run, and the “Miracle of Córdoba” win over West Germany, to a modern side finally returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. We explore how Ralf Rangnick, the godfather of gegenpressing and long-time Red Bull architect, has transformed Das Team into a high-energy, front-foot pressing machine that routinely punches above its weight in Europe. With veteran stars David Alaba and Marko Arnautović still central, a growing supporting cast from top clubs, and midfield engine Nicolas Seiwald embodying Austria’s relentless style, this is a team nobody will enjoy facing in North America. The days of Austrian football being just a historical curiosity are over.

Dec 7

For many fans, Ivory Coast will always be the land of Drogba, the Touré brothers, and a golden generation that helped pause a civil war and made the Elephants a global cult favorite. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass revisits that era and then shifts to the present, where Côte d’Ivoire enter 2026 as defending African champions and one of the continent’s most exciting teams. We track their evolution from early AFCON contenders to three-time champions, including two epic penalty-shootout wins over Ghana, then relive their improbable AFCON 2024 triumph on home soil. Qualifying for 2026 without conceding a single goal, Ivory Coast now blends stars from Europe’s biggest leagues with a strong domestic pipeline and dual-national pickups, with Amad Diallo and Franck Kessié leading the new wave. After missing the last two World Cups, the Elephants are back—and anything less than the knockout rounds will feel like a disappointment.

Dec 7

Panama’s World Cup history is short and brutal: one appearance, three losses, and a 32nd-place finish in 2018. But that’s only half the story. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass digs into how a baseball country slowly built a football identity. Gary Stempel, who helped launch a generation, to steady growth in the Gold Cup, Nations League, and a spirited 2024 Copa América run. We revisit the night Roman Torres scored in the 87th minute to send Panama to their first World Cup (and the U.S. crashing out), plus Felipe Baloy’s historic goal in Russia. Then we fast-forward to a 2026 qualifying campaign where Thomas Christiansen’s organized, “stubborn” side leaned on structure, defensive grit, and sharp transitions to get back to the big stage. With a veteran core, CONCACAF-hardened experience, and midfield heartbeat Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla now starring in Liga MX, Los Canaleros arrive in a familiar time zone with unfinished business.

Dec 7

No country is more polarizing in modern football than Qatar. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass examines how a tiny, oil-rich Gulf state went from football afterthought to one of the game’s most influential players—from the creation of Aspire Academy and an aggressive naturalization strategy, to ownership stakes in European clubs and the era-defining takeover of PSG. We revisit the controversies and human-rights questions surrounding the 2022 World Cup on home soil, where the Maroons crashed out with three losses, and then follow their first-ever earned qualification for 2026, complete with shaky results and a “neutral” playoff hosted in Doha. It’s a deep dive into how money, development, and identity collide when a nation tries to buy—not just host—its place at football’s top table.

Dec 3

For most countries, just qualifying for the World Cup is a dream. For France, it’s World Cup trophy or failure. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into the story of Les Bleus: a global powerhouse with two World Cups, two Euros, and a conveyor belt of stars that runs from Just Fontaine and Michel Platini to Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé. We trace France’s boom-or-bust history, from the magic of 1998 and Euro 2000 to their shocking 2002 group-stage exit, the chaos and player revolt of 2010, and their return to dominance under Didier Deschamps, capped with the 2018 title and an all-time classic final in 2022. Along the way, we explore Clairefontaine and the academy system that keeps producing world-class talent and why Mbappé’s prime years might make 2026 a “final or bust” for one of the deepest squads on the planet. We wrap with superstition, street football, and the tiny details that make France brilliant.

Dec 2

No national team on earth has built their modern football project quite like Japan. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down how the Samurai Blue went from late arrivals on the global stage to qualifying for eight straight World Cups, and becoming the first team to punch their ticket to 2026. We go back to the sport’s arrival in the 19th century, the influence of the manga Captain Tsubasa , the launch of the fully professional J.League in 1993, and the transformative impact of co-hosting the 2002 World Cup. Japan arrives in North America as Asia’s most methodically built powerhouse. Add in King Kazu’s legend, fans who clean the stadium after matches, and food facts ranging from KFC Christmas to polite noodle-slurping, and you’ve got one of the most unique football cultures at this World Cup.

Dec 2

Step into Senegal and you immediately feel teranga: the Wolof concept of warmth, welcome, and generosity and nowhere is that spirit more alive than with the Lions of Teranga. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass traces Senegal’s journey from a quiet post-independence footballing nation to global darlings after their legendary upset of France in 2002, and on through the heartbreak of the 2018 fair play tiebreaker and their 2021 AFCON triumph. We unpack Sadio Mané’s rise from humble beginnings to Global icon, the legacy of beloved coach Aliou Cissé, the political drama around his departure, and the new era under Pape Thiaw. They are tactics, history, and pure emotion—an inside look at a golden generation trying to turn continental dominance into their deepest World Cup run.

Dec 2

The tiny island nation at the edge of the world, New Zealand is famous for the All Blacks, the second most dominant team in rugby history. But in 2026, it’s the All Whites chasing history. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass charts how a rugby-mad country with an almost entirely amateur domestic soccer setup keeps punching above its weight, from early tours in the 1900s to gritty World Cup appearances in 1982 and 2010 where they finished as the only unbeaten team in the tournament... We walk through Oceania dominance, years of intercontinental playoff heartbreak, and what changes now that the OFC finally has a direct World Cup slot. Highlighting record goal scorer Chris Wood, rising talent Luke Brooke-Smith, and the underdog mindset that produced iconic results like the 1–1 draw with defending champions Italy and their women’s historic win over Norway in 2023. It’s a love letter to a football to in a rugby state.

Dec 2

For decades, Ecuadorian football has wrestled with belief, from being late to the World Cup party, short on trophies, but always rich in passion. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass explores how "La Tri" have quietly built one of South America’s most intriguing sides, going from perennial outsiders to finishing near the top of a brutal CONMEBOL qualifying, even after starting with a points deduction. We dive into Ecuador’s defensive identity, their fortress-like home form, and Sebastián Beccacece’s tactical vision, built on compact defending and ruthless transitions. Along the way we revisit the heartbreak of 2022’s narrow exit to Senegal, celebrate icons like Enner Valencia and Moisés Caicedo, and spotlight the next wave of stars. With a vibrant domestic scene, fierce rivalries, and a “Yellow Wall” of supporters who reshape the country’s daily rhythm on matchdays, this is the story of a nation on the verge of turning consistent qualification into a '26 knockout-round success.

Dec 2

Once a Soviet republic and Silk Road crossroads, Uzbekistan has become one of world football’s most fascinating late bloomers. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass tells the story of the White Wolves: a team long haunted by near-misses and bizarre heartbreaks, like a World Cup qualifier that had to be annulled and replayed, a spot in Brazil 2014 lost by a single goal and a marathon penalty shootout. We track how deliberate investment in academies, facilities, and youth projects has transformed Uzbekistan into the “Asian Italy,” a defensively ruthless, hard-to-break side that finally punched its ticket to 2026 with a calm, controlled qualifying campaign. Spotlighting national icon, turned coach, Timur Kapadze and the surprise arrival of World Cup winning Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro. Along with that rising stars like Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, captain Eldor Shomurodov, and live-wire Abbosbek Fayzullaev. Layered over it all is a deeper history: from Soviet-era greats to the Pakhtakor air disaster that wiped out a generation. Is Uzbekistan one of the tournament’s most compelling underdog stories?

Dec 2

The world is coming to Toronto and Vancouver, and Canada is determined to prove they are a soccer nation, not just a hockey one. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass unpacks how a country with one of the oldest football histories outside the UK went from years of false starts, failed leagues, and an infamous 8–1 loss in Honduras to a genuine golden generation hosting a home World Cup. We follow Alphonso Davies’ remarkable journey from refugee camp to Bayern Munich star and face of the program, then round out the core with Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Cyle Larin and more. We trace Canada’s club landscape from NASL cult teams to MLS success stories and the rise of the Canadian Premier League, and we revisit the highs and lows from a tough 2022 World Cup debut to a statement semifinal run at the 2024 Copa América under Jesse Marsch. With host city tips, cultural flavor, and a realistic look at expectations, this episode captures a country on the cusp of turning home-field energy into a deep tournament run.

Dec 2

Curaçao: beaches, blue water… and the biggest underdog story of the 2026 World Cup. In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass dives into how the “Blue Wave” became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, from their origins as part of the Netherlands Antilles to a dream qualifying run that went down to a VAR-reviewed penalty in Jamaica. We break down Dick Advocaat’s impact, the Dutch-based diaspora that powers the squad, the rise of young winger Sontje Hansen, and the wild celebrations back on the island. Come for the tactics and history, stay for the culture, language, and vibes that make Curaçao one of the most romantic stories of this World Cup.