First Touch | World Soccer

Soccer’s Greatest Curses: Benfica to South Korea

When results defy explanation, fans look for something to blame, and Benfica have had Béla Guttmann’s parting words since he left after back-to-back European Cups. Susannah Fuller finds the same instinct in a shirt number for Manchester United, under Racing Club’s pitch and in South Korea’s fake gold medals. Are the results preordained, or just coincidence?

 0:00 Benfica Heartbreak and a Spooky Intro 0:43 Headlines: Derbies, Milner, West Ham 3:15 Guttmann’s 100-Year Curse 8:51 Man United’s No. 7: Jinxed? 10:56 Racing Club, a Witch and Seven Cats 17:22 South Korea’s Knockoff Medals First Touch is your home for the global game. Keep up-to-date on the latest news or deep dive into the stories that make soccer special across the world. Listen and follow everywhere: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a rating or review. It helps more fans find the show.

Arsenal End 14-Year Anfield Wait | First Touch Dispatch

Kai Havertz and Arsenal visit Liverpool with the top spot in the Premier League at stake. CD Tenerife mourn striker Jesus de Miguel. Plus, the La Liga title race and AC Milan vs. Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. 0:00 Headlines: Arsenal, Milan and ten Hag 0:30 Tragedy Strikes Tenerife 1:16 Spain’s Big Three All Keep Pace 2:18 Arsenal Win at Anfield 3:40 Milan Beat Inter, Rivals’ $700M+ Deal 5:20 Bayern-Dortmund Der Klassiker Stalemate 6:55 Manchester United’s Roma Test 8:40 Erik ten Hag Takes Aim at Ronaldo Again 9:45 One for the Road: MLS Record in Sight First Touch is your home for the global game. Keep up-to-date on the latest news or deep dive into the stories that make soccer special across the world. Watch, listen and follow everywhere: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm Subscribe on YouTube and comment, or follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a rating or review. It helps more fans find the show.

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Nottingham Forest: Best Days or Worst? | First Touch Weekly

How did Brian Clough turn Nottingham Forest, 13th in the second division when he arrived in January 1975, into two-time European Champions in five years? Susannah Fuller opens our Forgotten Giants series with a how a club one of its own committee members called the last progressive in the country reached the 1980 final against Kevin Keegan’s Hamburg, and why it didn’t last. As the game becomes an elite, data-driven, money-hungry machine, could a story like theirs ever happen again? 0:00 Nottingham Forest: Forgotten Giants 0:37 Ballon d’Or, Manchester, El Clásico 3:54 Brian Clough Was Told He’d Fail 9:55 European Nights: Malmö and Hamburg 13:03 Decline, Then Evangelos Marinakis 16:16 Forest’s Legacy and Modern Football First Touch is your home for the global game. Keep up-to-date on the latest news or deep dive into the stories that make soccer special across the world. Watch, listen and follow everywhere: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm Subscribe on YouTube and comment, or follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a rating or review. It helps more fans find the show.

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Harry Kane Wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or | First Touch Dispatch

Harry Kane ends England’s 25-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner, and Alexia Putellas takes her third. Plus, José Mourinho’s return to Camp Nou for the first El Clásico of the season, Kylian Mbappé’s backlash in China, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany’s recovery, the Copa Libertadores final, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund’s new Fan Mode. 0:00 Intro 0:35 2026 Ballon d’Or Winners 3:02 El Clásico: Mourinho’s Return 5:22 Mbappé in Hot Water in China 6:48 Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahçe Derby 9:49 Kompany Update Ahead of Der Klassiker 10:35 Copa Libertadores Final Is Set 12:30 A Closer Look: Can Carrick Save His Job? 15:41 One for the Road: BVB Fan Mode The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

Why Jen Beattie Speaks Up About Breast Cancer | Open Mic

Jen Beattie was diagnosed with breast cancer on a Thursday and scored for Arsenal that weekend. She and host Susannah Fuller, both survivors, talk about how little she knew going in, early detection, and what she would tell someone newly diagnosed. Beattie, a former Scotland international and now CBS analyst, remembers being diagnosed alone in Covid, then the lumpectomy and radio therapy that followed. Between two women in a club neither chose to join, the talks turns to whether the survivor label firsts and whether the fear around follow-up scans ever fades. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and early detection is the message both women come back to. Jen partners with Breast Cancer now and Novartis UK on self-checks and getting to know your body, and you can find them on Instagram. Breast Cancer Now: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancernow/ Novartis UK: https://www.instagram.com/novartisuk/ 0:00 Jen Beattie and the Survivor Label 6:31 Diagnosis at Arsenal During COVID 11:49 What Surprised Jen About Breast Cancer? 14:19 Self-Checks and Why She Speaks Up 16:41 Her Team Hears the News and Shows Up 19:36 Finding Joy During Treatment 23:29 Guilt and Avoidance With Loved Ones 25:59 Therapy for Spiraling Thoughts 31:14 How Much Football Did She Miss? 33:17 Scanxiety and Trusting Your Body Again 40:00 Life After Cancer 44:25 From Playing to Broadcasting at CBS 47:31 Advice for Someone Facing Breast Cancer 49:38 Early Detection and Her Partnerships First Touch is your home for the global game. Keep up-to-date on the latest news or deep dive into the stories that make soccer special across the world. Watch, listen and follow everywhere: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm Subscribe on YouTube and comment, or follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a rating or review. It helps more fans find the show.

Man City to Wagatha: Biggest Scandals | First Touch Weekly

Musa Okwonga of the Stadio podcast joins Susannah Fuller to dig into football’s most notorious scandals and the people behind them. The discussion examines Manchester City’s financial charges, Juventus’ fall from grace after Calciopoli, and why the teams with the talent to win can still feel compelled to cheat. But when a club’s success becomes tied to scandal, what happens to everything it has achieved? 0:00 Manchester City Charges Lead the Week’s Headlines 4:18 Why We Love a Football Scandal 7:27 Will City’s Charges Tarnish the Club’s Legacy? 16:30 Calciopoli Stains the Juventus Aura 22:06 Marseille 1993: The Cost of a European Crown 25:43 Gijón 1982 Brings World Cup Injustice for Algeria 29:10 Wagatha Christie - Rooney Traps Vardy For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

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Ronaldo Fined, Man City Penalties | First Touch Dispatch

Cristiano Ronaldo is fined after his Portugal walkout, while Manchester City faces reports of potential points deductions. Plus, Ligue 1’s five-way title race, Serie A’s unbeaten contenders, Barcelona Femení’s streak ends, and our PSG vs. Barcelona Champions League preview. 0:00 Intro 0:35 Ronaldo Fined After Portugal Walkout 1:23 Manchester City Faces Reported Deductions 2:32 Premier League: Brighton Rises, United Struggles 4:20 Serie A’s Four Unbeaten Teams 7:14 Ligue 1’s Five-Way Title Race 09:48 Barcelona Femení’s Unbeaten Run Ends 10:57 Champions League: PSG vs. Barcelona 12:07 One for the Road: Americans Abroad The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Weekly | José Mourinho: The Special One’s Return to Madrid

José Mourinho is back at Real Madrid, but his career has become as much about dramatic departures as trophy-winning success. We trace his rise through Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan, Premier League titles with Chelsea, and the controversies that followed him as some of Europe’s biggest clubs. 0:00 Intro 0:41 Headlines: Ronaldo, Michelle Kang & Manchester City 3:26 José Mourinho: Champion or Villain? 5:45 The Making of Mourinho 7:19 Building a Winning Legacy Across Europe 10:40 Real Madrid Fallout 14:05 A Revolving Door of Clubs 18:43 Second Chance in Madrid The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Distpatch | Copa America 2028, Everton for Sale & Real Betis’ La Liga Rise

Could the United States host an expanded Copa America in 2028? From major developments in European football to South Melbourne’s historic Australia Cup triumph, this week’s show covers the stories making headlines across the global game. Plus, why Real Betis are emerging as one of La Liga’s early-season surprises. 0:00 Show Rundown 0:37 Copa America 2028: U.S. Host? 2:25 UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin’s Next Term 4:00 Everton Up for Sale 5:19 Clarece Seedorf to Corinthians 6:20 South Melbourne’s Australian Cup Victory 9:29 Champions League Preview: Biggest Matchups 10:45 A Closer Look: Real Betis in La Liga 13:56 One for the Road: Man City’s Inflatable Bananas The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Weekly | Can Rafa Márquez Succeed With Mexico?

Rafa Márquez is a Mexican football legend, but what makes him suited for the sidelines? Dax McCarty, who played alongside Márquez in MLS, joins host Susannah Fuller to explore Márquez’s unique qualities, his connection to Mexico, and the challenges he faces as the new manager of the Mexican National Team. 0:00 Intro 1:05 Headlines: Turkey Betting Scandal, ASEAN Cup & Saudi Stadium 5:10 From Atlas to New York 8:40 His Legacy With Mexico 9:45 Rafa the Coach 12:59 The Pressure Cooker of Mexico The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Dispatch | Messi’s Farewell, Klopp’s Germany & USMNT’s Youngest Scorers

On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, the international futures of three legends, the beginning of a new era in Germany under Jurgen Klopp and a new generation of USMNT players. Plus, the latest on Manchester City and a proposed shake-up in Asian football. 0:00 Intro 0:33 The Latest on Manchester City 2:32 Dzeko, Messi & Ronaldo’s International Futures 6:41 AFC Nations League Restructure 8:49 Stella Artois Champions League Update 9:53 A Closer Look: Klopp’s Germany 13:40 One for the Road: USMNT’s Youngest Goal Scorers The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Weekly | Italy’s Football Hall of Fame

Susannah Fuller is joined by CBS Sports Serie A analyst and Italian Football TV founder Marco Messina to build an Italy Football Hall of Fame. They look back at the players, matches and moments that have shaped Italian football, from the glory of the 2006 World Cup to the unforgettable teams and stories along the way. 0:00 Intro 1:43 Manchester City: What Comes Next 7:34 Welcome Marco Messina 10:05 The State of the Italian National Team 13:43 Icons: Pirlo & Baggio 19:13 Legends: Del Piero & Cannavaro 23:07 The 2006 World Cup 28:26 Italy’s Football Culture 31:27 EURO 2016 35:00 The Iconic Azzurri Kits The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Dispatch | Man City Guilty, Ronaldo Benched

Manchester City’s guilty verdict, Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising night on the bench, and Neymar’s flirtation with Flamengo headline this week’s Dispatch. Plus, Javier Aguirre takes over at Valencia, injuries hit during the international break, and Harry Kane considers an NFL kicking career. 0:00 Intro 0:36 Vozinha’s Life After the World Cup 2:47 Neymar Flirts with Flamengo 4:29 Aguirre Takes Over Valencia 6:25 Portugal Without Ronaldo 9:17 Ireland vs. Israel 11:50 International Break Injury List 13:52 A Closer Look: Man City’s Guilty Verdict 17:48 One for the Road: Harry Kane, NFL Kicker? The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Weekly | Building the Liverpool Hall of Fame with Peter McDowall

Susannah Fuller is joined by LFCTV lead presenter, commentator and LFC stadium announcer Peter McDowall to build their own Liverpool of Hall of Fame, exploring the icons, legends, moments and memories that have shaped one of the world’s most storied clubs. 0:00 Intro 1:40 The News: Christian Pulisic, Kylian Mbappé, Hull City’s chant 4:48 Introducing Peter McDowall & the Liverpool Hall of Fame 10:57 Jürgen Klopp & Ian Rush 16:21 Ian St. John & Steven Gerrard 22:31 2016 Europa League Final & 2024 Carabao Cup Final 30:36 The LFC Foundation & “You’ll Never Walk Alone” 36:28 Liverpool’s Trophy Parades & the Arrival of Klopp The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Dispatch | Madrid Derby Chaos, Harry Kane Makes History & Marseille’s Crisis

Romania introduces a black card for abusive behavior at youth matches, Harry Kane breaks a Bundesliga scoring record, and Marseille faces mounting financial trouble. Plus, the fallout from the Madrid Derby and the latest USMNT striker developments. 0:00 Intro 0:34 Romanian Football’s Black Card 3:12 Harry Kane Breaks Bundesliga Record 4:30 Marseille in Trouble 7:08 A Closer Look: Madrid Derby Chaos 13:13 One for the Road: Damion Downs for Ricardo Pepi The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Weekly | Deportivo A Coruña’s La Liga Resurgence

Deportivo A Coruña is back in Spain’s top flight and off to a flying start. Susannah Fuller looks at the club’s remarkable journey from the heights of Super Depor to the depths of Spanish football, and the supporters and unexpected star helping fuel its next chapter. 0:00 Intro 0:29 The News: Berhalter, Yamal and Champions League Finals 3:14 The Return of Deportivo 5:09 Era of Super Depor 9:50 The Fall, Return & Supporters Who Stayed 13:01 Aubameyang’s Rebirth The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Dispatch | James Rodriguez Retires, VAR Controversy & the Ballon d’Or

James Rodriguez brings his Colombia career to a close, four Americans are making their mark at Middlesbrough, and Paris FC and Como are emerging among Europe’s early-season surprises. Plus, the fallout from the Manchester Derby’s VAR controversy and a closer look at this year’s Ballon d’Or race. 0:00 Intro 0:34 James Rodriguez Retires 1:33 Americans at Middlesbrough 4:30 Paris FC Among France’s Elite 6:23 Como’s Champions League Breakthrough 8:17 Manchester Derby VAR Controversy 11:00 A Closer Look: The Ballon d’Or 15:00 One for the Road: Cavan Sullivan The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

Open Mic | Mary Harvey on Building the Women’s Game

Mary Harvey has seen the women’s game from almost every angle in her career, as a USWNT goalkeeper to FIFA leader and WPS executive. Today, she leads the Center for Sport and Human Rights, and she joins Open Mic to talk about the evolution of women’s soccer, the lessons of its past and where the game goes next. 0:00 Intro 1:26 The 1991 World Cup 4:57 Harvey’s Journey to the USWNT 7:58 How 1991 Changed Women’s Soccer 11:53 Inside the 1996 USWNT 16:25 From Player to FIFA Leader 24:11 How World Cups Drive Development 28:26 What Happened to WPS? 35:12 The Future of the Women’s Game 41:51 The Responsibility of Each USWNT Generation 44:46 Sport, Human Rights & the 2026 World Cup 57:30 Harvey’s Favorite Sporting Events Open Mic is an Soccerwise interview series that features in-depth conversations with interest soccer voices from around the world. We’ll occasionally share select episodes here on First Touch when the conversation fits. The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

First Touch Weekly | Nico Cantor Takes Us Inside South American Football

Susannah Fuller welcomes Nico Cantor to explore the culture, history and competitive spirit of South American football. from the continent’s biggest clubs and competitions to Nico’s beloved Boca Juniors. They also discuss Lionel Messi’s international retirement and what his departure means for the future of the South American game. 0:00 The Latest From Around the World 4:32 Nico Cantor Joins the Show 9:02 Inside South American Football 12:36 The Powerhouses 14:47 Rise of Brazilian Clubs 21:17 Copa Libertadores Storylines 24:25 The State of Boca Juniors 29:07 Messi’s Argentine Farewell 32:00 What’s Next in CONMEBOL? The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm

Open Mic | Kieran Gibbs on Developing the Next Generation of Soccer Players

Susannah Fuller chats with former Arsenal and England defender Kieran Gibbs to talk about his path from pro player to co-founding ONE FC, a youth soccer academy in Miami. Gibbs shares his approach to player development, how he hopes to bring his own experiences to the U.S. and where the project is now and going in the future. Plus, they discuss the 2026 World Cup and talk about Arsenal’s chance of repeating as Premier League Champions. 0:00 Intro 1:24 ONE FC Origin Story 6:03 Lessons from European Academies 8:26 The ONE FC Approach 10:59 Identifying Soccer Talent in the U.S. 14:36 Growing ONE FC 18:38 The 2026 World Cup Experience 25:26 Can Arsenal Repeat? 30:05 Where to Find Out More About ONE FC Open Mic is an Soccerwise interview series that features in-depth conversations with interest soccer voices from around the world. We’ll occasionally share select episodes here on First Touch when the conversation fits. The American home for the global game. Follow the conversation: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm