About this episode

Susannah Fuller and David Gass discuss World Cup expectations, rosters, and favorites as the tournament approaches.

Susannah Fuller and David Gass break down the expanded World Cup format, the pressure facing some of the tournament favorites, and the teams generating the most intrigue heading into the summer. From the USMNT roster reveal and Jesse Marsch’s new Canada deal to France’s loaded squad, Brazil’s expectations under Carlo Ancelotti, Colombia’s top-heavy roster, and the group stage matches they can’t wait to watch, there’s no shortage of storylines as the countdown to the World Cup continues. 0:00 Scott McTominay, Jesse Marsch & USMNT Roster News 9:41 The Expanded World Cup Effect 13:27 France Looks Loaded, Colombia’s Top-Heavy Squad 18:02 Biggest World Cup Snubs 20:30 Teams Under Pressure & Crash Outs 25:15 Must-Watch Group Stage Matches

People in this episode

Hosts: Susannah Fuller, David Gass

Topics covered

• World Cup
• soccer rosters
• tournament favorites
• team expectations
• group stage matches
• USMNT
• expanded World Cup format

Keywords

• World Cup
• soccer
• USMNT
• France
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Jesse Marsch
• group stage
• tournament favorites

Sponsors

Soccer.com

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USMNT, France, Brazil, Colombia

More episodes of Kickback '26

• World Cup Storylines We Can't Wait to Watch - Ep. 16 First Touch Weekly Presented by Soccer.com · June 4, 2026 · 34 min
• First Touch Dispatch Presented by Soccer.com | Ep. 5 · June 3, 2026 · 14 min
• First Touch Dispatch Presented by Soccer.com | Ep. 4 · May 27, 2026 · 13 min
• First Touch '26 - Bosnia and Herzegovina · May 23, 2026 · 14 min
• First Touch ’26 - Sweden · May 22, 2026 · 13 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Kickback '26 podcast page.