Bosnia and Herzegovina returns to the World Cup with one of international soccer’s most emotional national team stories. We explore the country’s complex football history, the memories of Bosnia’s first World Cup appearance in 2014, and the dramatic road back to the global stage fueled by one of soccer’s most passionate fanbases, Bosnian icon Edin Džeko, and a new generation featuring Esmir Bajraktarević.

Sweden returns to the World Cup with a history bigger than many realize and a new generation trying to add to it. We break down the Blue and Yellow’s controversial road to 2026, Graham Potter’s influence, Lukas Bergvall’s emergence, and the enduring impact of Zlatan Ibrahimović on Swedish football.

World Cup roster season is here, bringing dream call-ups and heartbreaking omissions for players around the globe. Susannah Fuller discusses some of the notable snubs ahead of 2026 and the most memorable roster announcement videos so far. Then David Gass dives into the difficult reality of missing out on soccer’s biggest stage as former U.S. international and current LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney shares his own experience of falling short of a World Cup roster.

0:00 World Cup roster drama & biggest snubs

3:09 The best World Cup roster reveal videos

6:04 The heartbreak of missing out

17:38 Roberto Lopez’s Cape Verde send-off

Susannah Fuller is joined by Stadio’s Musa Okwonga for a conversation about DR Congo’s return to the World Cup after more than 50 years away. Together, they discuss the country’s history and identity through soccer, the emotion surrounding the Leopards and their supporters, and the mix of experienced and emerging players hoping to make an impact in 2026.

On this episode of First Touch Dispatch, we dive into roster announcements, players getting political and a deep look into the mass amount of injuries heading into this World Cup. All that and more on this edition of First Touch Dispatch.

0:37 DR Congo

1:12 Roster Announcements

4:20 Mbappe Gets Political

6:07 Climate Concerns

7:58 A Closer Look: Overuse and Injuries

12:14 One for the Road: Messi vs. La Familia

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.