# First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Spain's Late Heroics Knock Out Belgium, Haaland, Kane & Messi Take the Stage

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kickback-26-7606085/first-touch-26-world-cup-daily-show-spain-s-late-heroics-knock-out-belgium-haaland-kane-messi-take-the-stage
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kickback-26-7606085/first-touch-26-world-cup-daily-show-spain-s-late-heroics-knock-out-belgium-haaland-kane-messi-take-the-stage.md
Podcast: [First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kickback-26-7606085)
Published: 2026-07-11T15:08:00+00:00
Episode link: https://kickbacksoccer.com/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/15ecb3cd-2fe4-4d16-b06c-2baeb9cb4d0c.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/kickback-26-7606085/episodes/first-touch-26-world-cup-daily-show-spain-s-late-heroics-knock-out-belgium-haaland-kane-messi-take-the-stage
Duration seconds: 3245

## Resource

Mikel Merino's winner sent Spain past Belgium and into the World Cup semifinals. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle break down Spain's dramatic quarterfinal victory before previewing the final two quarterfinals: Harry Kane and England's showdown with Erling Haaland and Norway, plus Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Switzerland with the last two semifinal spots on the line. 0:00 Intro 5:18 Belgium Comes Up Short, Courtois Injury 13:04 Spain, Lineup Decisions & Looking Ahead to France 25:00 How Does Norway Setup Against England? 30:13 Starting Lineup Questions for England 32:35 The World Cup of Erling Haaland 36:30 England vs. Norway Predictions 41:26 Argentina Starting XI Decisions 48:38 Can Switzerland Challenge?

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## Transcript

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