# First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: USMNT Eliminated, Messi vs. Salah Headlines Final Round of 16

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kickback-26-7606085/first-touch-26-world-cup-daily-show-usmnt-eliminated-messi-vs-salah-headlines-final-round-of-16
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kickback-26-7606085/first-touch-26-world-cup-daily-show-usmnt-eliminated-messi-vs-salah-headlines-final-round-of-16.md
Podcast: [First Touch '26 World Cup Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kickback-26-7606085)
Published: 2026-07-07T15:16:00+00:00
Episode link: https://kickbacksoccer.com/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/04946677-9156-4ce2-95a4-eac568dc7d26.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/kickback-26-7606085/episodes/first-touch-26-world-cup-daily-show-usmnt-eliminated-messi-vs-salah-headlines-final-round-of-16
Duration seconds: 4936

## Resource

The USMNT's World Cup run is over after a tough loss to Belgium. David Gass, Matt Doyle and Eric Krakauer break down what went wrong, what comes next for the U.S. plus they look at Spain’s win over Portugal. Then they preview Argentina vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Switzerland as the final quarterfinal spots are decided. 0:00 Intro 3:02 USMNT Pride & Balogun Controversy Effect 8:20 The Future of Soccer in America 18:43 What Went Wrong for the USMNT Against Belgium? 34:52 The Legacy of Christian Pulisic 41:23 The Role of MLS, Pochettino's Future & the Youth Pipeline 46:51 Spain Defense Shines, Portugal Disappointment 1:02:33 Argentina vs. Egypt - Messi vs. Salah 1:13:05 Colombia Battles Switzerland

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## Transcript

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