First Touch Weekly Ep. 1 - 1986 Failed US WC Bid & 2026 World Cup Boycotts

Susannah Fuller hosts the premiere episode of First Touch Weekly as dive into the biggest questions surrounding the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Guardian’s Senior Sports Editor Alexander Abnos breaks down whether a World Cup boycott is truly possible and what it would mean for fans, players, and national teams. Then, we look back at the U.S.’s failed bid to host the 1986 World Cup with veteran journalist Michael Lewis, exploring how that collapse reshaped U.S. Soccer and set the foundation for the modern American game. We close with one of the strangest stories in soccer history, the mystery of South Korea’s “cursed” gold medals.

If you want to hear more from Michael Lewis his newest book looking back on 40 years of soccer coverage is available now here.

1. 2:38 Alex Abnos (The Guardian) On Potential World Cup Boycott
2. 14:32 Story Of The USA's Failed 1986 World Cup Hosting Bid
3. 24:30 South Korea's Gold Medal Curse

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