While the U.S. Men's National Team has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, fans can still engage with the sport through a selection of soccer-centric films available on various streaming platforms. The tournament has progressed to the quarterfinal stage, featuring matches like France vs. Morocco, Spain vs. Belgium, and Norway vs. England.
For those experiencing withdrawal from the lack of daily matches, a curated list of soccer movies offers an alternative source of sports-themed content. These films span a range of genres, from comedies to dramas, aiming to satisfy diverse fan preferences.
Among the recommended titles is "Bend It Like Beckham," a British sports comedy focusing on the friendship between two aspiring professional soccer players, portrayed by Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra. The film has also been embraced by the queer community for its depiction of female relationships.
Another film, "She's the Man," a 2006 comedy starring Amanda Bynes, reimagines Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." In the movie, Bynes plays Viola, a soccer star who disguises herself as her twin brother to join the men's soccer team at a boarding school. The film also features Channing Tatum in a romantic lead role.
From Mexico, "El 11" (available on Netflix) dramatizes the country's bid to host the 1986 World Cup. Directed by Federico D'Alessandro, the film stars Diego Luna as a fictional businessman who navigates FIFA to secure the event for Mexico.
"The Unlikely Champions," a feel-good drama streaming on Netflix, stars Michael Ward as Vinny, a talented soccer player facing difficult circumstances. He joins a football league team composed of homeless players, competing in the Homeless World Cup in Rome.
Director Peter Farrelly's comedy "The Unlucky Champ," available on Tubi, involves Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser in Brazil. The plot centers on their accidental interference with a crucial World Cup match, leading to repercussions from Brazilian fans.
Taika Waititi's soccer comedy, inspired by a 2014 documentary, tells the story of the American Samoa national football team. The film chronicles their journey from being considered one of the worst teams in the world, following a significant loss in 2001, to qualifying for the 2014 Men's World Cup.
Paolo Sorrentino's "The Hand of God," a visually rich film on Netflix, draws inspiration from his Neapolitan childhood in the summer of 1986. While not solely about soccer, the sport plays a significant role, particularly referencing Diego Maradona's controversial goal for Argentina in the World Cup and his subsequent return to play for the Napoli team. The film also explores personal tragedy and the protagonist's eventual solace found in his city's beauty.