As the United States prepares to co‑host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a wave of documentary projects is converging on the nation’s soccer story. Four new series — each rooted in archival footage and fresh interviews — promise to illuminate how the sport moved from niche pastime to a mainstream force.
'When Soccer Came to America' revisits the North American Soccer League’s meteoric rise and its dramatic fall, spotlighting the 1970s marquee signings that included Pelé with the New York Cosmos. The film also notes the league’s experimental rule changes, such as shootouts to break ties, and examines how those innovations helped capture a national imagination.
Building on that foundation, 'Soccer's American Dream' unfolds as a six‑part saga that stretches from the NASL through the emergence of Major League Soccer to the triumphs of the U.S. Women’s National Team. The series promises appearances by future guest stars, including Landon Donovan and David Beckham, who are slated to feature in upcoming episodes.
A New Era of Storytelling
'The Summer of '94' zeroes in on the U.S. men’s preparation for the 1994 World Cup, a tournament that would be staged across nine venues, including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and the Meadowlands in East Rutherford. Former defender Marcelo Balboa reflects on early struggles, the absence of a dedicated training facility, and the leadership of coach Bora Milutinovic, whose tactical adjustments paved the way for a historic run.
'U.S. Against the World' offers an unprecedented behind‑the‑scenes look at the current generation of players. Cameras capture locker‑room speeches after Tim Weah’s red card in a pivotal loss to Panama during the 2024 Copa America, as teammates rally around the young forward. The series also delves into personal moments, from Christian Pulisic’s attempt at baking cookies to goalkeeper Matt Turner’s coping with his wife’s miscarriage.
All four documentaries are now streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, HBOmax, Vice TV and FOX, making the material widely accessible. Michael Lewis, the article’s author and a veteran soccer writer who recently received the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award, also promotes his tenth book, 'Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective,' which frames the narrative within a broader historical context.