5 soccer documentaries to watch during the 2026 World Cup

Key Takeaways

• Five soccer documentaries across Netflix, Max, Disney+, Paramount+, and Tubi provide deeper context for the 2026 World Cup
• The Two Escobars on Tubi remains one of the greatest sports documentaries ever made, connecting soccer to Colombia's cartel era
• U.S. Against the World on Max offers unprecedented access to the USMNT's preparations under Mauricio Pochettino

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is the largest tournament in World Cup history: 48 teams, 104 matches, and projected revenue of $11 to $13 billion. If 90 minutes at a time leaves you wanting more context, five documentaries across the major streaming platforms offer exactly that.

These films trace the sport from its origins to its current moment of global obsession. They cover cartels, redemption arcs, and the long struggle to make Americans care about the game. Here is what to stream between matches.

The Two Escobars: Soccer, cartels, and murder

The ESPN 30 for 30 film The Two Escobars tells the story of Colombian soccer during the narco-era. Drug cartel money flooded the game in Colombia during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the national team rose from obscurity to genuine World Cup contender. Defender Andrés Escobar stood at the center of that rise. Drug lord Pablo Escobar, no relation, pulled strings from the shadows.

During Colombia's 1994 World Cup match against the United States, Andrés accidentally scored on his own goal. Days later, he was murdered. The documentary examines how sports, politics, and organized crime became so intertwined that a single mistake on the pitch could cost a man his life.

Multiple soccer journalists have called this one of the greatest sports documentaries ever made. It is currently streaming free with ads on Tubi, or available through the Disney+ bundle that includes ESPN.

Beckham: Redemption and World Cup pressure

Netflix's Beckham docuseries became a massive hit when it released, and its relevance only grows during a World Cup cycle. The four-part series covers David Beckham's career from Manchester United prodigy to global icon, with particular focus on his World Cup experiences.

The series does not shy away from the low points. After Beckham's red card against Argentina in 1998, he faced death threats and was burned in effigy. The documentary traces how he rebuilt his reputation through England's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, including the famous free kick against Greece.

U.S. Against the World: Inside the USMNT's 2026 preparations

Max's U.S. Against the World offers what no other documentary can right now: unprecedented access to the U.S. Men's National Team as they prepared to host the biggest World Cup in history. The series follows the team's transition to manager Mauricio Pochettino and the pressure of performing on home soil.

Reddit's r/USMNT community has praised the series for its locker room access and candid interviews. The trailer features intense training footage and speeches that capture the weight of this moment for American soccer. The U.S. last hosted a World Cup in 1994. This time, the team expects to contend.

Where to stream each documentary

The streaming landscape for soccer content has fragmented, but that fragmentation means more options. Here is where to find each film:

• The Two Escobars: Tubi (free with ads) or Disney+ with ESPN bundle
• Beckham: Netflix
• U.S. Against the World: Max
• Additional documentaries covering the sport's global expansion are available on Paramount+ and other platforms

If you are streaming these on a Roku device, consider turning off motion smoothing. The setting can make documentary footage look artificial, particularly older archival clips.

Why 2026 matters more than previous World Cups

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called the 2026 tournament "the definitive moment for the sport to finally conquer the North American market at scale." The numbers support that ambition. Projected global unique viewers stand at 5.5 billion, which would make this the most-watched sporting event in history.

The expansion to 104 matches, up from 64 in 2022, means more content than any previous tournament. These documentaries help fill the gaps between matches while providing the historical context that makes the current tournament more meaningful.

The sport's North American moment

Soccer's growth in North America has been slow and uneven. The 1994 World Cup sparked interest, but it took decades for MLS to become competitive with European leagues for talent. The documentaries above trace that arc. The Two Escobars captures the 1994 tournament. Beckham shows the moment a global superstar chose MLS over retirement. U.S. Against the World documents where the sport stands now.

For viewers who came to soccer recently, these films provide the history. For longtime fans, they offer a chance to revisit pivotal moments before the current tournament adds new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch The Two Escobars documentary?

The Two Escobars is streaming free with ads on Tubi. It is also available through Disney+ if you have the bundle that includes ESPN.

What is the best soccer documentary on Netflix right now?

The Beckham docuseries on Netflix offers four episodes covering David Beckham's entire career, including his World Cup highs and lows.

How many matches are in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup features 104 matches, a significant increase from the 64 matches in the 2022 tournament. This reflects the expansion to 48 teams.

Is U.S. Against the World worth watching?

For American soccer fans, yes. The Max series offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the USMNT's preparations under Mauricio Pochettino.

Which countries are hosting the 2026 World Cup?

The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. This is the first time three nations have co-hosted the tournament.

Source: How-To Geek