Best Football Documentaries USA 2026 — Relive the Greatest Moments

The modern football documentary has become a genre unto itself. From fly-on-the-wall dressing room access to sweeping historical retrospectives, the best football docs offer something the live match cannot — context, reflection, and the full emotional arc of a story. Here are the best available to USA viewers right now.

Essential Football Documentaries Streaming in the USA

Beckham (Netflix)

Netflix's four-part docuseries on David Beckham traces his rise from Manchester United academy prospect to global icon, with unprecedented access to Beckham and his family. It's one of the most talked-about sports documentaries of the decade and essential viewing for any football fan.

Ronaldinho: The One and Only (Netflix)

This three-part Netflix series, available in the USA since April 2026, follows Ronaldinho's journey from the streets of Porto Alegre to Barcelona and the Ballon d'Or. It's a joyful, occasionally chaotic portrait of one of the sport's most beloved showmen.

The Root of the Game (Netflix)

A limited series following grassroots soccer in Brazil, The Root of the Game digs into the youth systems and street football culture that produce the country's biggest stars — a compelling watch for anyone curious about where the next generation of talent comes from.

U.S. Against the World (HBO Max)

HBO Max's five-part series follows the US men's national team through their 2022 World Cup run, with access to Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah. It's the definitive behind-the-scenes look at the USMNT's modern era and a must-watch for American soccer fans.

Classic Football Films Worth Revisiting

• The Damned United — Michael Sheen as Brian Clough at Leeds United. Brilliant.
• When Saturday Comes — Sean Bean as a Sheffield United dreamer. Pure nostalgia.
• Bend It Like Beckham — Still charming, still relevant, and a perfect time capsule of early-2000s soccer culture.
• Escape to Victory — Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Pelé. Football cinema doesn't get more gloriously absurd.

Highlights & Coverage on Apollo Group TV

Apollo Group TV includes ESPN's live soccer coverage and highlights, plus an extensive VOD library covering Premier League, Champions League and MLS action — everything you need to catch up when you can't watch live.

The combination of live matches, comprehensive catch-up, and a vast VOD library means football fans on Apollo Group TV never run out of content — even during international breaks.