In just a few days, the World Cup kicks off in Mexico City. Fox Sports and NBC Universal’s Telemundo have the exclusive broadcast and streaming rights in the United States, which will make it the go-to destination for World Cup fans.
But if you are a media company that isn’t Fox Sports or NBC Universal, you want to try and attract some of those viewers with some original World Cup-adjacent programming.
Global streamer Netflix is going all in on soccer, rolling out a series of soccer (or football) related documentaries and specials, as well as a new mobile game that can be played on your television.
FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition will be available exclusively on Netflix Games starting June 11th, timed to coincide with the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The game will allow users to select from all 48 national teams competing in the tournament, play across 16 real-world stadiums and control any of the 1,248 players participating in the Cup.
And here is a rundown of all the new World Cup-adjacent specials and docuseries, which include not just modern soccer coverage, but documentaries about some of the sport’s most memorable and controversial stories.
New World Cup And Soccer Programming On Netflix
Brazil ’70: The Third Star (5 episodes)
In 1970, a team of stars took the field under huge pressure – and cemented Brazil’s reputation as the land of football. This is how they did it.
Mexico 86
Martin is mediocre at everything, but when he sees the a chance to bring football gold to Mexico, he proves not all goals are scored on the field.
Poldi
Footballer, entrepreneur, fan favorite and true community hero – Lukas Podolski reflects on his journey and what comes next in this intimate documentary.
Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle Of Istanbul
After half-time in the 2005 Champions League final, Liverpool were 3-0 down. What happened next made football history – as players recall in this documentary.
Ronaldinho: The One
With a laid-back style and masterful dribbling skills, Ronaldinho became a star on and off the soccer field. This is his story – as never seen before.
Untold UK: Jamie Vardy
A team with 5,000-1 odds had never won the Premier League. But that was before Jamie Vardy. This is the definitive story of football’s ultimate underdog.
Emi Martinez: The Kid Who Stops Time
Based on the true story by author Hernan Casciari, this film shows the grit, love and sacrifice behind the career of Argentine goalie Emi Martinez.
Untold UK: Vinnie Jones
On-pitch enforcer. Off-pitch headliner. Football hardman Vinnie Jones tells his story of fame, fallout and a fresh start in this unfiltered documentary.
James
He won the Golden Boot in 2014 and led his country back to the global stage of football. Now James Rodriguez lets us into his life on and off the pitch.
The Bus: A French Football Mutiny
South Africa, 2010. The French football team is rocked by a World Cup scandal that tarnishes their reputation for years to come. What really happened?
More Soccer/Football Programming
And let’s not forget some of Netflix’s soccer documentaries and original movies from the past several years that are also worth watching:
The Beautiful Game (2024)
This heartwarming tale of football, friendship and triumph against the odds stars Bill Night as the caring manager of England’s Homeless World Cup team.
Lefter (2025)
With an unyielding spirit, Lefter overcomes political strife, heartbreak and triumph to cement his legacy as a football legend. Based on a true story.
Apache: The Life Of Carlos Tevez (2019) (8 episodes)
This gritty dramatization of the life of Carlos Tevez shows his rise to soccer stardom amid the harrowing conditions of Argentina’s Fuerte Apache.
The Fight For Justice: Paolo Guerrero (2022) (6 episodes)
Peruvian soccer star Paolo Guerrero wages a difficult legal battle after testing positive for cocaine months before the World Cup. Based on a true story.
Club De Cuervos (2019) (4 seasons)
A brother and sister battle high expectations and each other after inheriting a soccer team. A series from the creators of “Nosotros los Nobles.”
The Final Score (2022)
This dramatization tells the true story of Columbian soccer player Andres Escobar, who was murdered after scoring an own goal in the 1994 World Cup.
Captains Of The World (2023) (6 episodes)
Messi. Mbappe. Neymar. Kane. Ronaldo. Sit pitch-side with players and captains alike as their teams fight for football glory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Final: Attack On Wembley (2024)
11 July, 2021. The Euros finals was the biggest day inb English football for over a half a century – and ended in disaster, on and off the pitch.
Beckham (2023)
An absolutely star-packed docuseries that is a fun, gossipy watch full of blunt, entertaining interviews.
Pele (2021)
Against the backdrop of a turbulent era in Brazil, this documentary captures Pele’s extraordinary path from breakthrough talent to national hero.
Neymar (2022)
This documentary series highlights the complex relationship between Neymar and his father, who manages the star’s carefully crafted image.
The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football (2022)
He was once a hero at Camp Nou. Then they called him a liar. In his own words, Luis Figo recalls the stunning move that changed his career.
Angel Di Maria: Breaking Down The Wall (2024)
His parents were simply looking for a way to help their restless son, Angel, focus. They never dreamed he’s be a FIFA World Cup and Olympic champion.
