Can’t get enough soccer? Well, when the live TV turns off, there are some great watches to keep you in the World Cup spirit, including television shows you know and love like "Ted Lasso" and 2002 cult-classic films like Bend It Like Beckham.
"Ted Lasso"
Chances are you’ve heard of the Apple TV original series "Ted Lasso", and for good reason. The endlessly optimistic American football coach hired to manage the struggling English Premier League club A.F.C. Richmond has captured all of our hearts. As he slowly learns the sport and wins over players, staff, and fans with empathy rather than ego, he wins over the audience in tandem. With hilarious humor, nuanced characters, and poignant emotional moments, "Ted Lasso" is the perfect show for every type of soccer fan, and we could not recommend it more. (Stream on Apple TV)
Bend It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham is one of those classic soccer movies that every 21st-century child should grow up on. The film follows Jess, a British-Indian teenager in London who pursues her dream of playing soccer while balancing familial expectations and friendships. The dramedy teaches valuable lessons of fighting for your place on and off the pitch and truly captures the thrilling highs and lows of soccer. The film reminds us all of the complicated journeys each player has endured to make it to the World Cup stage. (Stream on Disney+/Hulu)
"Welcome to Wrexham"
Another fan-favorite, FX’s "Welcome to Wrexham" is a documentary series following Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and Emmy-winning actor and writer Rob Mac as they revitalize a struggling Welsh club, Wrexham A.F.C. The show invests its energy into the story of Wrexham’s players, fans, and the rich town history that surrounds them. The incredible heart of this show demonstrates just how widespread the impacts of soccer can truly be. A global tournament like the World Cup relies on these grassroots clubs, small stadiums, and communities of people that live and die for their favorite sport. (Stream on Disney+/Hulu)
Kicking & Screaming
One of Will Ferrell’s iconic 2000s comedies, Kicking & Screaming is a laugh-out-loud tale of a mild-mannered suburban dad taking over his son’s hapless youth soccer team and transforming into a hyper-competetive maniac. Ferrell’s character recruits legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka to help him chase wins at any cost, escalating his chaotic sideline antics and questionable coaching tactics. The absurdist humor pokes fun at the all-consuming passion many soccer fans feel but ultimately reminds us of the most important part of the sport: family. (Available on VOD/Digital)
"Necaxa"
If you love "Welcome to Wrexham", FX’s "Necaxa" is the next big celebrity attempt to restore a soccer team -- in this instance, Mexico’s Club Necaxa. Eva Longoria has combined forces with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, in addition to other celebrities, to make this revival a possibility. The show tracks the grind of league play, examining rotating lineups, heartbreaking losses, and surges towards greatness that matter deeply to diehard supporters even when global cameras aren’t watching. "Necaxa" reminds us that the underdog story plays out week-to-week and not just on the massive World Cup stage, giving you a long-term arc to follow outside of these summer months. (Stream on Disney+/Hulu)
Keep the game going even when the day’s matches are over. The natural highs and lows of the soccer pitch never disappoint, and these shows and movies continue to prove that!
