Forty matches a day is a lot, but there will be gaps in the schedule — and that’s prime time for soccer cinema. So I rounded up the best soccer movies and shows to stream during World Cup 2026, with a nod to where they were filmed (because of course I did). Consider this your half-time watchlist.
Fair warning: at least one of these will make you cry. I won’t say which. It’s Ted Lasso. It’s always Ted Lasso.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Feel-good pick | Bend It Like Beckham (London) |
| Underdog classic | Goal! The Dream Begins |
| TV obsession | Ted Lasso (London & Richmond) |
| Must-watch doc | Welcome to Wrexham (Wales) |
| World Cup deep cut | México 86 |
Table of Contents
The films & shows to queue up
Bend It Like Beckham is the eternal feel-good winner, shot around Hounslow and Wembley in London. Goal! The Dream Begins is pure underdog catnip, The Damned United is a brilliant darker turn, and Next Goal Wins brings the laughs. On TV, Ted Lasso (filmed around London and the real town of Richmond) and the Welcome to Wrexham documentary turned soccer into must-watch comfort viewing. We’ve mapped a bunch of the genre too — check our guides to Balls Up and Football Parents.
Tie it to the real World Cup
For history buffs, our México 86 guide covers the series built around that legendary tournament, and our FIFA Women’s World Cup locations piece keeps the real-world connection going. It’s the perfect bridge between what’s on the pitch and what’s on your screen. See it all in our World Cup 2026 hub.
My quick ranking (fight me)
If I had to pick a top three to watch this month: Bend It Like Beckham, Ted Lasso, and Welcome to Wrexham. Comfort, comedy, and genuine tears, in that order. Pair them with the live games via our USA vs Paraguay guide and you’ve got the whole tournament covered.
A few more to add to the queue
Want deeper cuts? She’s the Man is a soccer rom-com gem, Mike Bassett: England Manager is cult-comedy gold, and The Game of Their Lives retells the USA’s stunning 1950 World Cup upset over England. Documentary lovers should hit Diego Maradona for pure drama, while Pelé: Birth of a Legend covers the other GOAT contender.
The beauty of soccer cinema is its range — it swings from gritty (The Damned United) to heartwarming (Bend It Like Beckham) to outright hilarious (Ted Lasso) without missing a beat. My honest recommendation: build a little watchlist before the tournament so you’re never staring at a streaming menu during a rain delay or a slow group-stage afternoon.
If I had to script the perfect tournament day, it’d be a morning soccer movie, an afternoon group-stage match, and an evening rewatch of Ted Lasso to keep the good vibes rolling. These films capture exactly why this sport grabs people — the heartbreak, the joy, the last-minute winners. Mix a couple with the live action and you’ve got the rhythm down. Find more crossovers on our World Cup 2026 hub and the USA vs Paraguay opener guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best soccer movies to watch during the World Cup?
Bend It Like Beckham, Goal! The Dream Begins, The Damned United, and Next Goal Wins are top picks.
What is the best soccer TV show to stream?
Ted Lasso is a fan favorite, and the documentary Welcome to Wrexham is a must-watch.
Where was Bend It Like Beckham filmed?
Around Hounslow in West London, with scenes at Wembley.
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