When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game Poster

When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game 2026

60 min📅 2026-03-28

"With glitz, glamour and the world’s top players, the North American Soccer League was soccer’s wild child."

Step into the neon-drenched world of 1970s America where soccer collided with showbiz in the most spectacular fashion.

Director: Oliver Price

Cast

Shep Messing
Self
Clive Toye
Self
Calum Best
Calum Best
Self
Pelé
Pelé
Self (Archive Footage)
George Best
George Best
Self (Archive Footage)
Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger
Self (Archive Footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game* (2026) about?

This documentary dives into the North American Soccer League's explosive 1970s–80s era, showcasing how global icons like Pelé and George Best injected glamour, drama, and unmatched energy into American soccer. Using rare footage and firsthand accounts, it explores the league's heyday as a cultural phenomenon that redefined the sport's image.

Who directed *When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game*?

The film is helmed by British director Oliver Price, known for his compelling sports documentaries that blend history with cinematic storytelling.

Who stars in *When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game*?

The documentary features iconic voices and faces like soccer legend Pelé, flamboyant footballer George Best, broadcaster Shep Messing, NASL pioneer Clive Toye, and media personality Calum Best.

Is *When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game* (2026) worth watching?

With its vibrant mix of sports history, celebrity culture, and retro flair, this documentary offers a thrilling ride for soccer fans and pop-culture enthusiasts alike. The 60-minute runtime keeps it punchy, while Price's direction ensures a visually rich and nostalgic experience.

How long is *When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game*?

The documentary runs for 60 minutes, perfect for a quick but immersive dive into its high-energy subject matter.

About When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game (2026) — The NASL's Glitzy Rise and Lasting Legacy

Step into the neon-drenched world of 1970s America where soccer collided with showbiz in the most spectacular fashion.

Oliver Price's upcoming documentary *When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game (2026)* chronicles the rise and fall of the North American Soccer League (NASL), a bold experiment that transformed the global sport into a dazzling cultural spectacle. Featuring rare archival gems and candid interviews with legends like Pelé, George Best, and Johan Cruyff, the film captures the league's electric atmosphere—part athletic spectacle, part celebrity playground. Through lavish pitches, record-breaking crowds, and larger-than-life personalities, it reveals how the NASL turned soccer into America's most glamorous import, blending ambition, ambition, and sheer audacity in a way only the 70s could deliver.