When Soccer Came to America: Goals, Glamour and the Beautiful Game 2026
"With glitz, glamour and the world’s top players, the North American Soccer League was soccer’s wild child."
Overview
The film examines the North America Soccer League’s (NASL) explosive growth during the 1970’s and 80’s with some of the greatest footballers in history - including Pelé, George Best, and Johan Cruyff - bringing unprecedented attention to the game. Through rare archive footage and intimate interviews, the documentary explores how the NASL became a cultural phenomenon, blending sport, celebrity, and ambition in a uniquely American experiment to popularize the world’s game.
Director: Oliver Price
Cast
Shep Messing
Self
Clive Toye
Self
Calum Best
Self
Pelé
Self (Archive Footage)
George Best
Self (Archive Footage)
Henry Kissinger
Self (Archive Footage)