Football
fans around the world are gearing up to watch their favourite teams (and players) face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is taking place from June 11 to July 19. The 23rd edition, being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, is being played in an expanded 48-team tournament. Before settling down to watch the game, here are some football films from around the world to check out. From the delightful British comedy Bend It Like Beckham to the heartwarming Malayalam film Sudani from Nigeria, there is something for everyone.
1. Bend It Like Beckham
Even today, fans can quote the iconic line from the 2002 Gurinder Chadha film, "Anyone can cook aloo gobi, but who can bend a ball like Beckham?" Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley lead the ensemble cast of Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi, Shaznay Lewis, Frank Harper, and Juliet Stevenson. The British comedy follows a young Sikh girl in London named Jess Bhamra (Nagra) who joins a local women's amateur football team called the Hounslow Harriers against her family's wishes. The impact of the cult film was huge as it boosted the sport, especially for women around the world. Chadha revealed last year that she's working on a
sequel.
2. Mexico 86
Where to watch: Netflix As Mexico gets ready to co-host this year's tournament with Canada and the US, a Netflix film looks at the second time the country hosted the games. Starring Diego Luna as real-life Mexican Football Federation schemer Martín de la Torre, the Spanish satire examines the way he lies and bribes his way to bringing the games back to his country. Directed by Gabriel Ripstein, the movie blends both fiction and real events for an entertaining look at the backroom dealings of the tournament. Karla Souza, Daniel Giménez Cacho, and Álvaro Guerrero also star in the sports comedy.
3. Offside
Where to watch: MubiThe 90-minute Iranian film, directed by Jafar Panahi, was shot clandestinely in the filmmaker's home country. Offside follows the real World Cup qualifying match between Iran and Bahrain in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in June 2005. The filmmaker was inspired by his daughter's own experience as several female fans of the game are barred and eventually detained from watching the match live. The political comedy-drama is banned in Iran and won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2006.
4. The Beautiful Game
Where to watch: Netflix Directed by Thea Sharrock, the British film features veteran actor Bill Nighy as Mal, a football manager and coach, who takes his team of English homeless footballers from London to Rome to compete in The Homeless World Cup, a global annual tournament. Co-starring Micheal Ward as a gifted striker named Vinny; Kit Young and Callum Scott Howells, the inspiring football film shows that it's never too late for a second chance in life. The film employed extras who had participated in previous tournaments and were no longer homeless.
5. Sudani from Nigeria
Where to watch: Amazon Prime VideoThe award-winning Malayalam sports film, written and directed by Zakariya Mohammed, will bring happy tears to eyes with its heartwarming tale. The directorial debut by Zakariya features
Soubin Shahir as Majeed, the manager of a local football club who brings in three Nigerian players to help them win the tournament.
One of the star players, Sudu, played by Samuel Abiola Robinson, injures his foot and stays with Majeed while he recovers. Despite not speaking each other's languages, they bond and become fast friends.
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