U.S. Against the World: Inside the USMNT's Journey to the 2026 World Cup
The U.S. men's national team faced a critical moment during the 2024 Copa América when Tim Weah received a red card for striking a Panama defender. This incident led to the team's early exit from the tournament and ultimately cost head coach Gregg Berhalter his job. A documentary crew captured the aftermath of the event, providing fans with an inside look at the team's journey leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
HBO will release a five-part documentary series titled "U.S. Against the World: Four Years With the Men’s National Soccer Team," starting with the buildup to the 2022 World Cup and culminating in the upcoming home World Cup. The series delves into the personal lives of the players, offering a glimpse into their personalities beyond the field.
The documentary crew spent over 300 production days and 600 hours filming the USMNT, capturing pivotal moments and behind-the-scenes interactions. The series aims to provide viewers with a comprehensive look at the team's evolution over the past four years, leading up to the announcement of the 2026 World Cup squad.
Director Rand Getlin and executive producer Janina Pelayo embarked on this project after filming a mini documentary on U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams. Despite initial challenges in securing funding for the documentary, they persevered and self-funded the majority of the operation. The series covers significant events, including the coaching transition from Berhalter to Mauricio Pochettino and the team's journey to the 2026 World Cup.
The USMNT has undergone significant changes since the start of filming, transitioning from a young team with potential to a squad with high expectations for the upcoming World Cup. Pochettino's arrival brought a new dynamic to the team, and the documentary provides an intimate look at the players' reactions to the coaching change and their preparations for the tournament.
As the U.S. team gears up for the 2026 World Cup, fans can look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the players' journeys and the challenges they have faced along the way. The documentary series offers a unique perspective on the team's evolution and sets the stage for an exciting summer of soccer.