Four football films kick off just in time for the World Cup frenzy
Four football-themed films will hit screens in the coming weeks, just as the World Cup approaches. Each tells a different story—from corruption scandals to personal triumphs—with release dates spread across late May and early June. The first film, The Unlikely Keeper, arrives in cinemas on May 25. Directed by Mike R. Ortiz, it follows a teenager on the autism spectrum chasing his dream of joining his high school’s football team.
A day later, *The Fifth Match* will premiere on YouTube. Alek García’s farcical comedy centres on a group of football fans with wildly different personalities. The release date is May 26. On May 27, *Dark Blue, Sky Blue* will expose alleged corruption within Mexico’s professional team Cruz Azul. Carlos Bátiz and Carlos Carrera co-directed the documentary, which promises a hard-hitting look at the sport’s darker side. Finally, *Mexico 86* lands on Netflix on June 5. Starring Diego Luna and Karla Souza, the film recounts how Mexico secured the hosting rights for the 1986 World Cup. The tournament itself begins just one month after the film’s release.
These four films offer a mix of drama, comedy, and real-life controversy ahead of the World Cup. Their staggered release dates ensure football fans will have fresh stories to watch in the lead-up to the tournament.
