sports
December 22, 2025
‘Cue air punches and tears’: why Next Goal Wins is my feelgood movie
Continuing the series where writers pick their go-to mood-lifting films is a look back to the inspiring sports documentary
TL;DR
- The film "Next Goal Wins" revisits the American Samoa national soccer team's attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
- The team suffered a record 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001, and their facilities and talent pool are limited.
- Directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison approached the story with compassion, avoiding mockery.
- Coach Thomas Rongen joined the team, motivated partly by personal tragedy.
- The team achieved their first-ever win and scored their first goal.
- Trans player Jaiyah Saelua became the first openly trans player in a World Cup qualifying game.
- American Samoa improved their FIFA ranking and received positive reviews for the documentary.
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