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Rand Getlin and Janina Pelayo, co-founders of Park Stories, have undertaken an ambitious four-year project, 'U.S. Against the World,' a documentary series for HBO, tracking the United States men's national soccer team's journey leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Despite their initial unfamiliarity with soccer, the duo has spent over 300 production days capturing the team's experiences since the 2022 World Cup. The series, which aims to bring American audiences closer to the sport and its athletes, premieres on HBO and HBO Max, with aspirations for future seasons to continue documenting the team's progress.

HBO Premieres 'U.S. Against the World' Chronicling Soccer's Rise

In May 2026, a groundbreaking five-part documentary series titled 'U.S. Against the World' (pronounced 'Us Against the World') will make its debut on HBO and HBO Max, just a month before the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup. The series, a brainchild of married filmmakers Rand Getlin and Janina Pelayo through their production company Park Stories, offers an unprecedented, four-year-long deep dive into the United States men's national soccer team. Their odyssey began during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they closely followed the team's progression to the Round of 16, a significant achievement given the team's absence from the 2018 tournament. This access was largely facilitated by U.S. men's team captain Tyler Adams, a prior collaborator, who served as a crucial advocate for the filmmakers among his teammates, coaches, and staff. Securing filming rights and managing logistical complexities involved negotiations with 48 different entities, highlighting the monumental effort and substantial investment—exceeding seven figures in licensing fees alone—required to realize this vision. Judy Matthew, Vice President of Media for U.S. Soccer, views the documentary as vital for fostering fan engagement by showcasing the personal narratives of the athletes. Goalkeeper Matt Turner echoed this sentiment, believing such high-profile series on premium networks can attract new American fans to soccer, much like 'Full Swing' did for golf and 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' for auto racing. The creators harbor high hopes for the U.S. team's performance this summer, anticipating it will not only make the nation proud but also solidify the documentary's potential as an ongoing franchise.

This documentary series transcends mere sports coverage; it's a testament to the power of storytelling in elevating niche interests to mainstream popularity. The filmmakers' bold gamble on American soccer's growth reflects a broader trend of sports leagues seeking to captivate new audiences through intimate, behind-the-scenes narratives. By humanizing the athletes and illuminating their dedication and passion for representing their country, 'U.S. Against the World' could inspire a new generation of soccer enthusiasts in America. It underscores that authenticity and deep access are invaluable in creating compelling content that resonates beyond traditional fan bases, demonstrating the immense potential when compelling narratives meet a sport on the cusp of a major cultural moment.