Soccer fans and cinephiles, rejoice.
As the FIFA World Cup heats up, the Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival returns to New York City with an incredible lineup of features and shorts, plus the launch of the new Soccer Film Awards. Whether you are looking to dive deep into soccer history, celebrate legendary icons, or witness inspiring underdog stories, this year's festival has something for everyone.
The festival is splitting its time between two incredible activations this month: a multi-day series at the House of GOAL, a pop-up soccer experience in Industry City, Brooklyn, hosted by GOAL.com; and a special open-air screening at the iconic Lincoln Center, In Manhattan.
All the screenings are FREE but you must register.
Here is your ultimate guide to the festival, the films, and where to grab your tickets.
Part 1: Mundial Presents Kicking + Screening at House of GOAL
Kicking & Screening is partnering with global soccer cultural leaders Mundial to take over House of GOAL for four matchdays of cinema, complete with a mix of thought-provoking soccer film events. All film events are FREE with a GA Pass, which can be obtained HERE.
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The Lineup & Schedule
Sunday, July 5 at 1:00 PM
Feature Film: The Home Game
On the first World Cup day with no matches, this Sunday matinee explores the big emotions for soccer in small towns. Directed by Smari Gunn and Logi Sigursveinsson, The Home Game tells the feel-good underdog story about an Icelander's clumsy attempt to complete his father's failed mission: To finally get their beloved fishing village a home game on the unused football pitch he built 25 years prior.
Short Film: Dracula of the Pampas
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Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 PM
Feature Film: Maradona: The Fall
Dedicated to one of the most polarizing, brilliant, and tragic figures in football history, Angus McQueen’s Maradona: The Fall looks closely at one of the most turbulent chapters of Diego Maradona's career: his controversial adventure playing for Argentina at the 1994 World Cup.
Short Film: Dracula of the Pampas
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Sunday, July 12 at 8:00 PM
Feature Film: Copa '71
Discover the extraordinary, pioneering, and largely forgotten story of the 1971 Women's World Cup—a tournament that drew historic crowds but was nearly erased from the history books. Produced by Serena Williams and Alex Morgan, Copa ‘71 celebrates the people and events that lay the foundation for what women’s soccer has since become.
Short Film: Passarinho
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Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 PM
Feature Film: Summer of '94
The festival grand finale. Directed by Chad Walker and Dave LaMattina, Summer of ‘94 relives the magic and madness of the 1994 World Cup with the inside story of the U.S. National Team that featured a ragtag crew of naturalized pros from Europe, journeymen American pros, and college kids.
Short Film: Dracula of the Pampas
Special Event: The Soccer Film Awards
A long-planned dream of the K+S organizers, the inaugural Soccer Film Awards will celebrate and honor the best soccer films and filmmakers of the last few decades.
🎟️ Tickets & Venue Info: All of the above screenings take place at House of GOAL. For tickets, full schedules, and venue details, visit Goal.com/HouseOfGoal/Schedule.
Part 2: Lincoln Center Presents Kicking + Screening
For one night only, Kicking + Screening heads to the heart of NYC's cultural landscape for a spectacular outdoor screening under the stars, presented as part of Lincoln Center's Summer for the City series.
The Lineup & Schedule
Friday, July 10 at 8:00 PM
Feature Film: Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story
An unflinching look at Clyde Best, one of the first Black players to make a transformative impact in the top flight of English football, this inspiring documentary chronicles his courageous journey, the racism he overcame, and the lasting legacy he left on the sport.
Short Film: The Kick
Venue: Hearst Plaza, Lincoln Center
🎟️ Tickets & Venue Info: This event takes place outdoors at Hearst Plaza — rain or shine! For more details on attendance and ticketing, visit the Lincoln Center Summer for the City Event Page.