In today’s episode of the “Daily Variety” podcast, Rand Getlin, who serves as the director and executive producer of the HBO documentary “U.S. Against the World: Four Years With the Men’s National Soccer Team,” shares insights into the journey to the World Cup and the increasing popularity of soccer in the U.S., both men’s and women’s.
Getlin devoted over four years to capturing the path to the World Cup, held from June 11 to July 19 across cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Previously a seasoned NFL reporter for NFL Network and other platforms, Getlin’s chance meeting with team member Tyler Adams in 2018, following the U.S. men’s national team’s failure to qualify for that year’s World Cup, inspired him and his wife, producer Janina Pelayo, to establish a production company. This led to the creation of the five-part docu-series “The U.S. Against the World.” In 2022, Getlin and his team began filming a verite-style documentary that portrays the dedication, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the men’s team as they aim to secure the U.S.’s first men’s World Cup win. Meanwhile, the U.S. women’s national team boasts an impressive record with four World Cup victories in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019.
For Getlin, leaving his job to start a production company marked a transformative period in his life.
“We wanted to make sure we pursued something truly worthwhile. Everyone in this industry knows the challenges of getting projects on screen. It was crucial for us to find something we could pour ourselves into, feeling proud of both the creative and storytelling outcomes,” Getlin explains.
“This is a coming-of-age narrative. It serves as an emotional lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. This team has never won it all, and some in the soccer world might underestimate them. Yet, these young American players are giving their all to make the country proud. The support from their communities—the mothers, sisters, wives, and coaches—is incredible. It represents a slice of America. Importantly, they come from varied backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses, speaking different languages. But when they unite, they focus on what brings them together and strive to make the nation proud. It’s hard not to cheer for them,” he adds.
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