The World Cup kicks off today! For the first time since 1994 the tournament is back in the United States with co-hosts Canada and Mexico. The first match starts at 3pm between host nation Mexico and South Africa. Over the next month Argentina will look to defend its title, while historic football giants like Brazil and France will look to once again hoist the trophy.
Kanopy Films
To get in the soccer spirit, check out some of our soccer related films in Kanopy.
Beyond the Vatican walls, young men from around the world gather to play in a competitive soccer tournament. THE HOLY GAME is a film about religion, sport, and why anyone in this era would sacrifice so much to become a priest. -Kanopy
The Holy Game is a documentary that follows the Clericus Cup, an annual soccer tournament that features teams from Roman Colleges. A great watch if you are looking for how faith and soccer interact.
As women’s presence in stadiums is prohibited by the Iranian government, Zahra, a 27-year-old woman, and a football fan, disguises herself as a man to be able to watch a match. Thanks to social media, this simple initiative has led her to become a symbol of change and resistance of her generation. -Kanopy
In Iran women were banned from attending soccer matches after the revolution in 1979. The Football Aficionado follows Zahra, a 27-year-old woman, as she disguises herself and sneaks into soccer matches in Iran. Since 2018 the Iranian government has allowed women to attend some matches, but women are still barred from some stadiums entirely and access to matches still restricted.
Lionesses: How Football Came Home
This England women’s football team was the feelgood story of the summer of 2022 and this film includes insightful behind-the-scenes access to the squad as they progressed through Euro 2022. From Alessia Russo’s outrageous back-heeled goal against Sweden to Chloe Kelly’s heroics in the final. -Kanopy
Women’s soccer has exploded in popularity in recent years. In 2022, the English women’s national team, The Lionesses, won the Euros, a tournament hosted every 4 years to determine the best national team in Europe. This documentary covers this historic run as well as glimpses into these players and other English women legends’ soccer journeys.
In this romantic comedy, obsessive soccer fan Paul (Colin Firth) juggles his passion for Arsenal Football Club with his budding relationship with the more level-headed Sarah (Ruth Gemmell). Set against the backdrop of the 1988-89 football season, Paul’s devotion to the game puts his relationship to the test as he navigates love, loyalty, and the highs and lows of being a die-hard fan. Based on Nick Hornby’s autobiographical novel, this film captures the humor and heartbreak of both love and sport. -Kanopy
Fever Pitch is a classic romantic comedy following Paul (Colin Firth) a fan of Arsenal Football Club who wants nothing more than to see the Gunners lift the trophy. His obsession with Arsenal leads to relationship problems with his love interest Sarah (Ruth Gremmell). Check it out if you want a romantic, feel good ending.
The World Cup is a momentous occasion that only happens every four years. If you want to learn more about it go to FIFA’s website. Checkout the ProQuest US Major Dailies to stay up to date on soccer news and one of the library’s historical newspapers to look into soccer’s history.
Need help finding resources? Reach out to your liaison librarian.
Ben Cushing is a Research and Instruction Librarian at The Catholic University of America Libraries.