Can We Kick It? Documentary Exposes US Soccer's Black History Gap 2026

The new documentary Can We Kick It? offers a timely and unflinching look at Black history in US soccer, exposing the systemic pay-to-play barriers and cultural disconnect that have shaped the sport's American identity. Directed by Akbar Majeed, the film challenges conventional narratives and asks hard questions about who gets to play, who gets left behind, and what the future of the game could hold.

The Documentary's Core Argument: Soccer's Racial Divide

Can We Kick It? argues that American soccer has systematically failed to engage Black communities, both at the grassroots and elite levels. The film traces this divide through historical milestones, from Howard University's stripped 1971 NCAA title to Joe Gaetjens's 1950 World Cup winner against England—a moment often overshadowed by Paul Caligiuri's 1990 goal.

Majeed, who spent decades observing these patterns, says the sport's inability to connect with urban audiences is not an accident but a result of structural and economic barriers. The documentary gives voice to players, coaches, and parents who have experienced these obstacles firsthand.

Pay-to-Play: The Economic Barrier

One of the film's most potent critiques is the pay-to-play model that dominates youth soccer in the US. Unlike many countries where soccer is accessible to all, American youth clubs often charge thousands of dollars in fees, effectively excluding low-income families—disproportionately Black and brown—from the sport's development pipeline.

The documentary highlights how this economic filter starves the national talent pool and perpetuates a lack of diversity at all levels. As one interviewee notes, "Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not."

Historical Erasure and the Black Contribution

The film also tackles the erasure of Black contributions to American soccer history. It revisits the 1950 US World Cup team, which included several Black players, and the 1974 Howard University championship squad that played an attacking style years ahead of its time.

By reclaiming these stories, Can We Kick It? positions Black players not as recent additions but as foundational figures in the sport's US narrative. This reframing challenges the mainstream media's tendency to whitewash soccer's American past.

What the Future Holds

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the documentary warns that without systemic change, the US team's performance will continue to underdeliver. Majeed points to the 2014 World Cup loss to Belgium as a cautionary tale: "You want people to watch the sport. You got the most people in America to watch that game and that is the product we put out there? It reinforced a lot of the thoughts about soccer."

The film calls for investment in underserved communities, reform of the youth system, and a cultural shift that welcomes Black players and fans as equals.

Key Takeaways from Can We Kick It?

• The pay-to-play system excludes many talented Black youth from soccer.
• Black history in US soccer is often overlooked, including the 1950 World Cup team.
• Howard University's 1971 title stripping and 1974 championship are pivotal moments.
• The 2026 World Cup could be a turning point if structural barriers are addressed.
• The documentary urges a reimagining of soccer's American identity.

Comparison: US Soccer vs. Other Nations

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