Can We Kick It? Documentary Exposes Black History and Pay-to-Play 2026

The documentary Can We Kick It? offers a timely and unflinching look at Black history in US soccer, the systemic pay-to-play model, and the sport's uncertain future in America. Directed by Akbar Majeed, the film challenges conventional narratives and asks hard questions about why soccer has struggled to resonate with Black communities despite its global appeal.

The Untold Story of Black Soccer Pioneers

Can We Kick It? shines a spotlight on forgotten chapters of American soccer history, such as Howard University's controversial loss of the 1971 NCAA title and their undefeated 1974 championship run. The film also repositions Joe Gaetjens's 1950 World Cup winner against England as the true 'shot heard around the world,' overshadowing Paul Caligiuri's later goal.

These stories are not just historical footnotes; they reveal a pattern of erasure that has shaped the sport's development in the US. By centering Black voices, the documentary forces viewers to reconsider who has been allowed to define soccer's American identity.

Pay-to-Play: The Economic Barrier to Soccer Growth

One of the film's most powerful critiques is the pay-to-play system that dominates youth soccer in the United States. Unlike many countries where soccer is accessible to all, American youth clubs often charge thousands of dollars in fees, excluding low-income families and disproportionately affecting Black and urban communities.

Majeed argues that this economic barrier is not accidental but a structural choice that prioritizes profit over participation. The documentary interviews coaches and parents who describe how talented players are lost because they cannot afford travel teams or elite academies, limiting the talent pool and reinforcing the sport's homogeneity.

Comparing US Soccer to Global Models

To illustrate the problem, the film contrasts the US approach with countries like Brazil and France, where grassroots soccer is free and community-based. The following table highlights key differences:

This comparison underscores how the US model limits both participation and the overall quality of player development, a point the documentary makes with compelling evidence.

The 2026 World Cup: A Missed Opportunity?

The film also looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Majeed expresses concern that without addressing these systemic issues, the tournament will simply reinforce existing inequalities. The US team's disappointing exit in 2014 against Belgium serves as a cautionary tale about the gap between hype and performance.

As the world's attention turns to America, Can We Kick It? asks whether the sport will finally embrace its diverse potential or continue to exclude the very communities that could make it great. The answer, the film suggests, lies in dismantling pay-to-play and investing in urban soccer infrastructure.

Key Takeaways from Can We Kick It?

• Black history in US soccer has been systematically overlooked, from Joe Gaetjens to Howard University's champions.
• Pay-to-play creates economic barriers that exclude low-income and Black youth from elite development.
• The 2026 World Cup is a chance to reset, but only if structural reforms are implemented.
• Community-based soccer models abroad offer a blueprint for inclusive growth.
• The documentary calls for a cultural shift in how Americans perceive and fund the sport.

FAQ

In conclusion, Can We Kick It? is more than a documentary; it is a call to action. As the US prepares to host the world, the film challenges stakeholders to reconsider who soccer belongs to and what changes are necessary to make the sport truly inclusive. For anyone invested in the future of American soccer, this film is essential viewing.