Vox Creative and Verizon Present “Soccer Meets America” at SXSW
Vox Creative recently collaborated with Verizon to unveil their new documentary series “Soccer Meets America” during a special event at South by Southwest on March 13th.
This series, consisting of three parts, is set to launch on the Roku Channel in May. It’s timed perfectly with the upcoming historic 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The documentary traces the journey of American soccer, highlighting its evolution from the collapse of professional leagues in the 1980s to the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup.
Among the featured voices in the series are several prominent figures from the U.S. Men’s National Team, including Chris Henderson, John Harkes, Mike Sober, former U.S. Soccer Federation president Alan Rosenberg, and Bruce Arena, who is both the former USMNT head coach and the current head coach and athletic director for the San Jose Earthquakes.
Uniquely, this film is not just another sports documentary; it’s more about the chaos, struggle, and dedication that grassroots communities have shown in growing the sport, often despite a lack of coverage by mainstream media.
“As soccer fans come together for the much-anticipated World Cup, we are thrilled to partner with individuals and organizations that bring a distinctive outlook to the game,” stated Joseph Johnson, executive producer and senior vice president of Vox Creative. “Working together with Verizon, Roku, and some big names in soccer, this series aims to reveal powerful, unheard stories that will captivate both long-time fans and those new to the sport.”
The narrative unfolds through a blend of archival footage, fresh interviews, on-the-ground reporting, and reenactments, all aimed at showcasing the unique saga of soccer in America.
At the launch event, guests were transported to a nostalgic setting reminiscent of a typical 1990s soccer fan’s living room, complete with posters, jerseys, and memorabilia. The backdrop featured archival clips from the 1994 World Cup, the last time the event was held in the U.S.
The evening included a panel discussion showcasing various clips from the series, led by Vulture Editor-in-Chief Neil Janowitz. Participants on the panel were the show’s creator and executive producer Phil Wall, Chris Henderson, who is now the chief soccer officer for Atlanta United and a former USMNT midfielder, along with Verizon’s Senior Vice President of Media, Marketing, and Agency Effectiveness, Haley Paz.
“Verizon, as a committed partner of U.S. Soccer, is dedicated to giving fans exceptional access to the sport they love,” Paz remarked. “In teaming up with Vox Creative and Roku for Soccer Meets America, we aren’t just reflecting on the sport’s past; we are also honoring the innovation and infrastructure that made the most remarkable World Cup possible.”
This documentary series will be available for streaming on The Roku Channel in May.
