Unveiling Soccer's Soul
Game and Glory Documentary Explores Soccer Passion, Rivalries, and 2026 World Cup Impact
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A new 10-part documentary series called *Game and Glory* is giving soccer fans a starring role just as the world's biggest tournament kicks off. Produced by S-Media and premiering in April 2026, the series travels across 14 countries on 5 continents to capture the rituals, rivalries, and family bonds that make soccer more than just a sport, according to TSN.
The series landed major global distribution deals on June 11, 2026 — the exact day the 2026 FIFA World Cup began in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Lead producer Mark Kristofic said the goal was to capture "global excitement" and bring Canadian-produced sports media to a "worldwide audience," APG Wisconsin reported.
Fans Take Center Stage in 10-Episode Global Journey
Unlike most sports documentaries, *Game and Glory* keeps cameras off the players and pointed at the supporters. TSN called it "more than a sports documentary" — a "global celebration of community, culture, and the unifying power of football." The series covers episodes ranging from the fierce Celtic vs. Rangers rivalry to a deep dive into Germany's World Cup hunger.
The timing was deliberate. The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, with 104 total matches across three host nations. S-Media partnered with Gray Media and Universal Media to push the series onto global platforms — including Apple TV and Crave — right as viewership peaked worldwide, according to Muck Rack.
Germany and South Korea Episodes Draw Global Attention
Two episodes are generating particular buzz. The Germany episode explores a fanbase described as "meticulous, passionate, and raw" — a culture that treats soccer as a core part of national identity. The series frames Germany's supporters as "eager for yet another World Cup title," according to Apple TV.
Episode 6 pairs South Korea with Spain and digs into how Korean soccer culture shifted after the country's historic 2002 World Cup run. The episode explores a "success at all costs" mentality built on "skill, artistry, and deep-rooted loyalty," Apple TV noted. Together, these episodes show how two very different fan cultures each believe they are redefining the game on their own terms.
Family Rituals and Rivalries Drive the Emotional Core
A key theme running through all 10 episodes is how soccer traditions pass from parent to child. Media analysts say this focus on "rituals passed down through families" broadens the show's appeal well beyond hardcore fans. It targets families who see the 2026 tournament as a major life event — not just a sporting one, according to sports media analysts cited by WVVA.
But the series does not shy away from conflict. Episodes highlight "fierce rivalries" — including Germany vs. Uruguay in Episode 4 — suggesting that the "glory" of soccer often grows out of division, not just unity. Critics argue this tension between community and rivalry is what makes the series feel honest rather than like a marketing piece, WECT reported.
S-Media Scores Big as a Non-Host-Nation Producer
The series is a major win for Canadian independent media. S-Media is a non-host-nation producer that has managed to shape the global narrative around the 2026 World Cup by focusing on the human side of the game. Analysts say it proves that smaller studios can compete for worldwide audiences if they tell the right stories, according to APG Wisconsin.
By documenting how specific families in Germany and South Korea experience this first 48-team World Cup, the series may also serve as a long-term time capsule of the tournament. Related film festival screenings, such as those at the Oakville Festivals of Film and Art, priced tickets between $21.99 and $24.99 — a sign the series has crossed from broadcast TV into cultural event territory, WSMV noted.
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