'The Root of the Game' on Netflix: Everything to Know About the Cast, Plot, and Release Date

Published 06/18/2026, 2:04 AM CDT

Credit: Netflix

The soccer fever has taken over fans worldwide as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway. Supporters are decked out in their team's jerseys, hats, and sneakers, with their faces painted in their team colors to show their passion. After all, this is one of the biggest World Cups ever, featuring an expanded 48-team tournament that includes teams such as Uzbekistan, Jordan, Curaçao, and several others. 

However, even with the dose of soccer action, die-hard fans are always eager for more. And Netflix seems to have a documentary that could satisfy that craving. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming documentary, The Root of the Game, which is set to arrive on the streaming platform soon.

What is The Root of the Game about?

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Soccer is an emotion in São Paulo, and that is exactly what The Root of the Game explores. The documentary shines a spotlight on the city's grassroots soccer culture, where raw talent is discovered, and many of Brazil's biggest stars first began their journeys. The series focuses on where the love for the sport in the city begins and how deeply soccer is connected to the city's culture. 

The documentary follows players and teams as they compete to win the Super Copa Pioneer, São Paulo's largest and most prestigious amateur soccer tournament. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, it shows the passion, determination, and fierce rivalries that define the competition. And these games are played on simple grass fields and muddy pitches.

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To tell one of the most grounding stories in the game, Netflix has brought forth just the right players in The Root of the Game. 

Cast of The Root of the Game

Although the cast of the Netflix documentary The Root of the Game has not been officially announced, a few notable names are expected to appear. Cafu and Raphinha are set to feature in the documentary, where they will share their experiences of playing football in the mud and how it helped shape their careers. 

Cafu: Cafu is a Brazilian former footballer who played as a right-back. He holds the record for the most appearances for the Brazil national team, with 142 international matches.

Raphinha: Raphinha is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward for FC Barcelona and the Brazil national team. He is widely regarded as one of the best footballers in the world.

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Release date of The Root of the Game

The Root of the Game is set to premiere on June 20, 2026. It is the perfect documentary to add to the line-up of must-watch soccer documentaries. The documentary comes from Ginga Pictures. Far removed from the bright lights and massive crowds of the World Cup, it shows the raw passion, determination, and love for the sport.

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Will you be watchin The Root of the Game? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

825 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Adiba Nizami

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