Los Angeles, CA – March 12, 2026 – Today, Vox Creative, Vox Media’s award-winning brand creative studio, in association with Verizon, the Official Telecommunications Services Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026™, and Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico*, announced Soccer Meets America, a three-part documentary series that will premiere on The Roku Channel in May. From the implosion of pro leagues in the 1980s to the 2026 World Cup, “Soccer Meets America” chronicles the unexpected path of professional soccer in the United States.
The series looks at soccer history through the lens of exclusive interviews with players from the United States Men’s National Team including Chris Henderson, John Harkes, and Mike Sorber, along with Alan Rothenberg, former President of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Bruce Arena, head coach and sporting director of the San Jose Earthquakes. Soccer Meets America celebrates the community and players who have kept soccer alive in America as it moved from small communities to mainstream with the help of technology, pop culture, and dedicated fans.
“As soccer fans unite for the highly anticipated World Cup, we are thrilled to collaborate with partners and athletes that bring a unique perspective to the sport. Together with Verizon, Roku, and some of soccer’s biggest names, this series shares powerful and untold stories that will be enjoyed by the biggest soccer fans and newcomers alike,”said Yosef Johnson, senior vice president of Vox Creative.
“As a long-term partner and champion of soccer in the U.S., Verizon is focused on providing fans with unparalleled access to the sport they love,” said Haley Paas, SVP of Media, Marketing Effectiveness & Agency Management at Verizon. “By partnering with Vox Creative and Roku on ‘Soccer Meets America,’ we’re not just looking back at the history of the sport, but also celebrating the innovation and infrastructure that’s powering the largest World Cup ever.”
“With the World Cup capturing global attention, this documentary series allows us to tap into that passion by bringing fans closer to the sport through the compelling story of the historic 1994 World Cup, while creating premium opportunities for us and our partners to show up around culturally significant moments,” said Brian Toombs, Head of Roku Brand Studio.
As part of South by Southwest’s official programming, the team behind Soccer Meets America will share a sneak peek and participate in a panel discussion about the partnership and series. Moderated by Vulture’s Editor-in-Chief, Neil Janowitz, panelists include “Soccer Meets America” director Phil Wall, Chris Henderson, the former player for the United States Men’s National League and current sporting director for Atlanta United FC, and Haley Paas, Verizon’s Senior Vice President Of Media, Marketing, and Agency Effectiveness. RSVP here.
Soccer Meets America is produced by Vox Creative, in association with Verizon. The series is created by Phil Wall, and executive produced by Phil Wall, Yosef Johnson, and Sylvie Krekow. Sarah Sparkman serves as producer for Vox Creative. Sean Boyle oversees the project on behalf of Roku.
Soccer Meets America is produced by Vox Creative, in association with Verizon. The series is created by Phil Wall, and executive produced by Phil Wall, Yosef Johnson, and Sylvie Krekow. Sarah Sparkman serves as producer for Vox Creative. Sean Boyle oversees the project on behalf of Roku.
Check out the tech behind the 2026 tournament and be sure to watch Soccer Meets America this May on The Roku Channel.
*By hours streamed, Hypothesis Group, December 2025
About Vox Media
Vox Media, the leader in modern media, is home to a portfolio of top talent and engaging editorial brands that ignite conversations and set trends, including Eater, Vox, The Verge, SB Nation, The Dodo, New York Magazine, The Cut, and Vulture. The company’s podcast network is one of the largest in the U.S., publishing premium shows that inform, entertain, and delight, including Pivot, Criminal, Today Explained, Where Should We Begin?, Stay Tuned with Preet, The Vergecast, Waveform, and A Touch More. Across platforms, Vox Media defines culture through stories that shape all aspects of our audience’s lives.
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $138.2 billion in 2025. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/storesTK.
As the Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Verizon is powering the world’s largest sporting event with next-gen connectivity, exclusive fan experiences and original storytelling. This sponsorship builds on Verizon’s commitment to the growth of soccer in the U.S as a longstanding partner of LALIGA North America, MLS’ Columbus Crew, Houston Dynamo, Orlando City SC, New York City FC and Sporting Kansas City as well as the NWSL’s Houston Dash and Orlando Pride.
About The Roku Channel
Launched in 2017, The Roku Channel is the home of free ad-supported streaming television on Roku, and features a diverse lineup of more than 80,000 on-demand movies and programs, more than 500 live linear television channels, and premium subscription offerings in the U.S. It licenses and distributes content from more than 250 partners and features a growing library of Roku Originals.
