Can We Kick It?, directed by Akbar Majeed, examines why football has struggled to connect with Black American communities despite their long-standing role in the sport’s history. The documentary is especially timely after the United States’ disappointing 2026 World Cup exit, which Majeed believes risked reinforcing scepticism about the game at a moment of unprecedented national attention.

Told through Black players, coaches, administrators, parents and supporters, the film highlights overlooked history, including Howard University’s contested 1971 NCAA title and undefeated 1974 championship, and Joe Gaetjens’s 1950 World Cup winner against England. Majeed argues that economic and structural barriers, including limited access to grassroots facilities and a pay-to-play culture, have excluded many urban communities; he contrasts football’s global accessibility with the US, where he says the sport remains out of reach for large parts of the population.