As South Florida prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting next week, the documentary More Than a Game explores how the sport is already shaping lives off the field. Instead of focusing on the tournament itself, the film highlights the emotional and psychological impact of soccer on players, parents and coaches across the region.
The story follows multiple perspectives, including soccer mom Justine Avila and aspiring player Joshua Cannaday, whose journey reflects the resilience required to chase a dream.
“I definitely think that inspires me to want to work and get better every day,” Cannaday says in the film.
This points to the motivation sparked by the World Cup’s presence in Miami.
At its core is Coach Laleau Gomez, whose Little Haiti FC program has transformed lives for more than two decades while navigating both triumph and tragedy. As Haiti prepares to return to the World Cup after 52 years, the documentary shows how the game connects identity, community and hope-proving its impact is already being felt long before the first match begins.
Reporter Emmanuel Buzzo contributed to this documentary.
