Image: Graphic by What’s on Netflix
Some of the best sports documentaries of the last decade have been exclusive to Netflix. 2026 is already shaping up to be another excellent year with the return of sports documentaries on Netflix drive to survive And full swingand the launch of brand new documentaries focusing on Rafa Nadal, Brazil’s famous 1970 team and more.
Throughout 2026, we’ll keep updating the list below with all the latest sports docs on Netflix.
Sports documentaries added to Netflix so far in 2026
- Glitter and Gold: Ice Dancing (Season 1) – 1 February
- Chess Queen (2026) – 6th February
- Formula 1 Drive to Survive (Season 8) – 27 February
Sports documentaries are coming to Netflix in 2026
Full Swing (Season 4)
Netflix Release Date: April 2026
Photo: Full Swing – Netflix / Box to Box Films
Full Swing will return for a fourth season, with its most dramatic season yet. Once again, the best players from Europe and the United States face off in the Ryder Cup, this time on American soil at the Black Course of Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York. Europe beats the US 15-13, but the score is less than half. Throughout the competition, the European players faced unruly, hostile American crowds, whose behavior was widely criticized by the media. Whatever drama unfolded was documented by the Box to Box team.
Ronaldinho: The One and Only (limited series)
Netflix Release Date:
Image: Ronaldinho: The One and Only – Netflix
One of the greatest football players of the 21st century, Brazilian attacking midfielder Ronaldinho “O Bruxo” lit up the game with his incredible skill and attacking prowess. He won several titles throughout his career, including La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona, and was an integral part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team. The limited series will be based on Ronaldinho’s life and career, from his rise from a rising star in Brazil to a global icon and his status as a figurehead of Brazilian football.
The Root of the Game (Limited Series)
Netflix Release Date: 8 June 2026
Soccer is beloved around the world, but one country that is famous for its rich heritage and love for the game is Brazil. The five-time World Cup winner, millions of children grow up emulating their heroes like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Pelé on the streets, beaches and pitches, hoping to play for their national team. This miniseries focuses on São Paulo’s largest and most prestigious amateur football tournament, the Super Copa Pioneer. The documentary will take us behind the scenes of the tournament and provide exclusive access to the players and coaches who hope to change their lives forever.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Season 3)
Netflix Release Date: 2026
Image: America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – Boardwalk Pictures
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, aka America’s Sweethearts, will return for a third season as we follow them through the 2025 NFL season. In the documentary, we get to see the training and choreography it takes to be a cheerleader for one of the most popular NFL teams, and what it takes to cheer for your team to wins and losses.
Brazil 70 (limited series)
Netflix Release Date: 2026
Expected to arrive in time for the 2026 World Cup, the documentary will chronicle the incredible journey of the 1970 Brazil team. From 1958 to 1970, the World Cup witnessed a period of dominance that has been unmatched since. During that period, the Brazil national team included true legends of the game, including Pelé, Didi, Garrincha, Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto and others.
Rafa (limited series)
Netflix Release Date: 2026
One of the greatest tennis players to ever grace the court, Rafael Nadal is one of Spain’s greatest athletes of all time. Competing against other legendary players such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Nadal’s career spanned from 2001 to 2024, with a record of 1080–228 and 22 Grand Slam wins (2x Australian Open, 14x French Open, 2x Wimbledon, 4x US Open). The documentary will feature Nadal at the final stages of his career as he retires from the sport, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and archive footage from throughout his career.
Untitled James Rodriguez Documentary
Netflix Release Date: 2026
James Rodriguez, Colombian international and former player for Real Madrid, Everton, Porto, Monaco and Sao Paulo, became a worldwide sensation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Scoring world-class goals, he soon became one of the most sought-after attacking midfielders in world football. Throughout his career, he has played for many prestigious clubs, winning prestigious accolades such as La Liga, Bundesliga, Primeira Liga and two Champions League titles with Real Madrid. The documentary will highlight Rodriguez’s life and career, with exclusive access to athletes, interviews and archived footage.
Which sports documentary are you looking forward to watching on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
