Searchlight Pictures has unveiled the trailer for ‘The Worst Team in the World’ (Next Goal Wins)’, a biographical sports comedy-drama directed by Taika Waititiwho has co-written the screenplay with Iain Morris, based on the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, which told the story of Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen and his efforts to lead the national soccer team American Samoa, considered the weakest in the world, to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
An ode to losers
‘The Worst Team in the World (Next Goal Wins)’ will delve into the history of the American Samoan soccer team after suffered the worst defeat in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the team enlists a maverick coach who’s going through a rough patch (played by Michael Fassbender) to help change their destiny.
In addition to Fassbender, the cast is joined by ELisabeth Moss, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, and Kaimana. Waititi produces alongside Jonathan Cavendish and Garrett Basch, with Andy Serkis, Will Tennant and Kathryn Dean serving as executive producers. Additional producers include Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, who directed the 2014 documentary on which the film is based.
Waititi’s humor shines through in every minute of the trailer, with Abba’s “Take a Chance on Me” playing and a dyed-blonde Fassbender looking like Ted Lasso, being an American who travels to a different country to turn a ragtag and awkward group of football players into champions. Waititi himself even plays into this, emphasizing his Oscar flops with “Jojo Rabbit” and a Teen Choice Award for “Thor: Ragnarok.”
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