Calling all women’s soccer fans! Netflix is kicking off with one of the most iconic moments in sports history with “The 99’ers”, a new film based on the legendary 1999 U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Even if you’re not a die-hard soccer fan, this is the kind of storytelling that will appeal to anyone who appreciates an underdog win. The team’s dramatic World Cup win over China in front of 93,000 fans at the Rose Bowl was so much more than just a championship moment, it changed the future of women’s soccer forever. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about the big Netflix film, and what makes “The 99ers” worth the watch!
The 99’ers movie tells the story of the 1999 U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and their unforgettable run at the FIFA Women’s World Cup! The film is based on Jeré Longman’s book The Girls of Summer: The US Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World. It follows the pressure, preparation, and intensity of a team that entered the tournament with high expectations and ended up making history. The final against China went to penalty kicks at the Rose Bowl, where more than 93,000 fans watched one of the most memorable wins in soccer history. Their victory became a defining moment for women’s sports as a whole!
There’s a reason why the reenactment of this moment is such a huge deal! The 1999 tournament is widely seen as a milestone for women’s sports. Not only did the U.S. women’s soccer team become household names, but they also broke attendance records. The image of Brandi Chastain celebrating after scoring the winning penalty is one of the most viewed moments in history. Beyond just winning the trophy, the hype for the tournament also proved that there was massive interest in women’s soccer which inspired players all over the world!
Netflix has put together a strong cast to portray the stars and key figures behind the team! Emily Bader (People We Meet on Vacation) will play Mia Hamm, while Zoey Deutch (Nouvelle Vague) takes on the role of Marla Messing, the executive who helped oversee the groundbreaking tournament. Emilia Jones has been cast as Julie Foudy, and Alessandro Nivola will portray head coach Tony DiCicco. Additional cast members include Julia McDermott as Brandi Chastain, Shaunette Renée Wilson as Briana Scurry, Perry Mattfeld as Michelle Akers, Annabel O’Hagan as Carla Overbeck, Lizzy Greene as Kristine Lilly, and Isabelle Fuhrman as Joy Fawcett.
The movie will be directed by Nicole Kassell, known for acclaimed work on Watchmen and Sirens! The screenplay comes from Katie Lovejoy, Dana Stevens, and Peter Hedges, with earlier development work from Jill Mazursky and Jamee Decio. Liza Chasin is producing through 3dot Productions alongside Hayley Stool and Ross Greenburg, with several executive producers tied to the project including Marla Messing.
Yes, production has officially begun! Cast members have already shared behind-the-scenes photos showing training sessions, workouts, and prep for their physically demanding roles. Filming reportedly began in April 2026 and is expected to continue through late spring.
Netflix has not confirmed an official release date yet. Since filming only recently began, a late 2026 release feels possible, but 2027 is probably more realistic. Releasing the film closer to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup would make a lot of sense and could give the movie an even bigger spotlight!
Until then, check out our wide selection of women’s soccer memorabilia at SoccerCards.ca, including 2025 Topps Women’s Euro Stickers, 2024-25 Panini Adrenalyn XL Women's Super League Cards, and 2023 Panini Women's FIFA World Cup Stickers!
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