The Men Who Sold the World Cup

The Men Who Sold the World Cup season 1 on Discovery+
Watch The Men Who Sold the World Cup on Discovery+
Status:
Ended
Season 1:
Ended on October 17, 2021
Watched: 0%
0 of 2 Episodes
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Notes:

Season: 1
# Air Date Episode Name Watched?
E1 Oct 17, 2021 The Heist
E2 Oct 17, 2021 The Take Down
Mark Series:
Watched / Unwatched
Mark Season 1:
Watched / Unwatched
Production Note - Limited Series
Production Type:
Limited Series

The Men Who Sold the World Cup is a standalone Limited Series that concluded its 2-episode run in October 2021. This investigative documentary production utilized extensive archival footage and high-profile interviews to chronicle the systemic corruption within FIFA. The scale of the project involved coordinating with whistleblowers and legal experts across multiple continents to provide a definitive account of how the 2022 tournament was awarded to Qatar.

The story was designed as a closed-ended narrative to expose a specific historical timeline of bribery and internal politics. Because the series focuses on a singular, completed investigation into a specific set of events leading up to the tournament, it reached a natural conclusion without the need for further seasons. The production serves as a final, comprehensive record of the controversies that reshaped the landscape of international football governance.

2 episodes; produced by Story Syndicate for Discovery+; directed by Daniel DiMauro and Morgan Pehme.
Confidence: 5% Last Refined: March 2026
Why Watch:
"A deep dive into the FIFA corruption scandal through the lens of investigative journalism and whistleblower testimony."
Series Analysis:
As a landmark piece of investigative television, The Men Who Sold the World Cup stands as a definitive record of the systemic greed that reshaped global sports. The series documented the intersection of high finance and geopolitical maneuvering, exposing the mechanics of the 2018 and 2022 bid processes. Its cultural footprint is significant; it transformed complex financial scandals into a narrative that reached far beyond the football pitch. By detailing the fallout surrounding Sepp Blatter, the production provided a blueprint for how modern documentaries handle institutional corruption. Its legacy lives on in the increased scrutiny applied to international sporting bodies today. The show proved that the beautiful game was being managed like a private fiefdom, sparking global conversations about ethics. You should set a reminder for your news alerts to stay informed about any future revivals or spin-offs.
Tone: Analytical, sober, and historically significant Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

No, there will not be a Season 2 because the production was designed as a definitive two-part limited documentary series. The story is considered complete unless the creators choose to return with an anthology format focusing on a different sports scandal.

The series is based on the true story of the FIFA corruption scandal and utilizes original investigative research. It features real-life interviews with whistleblowers and journalists who uncovered the bribery involved in the World Cup bidding process.

The complete limited series consists of two episodes. These two parts provide a comprehensive look at the legal and ethical failures that led to the selection of Russia and Qatar as host nations.

The documentary was filmed in various international locations including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These locations were essential for interviewing the global network of investigators and reporters involved in the case.

This documentary investigates the allegations of systemic bribery and corruption that influenced FIFA's decision to award the World Cup to Russia and Qatar. It follows the trail of illicit money and the subsequent FBI investigation that shook the world of international soccer.

The series was directed by Daniel DiMauro and Morgan Pehme. They are acclaimed filmmakers known for their work on other investigative documentaries that explore complex political and social issues.
FAQs Updated: March 2026
Trailer:
Network:
Discovery+
Seasons:
1
Years:
2021 - 2021
Genre:
Documentary
Rating:
TV-14
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