“Ilusión Nacional” Explores Mexico’s Addiction to the Beautiful Game

A new documentary examines the links between soccer and Mexican life during El Tri's rise to international prominence.

“In every failure there is a victory. For every day of pain there is a day of glory,” proclaims Mexican soccer documentary Ilusión Nacional. A look back at the nation’s participation in the World Cup and other major tournaments over the last century, the movie evokes a heady mix of euphoria and heartache that will feel all too familiar to fans of El Tri.

Comprised entirely of archive footage, this 106-minute film will appeal to almost . . .