World Cup 2026: How US football has evolved since hosting in 1994 | World Cup 2026 News
Soccer’s Evolution in the United States Ahead of World Cup
As the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup this summer, the world of soccer in the country has transformed significantly since it last hosted the tournament in 1994. At that time, the U.S. lacked a professional league and fielded a national team composed mainly of former college athletes and semi-professionals.
Sunil Gulati, former president of U.S. Soccer, reflected on the apprehensions leading up to the ’94 event. He noted, “We were at risk on the ticket side. For the U.S. Organizing Committee, it was a big concern if we could sell all the tickets,” he told Al Jazeera.
Despite these concerns, the 1994 World Cup was a resounding success. It set a record for attendance, with 3.5 million fans—averaging nearly 69,000 per match. The U.S. national team advanced past the group stage for the first time since 1930 before losing to eventual champion Brazil in the knockout round. This event laid the groundwork for Major League Soccer (MLS).
Since then, soccer has transitioned into the mainstream in the U.S. MLS has seen tremendous growth, currently featuring 30 teams and averaging crowds of around 20,000. The U.S. national team also holds a FIFA ranking of 16th in the world, and demand for tickets to this summer’s World Cup is significantly outpacing supply.
“Not in our wildest dreams did we think MLS would grow to this extent,” Gulati said, pointing out the abundance of soccer-specific stadiums that have emerged across the country. The U.S. Soccer Federation now sanctions 127 professional teams, including 102 men’s and 25 women’s clubs.
Gulati highlighted the commercial success of soccer, noting that 18 of the top 50 valued professional teams globally are part of MLS. The recent sale of a women’s team in Columbus for $205 million underscored the sport’s growing appeal.
Credit for this growth, in part, goes to former FIFA president Joao Havelange, who pushed for the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. and advocated for a professional league. The United States has had a long soccer tradition, with organized play dating back to the late 19th century. However, repeated failures of professional leagues left the sport struggling until Havelange’s foresight began to take root.
Farrukh Quraishi, a former NASL player and current Tampa-based administrator, emphasized the importance of a thriving soccer market in the U.S. “It was purely a matter of time,” he said, noting the high-profile individuals now interested in owning MLS teams.
Historically, American soccer relied heavily on amateur and youth participation. By the early 1990s, approximately 18 million people were playing soccer in the U.S., but the lack of a professional league resulted in limited pathways for aspiring players.
The launch of MLS in 1996 marked a significant turning point. Havelange himself attended the inaugural match at Spartan Stadium, where the San Jose Clash defeated D.C. United 1-0. The league quickly began constructing soccer-specific venues, significantly enhancing the sport’s profile in the country.
Although soccer has become entrenched in the U.S. sporting landscape, challenges persist. Eric Wynalda, a former national team player, expressed concerns over the current system, which he argues limits the potential of young American players. With many players earning minimum salaries and few securing high-profile positions, Wynalda advocates for a more competitive environment to enhance player development.
Despite the financial successes of MLS franchises—such as Los Angeles FC, valued at $1.25 billion—Wynalda noted the league’s struggles in international competitions, underscoring an ongoing need for improvement in performance.
Alexi Lalas, a former U.S. defender, recognized the progress made since the 1994 World Cup but emphasized that soccer has yet to claim the top spot among American sports. “Soccer still isn’t king in the U.S., but it’s certainly part of the landscape,” he said.
With the upcoming World Cup, both Lalas and Gulati are optimistic about the future of soccer in the U.S. “That is what the legacy of the tournament is about,” Gulati said.
