The United States hosted the World Cup in 1994. How soccer has grown
The 1994 World Cup, hosted by the United States, marked a watershed moment for American soccer. Thirty-two national teams competed on a U.S. stage that television audiences would grow to expect for major global events. With the 2026 World Cup set to begin Thursday, June 11, in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the sport’s footprint in the U.S. has expanded dramatically since that first edition. A Kansas broadcast segment captured local kids quickly naming England stars Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane, underscoring the tournament’s rising cultural prominence.
Broadcasting legend Jim McKay connected that surge to a broader audience as the United States upset Colombia, a breakthrough moment that reshaped the sport’s profile here. The piece recalls players like Tab Ramos and Alexi Lalas, who, as the 2026 edition approaches, will join a legion of sportscasters and commentators guiding the coverage. The documentary Summer of ’94 offers another lens, recounting how players trained on a California beach because facilities weren’t yet ready.
Taken together, the article charts soccer’s evolution from a surprising host moment to a more influential presence on the world stage. It contrasts early logistical hurdles with a growing media footprint and fan interest, now visible across multiple platforms. As the 2026 World Cup nears, the arc suggests the United States is becoming a central, enduring participant in world football.
