How the 1994 World Cup kicked off America's love affair with soccer

"Ahead of the 1994 World Cup, most Americans were unaware that the U.S. would be hosting the tournament. A survey from the time ranked soccer 67th among the nation's favorite sports (behind tractor pulling). Despite this, the 1994 World Cup the first held in the U.S. took a surprising turn. Game after game, stadiums were filled to capacity, packed not only with tourists and die-hard fans but also with soccer novices who came out of curiosity and because tickets were relatively affordable, according to soccer historians."

"“It was a big question as to how the U.S. would embrace it. Would people come to the games?” Mike Sorber, who played for the U.S. men's national team in 1994, told NPR. Ahead of the 1994 World Cup, most Americans were unaware that the U.S. would be hosting the tournament. A survey from the time ranked soccer 67th among the nation's favorite sports (behind tractor pulling)."

"“I think all the naysayers were surprised,” said Sorber, who is currently an assistant coach for Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls. “The atmosphere was electric. It was like a big party.” Soccer's momentum in the U.S. has only been growing since then, fueled by the launch of Major League Soccer and the success of the U.S. women's national team."

"The 1994 World Cup kicked off with a sold-out match. On a scorching afternoon in Chicago, some 63,000 spectators including then-President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey were packed like sardines at Soldier Field to watch Germany vs. Bolivia. Their cheers and boos, as loud as thunder. Today, it's easy to imagine a World Cup game drawing such American fanfare. But back then, it was a much different story."

The 1994 World Cup began with a sold-out match in Chicago, drawing about 63,000 spectators to Soldier Field for Germany vs. Bolivia, including then-President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey. At the time, many Americans were largely unaware the U.S. was hosting the tournament, and soccer ranked low among favorite sports. Despite low expectations, stadiums filled to capacity across multiple games with tourists, die-hard fans, and soccer novices attracted by curiosity and relatively affordable tickets. The atmosphere became energetic and celebratory, surprising skeptics. Soccer momentum grew further afterward, supported by the launch of Major League Soccer and the success of the U.S. women’s national team, leading to a larger, more passionate fanbase for the World Cup returning to the U.S.

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