As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, fans are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks only the second time the prestigious event will take place on American soil, having previously been hosted in 1994.
The 1994 World Cup not only served as a significant moment in U.S. sports history but also laid the foundation for the growth of soccer in the country. As we commemorate this milestone, former members of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) have shared their reflections on the tournament and its lasting impact on soccer during the inaugural episode of “The U.S. Soccer Podcast.”
Featuring USMNT veterans Cobi Jones, Tony Meola, Benny Feilhaber, and Alejandro Bedoya, the podcast aims to explore the moments that shaped soccer in America. “It’s going to be amazing, man. I am more than excited about what the World Cup is going to look like in a year from now,” Jones remarked on the podcast.
Jones participated in the 1994 tournament as a player. He recalled how the journey for the USMNT began long before the first whistle blew. The team conducted their training camp in Mission Viejo, California, preparing tirelessly for the high-profile sporting event.
“You’re in a family unit together, and you know that family unit is together just based on the fact that the World Cup is coming to the USA,” Jones expressed, emphasizing the camaraderie that developed within the squad.
The U.S. hosted its group stage matches at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, which has since become synonymous with significant moments in World Cup history. Among them was the thrilling final match of the 1994 tournament and the 1999 Women’s World Cup final, where the U.S. emerged victorious.
Having grown up in Southern California, Jones felt a special connection to the venue as he witnessed the transformation of Los Angeles for the event. He relayed a vivid memory of traveling for a training session, when police halted traffic on the freeway to ensure a smooth journey for the team. “Being a Cali kid, I was just like, ‘Okay, yep, this is it. It’s here,’” he recalled.
In the 1994 World Cup, the United States was drawn into a group with Romania, Switzerland, and Colombia. Colombia was considered one of the tournament favorites; even the legendary Pelé had predicted they would come out on top.
However, before the tournament, the U.S. had only managed to secure one win against Colombia in their series history. With aspirations of making their country proud and advancing from the group stage, the players saw the upcoming match as a crucial opportunity.
Jones shared how he felt seeing American flags throughout the stadium. “The thing that stood out for me was the amount of American flags that you would see everywhere. They’re supporting us as we were driving in. That’s when you get that sense of pride. Your heart swells a little bit,” he reflected.
The U.S. stunned expectations by defeating Colombia 2-1 in front of an audience of 93,869 fans at the Rose Bowl. Despite their initial success, Colombia did not advance past the group stage as Switzerland and Romania also triumphed.
Unlike the upcoming 2026 tournament, which will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, the 1994 edition followed a more traditional structure. Advancing from the group stage meant the U.S. would face Brazil in the Round of 16, marking a significant challenge for the home team.
“I can still picture the moment as we’re walking out before the game,” Jones reminisced. He vividly remembered standing next to the Brazilian team as they entered the field, an image that would stay with him forever.
The match took place on July 4, 1994, at Stanford Stadium, a day of high stakes for American soccer. Although Brazil was favored, the U.S. showcased an impressive fighting spirit. Ultimately, Brazil secured a narrow victory with a goal by Bebeto in the 72nd minute, moving forward in the tournament.
Feilhaber recounted how tough Brazil found the match. “Brazil struggled to win that game,” he noted, emphasizing the fierce competition the U.S. presented.
Although the Americans were eliminated in the Round of 16, the 1994 World Cup brought forth numerous positive outcomes. It not only captivated audiences who filled stadiums across the country but also proved to be a financial triumph for FIFA.
The 1994 World Cup was momentous beyond American borders, as it was the first time the tournament was held outside of Europe or Latin America. With Mexico having hosted it twice before, the U.S. helped pave the way for future tournaments in new regions around the globe.
Bedoya discussed the broader implications of hosting the tournament in the U.S., stating, “That set the tone now for soccer to grow and evolve, not just in our country…but obviously in Africa and other parts of the world.” This highlights the lasting legacy of the 1994 event not only for the U.S. but for global soccer as well.
The excitement surrounding the 1994 World Cup was paralleled by the emergence of Major League Soccer (MLS). At that time, the U.S. lacked a first-division soccer league, but the tournament birthed recognizable names that would become cornerstones of the league, which debuted in 1996.
The enduring impact of the 1994 World Cup is especially meaningful for American soccer fans as many experienced the tournament firsthand. The event has sparked a love for the sport that transcends generations, as current fans prepare to share their passion with future soccer enthusiasts.
“A lot of this growth and a lot of the success of MLS and the American player to this day, you could trace it back to the ‘94 World Cup,” Bedoya concluded, emphasizing the significance of that historic tournament. With only a year left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the excitement is palpable as fans look forward to the opportunity to celebrate soccer once again on a grand stage.
image source from：https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/06/usmnt-reflects-1994-world-cup-podcast
