League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Match Previews

Soccer fans reflect on 1994 World Cup as tournament returns to U.S

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 2:02 PM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

Soccer

Summary

The 2026 World Cup will return to the U.S., recalling the 1994 event that significantly boosted the sport's popularity. Wayne Novick, who attended the '94 matches, expressed optimism that this year's tournament would further enhance the sport's visibility. Major League Soccer began after the last U.S. World Cup and recently celebrated its 30th season. Local coaches shared memories from 1994, noting how that tournament spurred American soccer's development. The opening matches, including Team USA against Paraguay, are scheduled for June 12.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•World Cup 2026 set to begin June 11 in Mexico City.
•U.S. plays Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
•1994 World Cup is credited with reviving soccer interest in America.
•Local coaches reflect on soccer's growth since 1994.
•Major League Soccer was established in 1996 following the 1994 tournament.

Latest Updates

2:02 PMYahoo Sports — Return of World Cup to US brings back memories of 1994 for local soccer fans

What they're saying

"
Jun. 4—In 1994, Wayne Novick attended World Cup games held in the United States for the first time and at the time predicted the games would help increase interest. The World Cup returns to the U.S. this month and will showcase a sport played at the highest level that has greatly increased in popularity here in the past three decades. Novick took his daughter Michelle to first-round games in ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

MLS Soccer