USA soccer's growth tied to World Cup 1994 and Premier League rise

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 7:15 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

USA soccer's growth tied to World Cup 1994 and Premier League rise

Summary

Alan Rothenberg, former chief of the US Soccer Federation, reflects on his vision for the 1994 World Cup, aiming to ignite American interest in soccer. Despite initial skepticism, the tournament became a pivotal moment, followed by increasing visibility from the Premier League. Recent data indicates soccer has surpassed baseball to become the USA's third-most popular sport. Rothenberg's insights highlight his planning and execution strategies that shaped the future of soccer in the country.

Source Links

Sky Sports Football

Key Details

•Rothenberg took charge of the USSF in 1990 amid low domestic interest.
•World Cup 1994 was seen as a gamble due to America's apathy towards football.
•Football has overtaken baseball as America's third-most loved sport according to The Economist.
•Rothenberg emphasizes the importance of promoting the World Cup as a major event.
•The legacy of the 1994 World Cup paved the way for soccer's growth in America.

What they're saying

"
Alan Rothenberg had a vision: A World Cup so enticing it could convince the USA - and the world - that the country could fall in love with football.
— Sky Sports Football

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer