The United States is preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the return of the global soccer tournament to American soil for the first time since 1994. That year’s event played a pivotal role in introducing the sport to many Americans, transforming soccer from a niche pastime into a rapidly growing fixture in the U.S. sports landscape.

In the summer of 1994, the World Cup was broadcast on ABC, exposing millions of American viewers to international soccer at its highest level for the first time. The tournament attracted historic attendance and viewership numbers, setting a new standard for the sport in the United States. It featured a broad array of passionate fans representing diverse immigrant communities, who brought color and fervor to stadiums across the country. The event offered a glimpse into a global sporting culture that blended competition and camaraderie among nations.

The 1994 tournament came at a moment when the United States was celebrated globally for its democratic ideals and rule of law, and while American sports culture remained largely insular—dominated by football, baseball, and basketball—the World Cup began to shift perceptions. Soccer, long the established sport in many parts of the world, began to take root more firmly within the American sporting consciousness.

Since then, American soccer has grown significantly. U.S. fans now regularly follow international leagues via television and streaming platforms, while the U.S. Women’s National Team has achieved remarkable global success. Recent polls indicate that soccer has surpassed baseball as one of the nation’s most favored sports, particularly among younger demographics, where it closely rivals basketball for popularity.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup, expanded from the traditional 32 to 48 teams, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This expansion and the choice of host countries reflect FIFA’s ongoing strategy to maximize revenue in the world’s largest sports market. However, both the organizer and the host nation carry complicated reputations. FIFA has endured significant public scrutiny over corruption scandals, while the United States’ global standing has been challenged in recent years by political shifts and contentious domestic developments.

Despite these complexities, the World Cup retains its power as a global phenomenon capable of uniting diverse peoples through sport. Fans will once again rally behind soccer’s biggest stars, from established talents like Lionel Messi to younger stars such as Kylian Mbappé, while supporting smaller nations eager to make their mark on the tournament.

The final match is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue that hosted significant moments during the 1994 Cup. Much like three decades ago, the tournament is expected to showcase a rich tapestry of cultures, reflecting both the heritage and evolving identity of North America.

As millions prepare to watch hundreds of matches spanning multiple continents, the event stands as a reminder of the World Cup’s unique ability to bring people together in celebration and peaceful competition, even as the broader world faces ongoing challenges and uncertainties.