1994 World Cup: The Seeds That Grew US Soccer

The 1994 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, was more than a tournament—it was a catalyst. The event drew record crowds and sparked a surge in youth participation, laying the groundwork for Major League Soccer (MLS), which launched two years later. This foundation eventually produced World Cup veterans like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, and fueled the rise of the U.S. men's national team to knockout stages in subsequent tournaments. From grassroots programs to professional academies...