In 1988, FIFA awarded the United States hosting rights for the 1994 World Cup. The US Men's National Team appearance in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, thanks to Paul Caligiuri's famous goal in the qualifiers, legitimized America's presence in the tournament. And, when 1994 came along, an emerging community of soccer fans was ready to capitalize on the unique opportunity to see the world's best players compete on domestic soil.

The result was the most successful World Cup in the tournament's history, both in terms of fan attendance and revenue generation. It was so successful, in fact, that the 94 World Cup attendance records still stand. Combined with a strong showing from the USMNT, the marketing and promotion around the event launched soccer to new heights in the United States.

Sports historian and author Andrei Markovits was there. He joined Founding Futbol to talk about his memories of the World Cup, its impact on the sport in America and the lasting legacy it left on the growth of soccer.

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.

Visit our website for more information: ⁠⁠FoundingFutbol.com

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Host: Kent Malmros

Guest: Andrei Markovits (Author and Sports Historian)

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