The Biggest World Cup Reunion

Summary

Welcome to the Party – “The Biggest World Cup Reunion”

Podcast: Welcome to the Party
Host: Treat Media (Julie Foudy & Abby Wambach)
Guests: Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry, Michelle Akers, Kristine Lilly, Mia Hamm, Becky Sauerbrunn, Julie Ertz
Originally aired: July 16, 2026

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Episode Overview

This special episode is a jubilant reunion of legends from the U.S. Women’s National Team spanning from the '90s to the present. Centered around the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., the hosts and guests reminisce about historic World Cups, reflect on community and culture around this year’s games, and discuss their own highs and heartbreaks. With a lively, irreverent, and celebratory tone, the episode also covers themes of leadership, legacy, and the meaning of women’s sports – all told through stories, banter, and heartfelt moments.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reunion Chaos and Joy (00:00 – 05:00)

• The technical hilarity of getting everyone online sets a fun, party-like tone.
  • Highlights the camaraderie and real-life personalities behind the legends.
  • Quote: "This is just gonna be the whole party right here. Just people trying to friggin log on." — Julie Foudy [00:00]
• Immediate jokes about where everyone’s calling in from (Vegas, bathrooms), and running laughs about Brandi Chastain’s famous abs and Michelle Akers’s “tiny Jesus” reference.

2. Women's Tennis & Parity at Wimbledon (01:43 – 04:03)

• Recent Wimbledon crowned a first-time champion (Linda Noskova, all-Czech final).
• Celebration of dominance from past champions like the Williams sisters.
  • Quote: “Talk about parity… ninth consecutive time that Wimbledon has crowned a first time winner.” — Julie Foudy [01:44]
  • Quote: “Them against the world.” — Abby Wambach [02:39]
• Serena’s comeback attempt at age 44 draws empathy and nostalgia.

3. Introducing the Soccer ‘Legends’ and 15ers (04:04 – 07:39)

• Roll call and bios of guests, honoring their career accomplishments and their personalities.
• Humorous exchange about getting different World Cup teams (the '99ers, 15ers) online and the quirks of trying to herd legends onto a podcast.
• Quote: “She’s in Vegas. Thank God she’s not at a craps table.” — Julie Foudy [00:20]
• Recognition of newer generations, exemplified by Becky Sauerbrunn representing the “15ers.”

4. Atmosphere and Community at the 2026 World Cup (07:40 – 16:00)

• Reflections on the World Cup experiences in their host cities.
  • Widespread joy, immense community turnout (“the world has come and really embraced what the World Cup should and always should look like” — Michelle Akers [07:50])
  • Seattle highlighted as a standout host city for its fan experience and community vibe.
  • Contrast between cities and stadiums — Seattle lauded, Sofi Stadium found less favorite ([10:09]).
• Storytelling brings the festival of soccer to life: packed bars, fans from different countries, vibrant public celebrations, and the spontaneity of meeting fellow soccer revelers.
  • Quote: “I could have stayed there and never had a ticket to a game…everywhere in the city that you had so many different places to watch the matches, it was filled with people.” — Briana Scurry [09:02]
• Retro jersey nostalgia as a symbol of unity and history (“people hang on to this stuff…next tournament…we’ll be wearing this again” — Michelle Akers [15:10])

5. The Men’s US Team: Heartbreak, Analysis & Leadership (16:00 – 34:14)

• Emotional discussion about the U.S. Men’s National Team’s exit in the round of 16.
  • Universally felt disappointment; empathy and critique of “what was missing.”
  • Analogy between past defeat and present heartbreak (“it was like I, I lost that game. Like our team lost that game which…it was our team.” — Briana Scurry [20:36])
• Rich technical and mental analysis:
  • Difficulty of performing “great for eight straight games.”
  • Need for an on-field leader to spark the group, especially in difficult moments — “grab someone by the scruff of the neck” moment, which past U.S. women’s teams had (Brandi Chastain [23:44]).
  • Desire for “reckless abandon” and visible effort; concern about vulnerability and generational differences.
  • Critique of star forward Christian Pulisic's body language on the bench as a missed leadership example (“…it’s not about you anymore. It’s about externally showing them with some body language what they need to get going…” — Julie Foudy [25:53])
  • Memorable moment: Several legends get fired up, holding the men’s team to the standard of effort and selfless leadership they established.
    • Quote: “Effort should just be expected.” — Mia Hamm [33:55]

6. Memorable Moments from 2015 and 1999 World Cups (39:26 – 53:10)

• Each generation shares their personal favorite memories and emotions.
  • Kelli O’Hara’s clutch goal in 2015; the surreal feeling of quickly going up 3-0 in a World Cup final.
  • The elation of finally winning for Abby Wambach after years of heartbreak: “To be on the field and the final whistle goes, and knowing that I wasn’t going to be heartbroken…I had won my first World Cup, was the best feeling ever.” — Abby Wambach [42:36]
  • Hosting and generating national excitement in ’99: fans flooding stadiums, media attention snowballing, fans chasing their bus, and the deep pride in being pioneers.
• The handover of legacy and the emotional power of seeing past and future generations support one another.
  • Quote: “That’s the way it should be, like, handing it off and, you know, you all creating those memories for us, and it was just so special.” — Brandi Chastain [50:02]
  • Quote: “To be a pioneer and to start something without ever having a model, seeing something that represented you, but believing in it anyway...” — Brandi Chastain [51:47]

7. Impact, Inclusion, and the Joy of the World Cup (53:10 – End)

• Discussions about the World Cup as a cultural force for unity and connection (“the game gives everyone a common language” — Julie Foudy [53:10]).
• Storytelling about the impact they’ve seen from fans, family, and strangers — from a skeptical son being converted into a fan to witnessing cross-generational excitement at the grocery store ([61:59]).
• Reflections on the expansion to a 48-team World Cup and the value of diverse countries’ participation for global exposure and joy.
  • Quote: “…look at Cape Verde. They would have never made it if you were at 32 still…you brought in a community that you don’t typically see…” — Julie Foudy [58:59]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “This is just gonna be the whole party right here… Just people trying to friggin log on.”
  — Julie Foudy [00:00]

• “Talk about parity. Linda Noskova. All Czech final… ninth consecutive time that Wimbledon has crowned a first-time winner.”
  — Julie Foudy [01:44]

• “I love the coming together of all the people… so much joy around this World Cup — in stadium, in city centers. The community has just shown up huge.”
  — Michelle Akers [07:50]

• “I could have stayed there and never had a ticket to a game…everywhere in the city…filled with people. Colors were everywhere…the beer, everything was flowing. It was incredible.”
  — Briana Scurry [09:02]

• “Retro stuff…people hang on to this stuff. …When the next tournament comes…we’ll be wearing this again. We’re gonna show our pride by putting on these retro jerseys and just having a great time.”
  — Michelle Akers [15:10]

• “The heartbreak…I just thought, gut wrenching…they’re gonna have to wait four years. For us, we had another chance, the guys…that’s gonna be such a challenge.”
  — Briana Scurry [20:36]

• “You need someone like that personality on the field…to basically, you know, kick someone into the second row and be like, hey, the game's on. Get stuck in. At least tackle the ball harder…shift your anxiety lever to some bit of freedom and positivity.”
  — Brandi Chastain [23:44]

• “Reckless abandon… I was missing that. I'm going out there and I'm going to do this — whether we win or not, I'm going to make myself almost look foolish in the pursuit…”
  — Abby Wambach [28:48]

• “Effort should just be expected. And I think, you know, they're heartbroken about it, too… But I don't think you walk away being like, the effort was there…”
  — Mia Hamm [33:55]

• On hosting a World Cup: “There’s nothing like hosting a World Cup. There really isn’t… the whole nation… as each game went on, it just felt like it was snowballing…”
  — Julie Foudy [43:12]

• Fan Impact Story: “I got to be a bystander to witness the impact that was genuine and really, like, heartfelt…this was a lasting feeling memory…across the board with people they never would have come together with.”
  — Briana Scurry [61:59]

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Additional Wisdom & Highlights

• Hosting brings momentum, visibility, and country-wide excitement unmatched by other experiences.
• Multiple generations show profound respect and gratitude for those who came before, and delight in supporting those who come after.
• The World Cup is about more than just sport: it’s about culture, shared experience, growth, and inclusivity.

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Timestamps for Major Sections

• Opening, Tech Chaos, and Introductions: [00:00–05:00]
• Wimbledon and Parity in Women’s Tennis: [01:44–04:04]
• World Cup Atmosphere, Community, and Retro Jerseys: [07:40–16:00]
• Men’s US Team Discussion & Leadership: [16:00–34:14]
• Memories from 2015 & 1999 World Cups: [39:26–53:10]
• The World Cup’s Cultural Impact & Legacy: [53:10–end]

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Closing Moment

The episode closes with the beloved "USA" chant led (chaotically) by Michelle Akers, in classic team fashion — lots of laughter and mutual appreciation, symbolizing the unity, fun, and enduring camaraderie of these legends.
“USA! USA! USA!” [64:21]

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Recommended For

Anyone nostalgic for the glory days, seeking insight into the World Cup’s impact, or craving the joy and humanity that comes with women’s sports at the highest level. This episode is a celebration of history, legacy, culture, and the power of coming together — on the field and off.

Transcript

[Julie Foudy]

This is just gonna be the whole party right here. This is it. Just like people trying to friggin log on.

[Brandi Chastain]

Oh, son of a motherless goat.

[Julie Foudy]

You know, Jules, you didn't tell me

[Brandi Chastain]

this was going to be an IQ test.

[Julie Foudy]

You're on mute.

[Abby Wambach]

You're muted.

[Briana Scurry]

Yes, Brittany.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Okay, hold on.

[Michelle Akers]

Let me just take these off.

[Julie Foudy]

She's in Vegas. Thank God she's not at a craps table.

[Michelle Akers]

It was meant to be. Like me finding tiny Jesus at the bottom of the stairs. I'll tell you all about it later.

[Briana Scurry]

Are you in the bathroom? Bri?

[Julie Foudy]

Did you gel it? Straight up.

[Michelle Akers]

I hope you're recording this.

[Julie Foudy]

Whatever you do, start recording immediately. Because it's always comedy.

[Mia Hamm]

Attention,

[Julie Foudy]

the party is about to commence. Welcome to the party. What's up, party people? I'm Julie Foudy.

[Abby Wambach]

I'm Abby Wambach.

[Host/Advertiser Voice]

Jules.

[Abby Wambach]

We got a good one today.

[Julie Foudy]

We have got a good one. Soccer royalty in the house. We are bringing together, party people, the World cup champions from nearly 25 years of US women's national team history. How about that? And somehow, I don't know how we convinced them all to come to our party. That's right. So with the World cup semifinals happening right now on Tuesday and Wednesday and the finals just around the corner, we figured like, we got it. We gotta gather. We gotta gather the people. Because there's no better time to get the band back together. So we are gonna do that in just a minute. But Abigail, did you see that? Wimbledon has again a new champion for the ninth consecutive year. Is that crazy?

[Abby Wambach]

It's amazing.

[Julie Foudy]

I know. Talk about parody. Linda Noskova. It was an all check final. Ended up pulling this one out. And as I mentioned, the ninth consecutive time that Wimbledon has crowned a first time winner. The last time that a past champion took the title. Do you know when that was?

[Abby Wambach]

No.

[Julie Foudy]

It was in 2016. And I bet you can guess who it was. Serena Williams.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, yeah.

[Briana Scurry]

They.

[Julie Foudy]

They literally dominated Wimbledon from like 2000 to 2016, splitting 12 of the 17 women's singles titles. They also won six. So Venus and Serena won six doubles championships in that period. I do kind of miss that. Like that rivalry, obviously not between Serena and Venus, but like, you know, they were the ones to knock off.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

Them against the world.

[Abby Wambach]

Them against the world. Yeah.

[Brandi Chastain]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

And it's worth mentioning again. Serena tried to make this comeback this year at Wimbledon and sat sadly lost in the first round in three sets to 20 year old. So Serena was 44 years old, 20 year old Maya joint. Um. And then she Hurt her knee in that, in that match. And so she wasn't able to play doubles with Venus, which was a total bummer as well. But congrats to Linda on her first Wimbledon title.

[Abby Wambach]

Jules, did you, did you see Mahova? The, the encore interview that she did after the finals? It was so freaking sweet. So, so Mohova and the champion, they're good friends, right? Of course, because they're both Czech. And so she started with. What did she say? She goes, oh, it's hard to find the words, but I'll start with Linda, my ex friend. I'm kidding, obviously. Kind of. I mean, but that's so sweet because, like, you know, these players, they spend all this time together off the court because they travel to all of these, these tournaments together. They're kind of like, they're friends. And Jules, you and I, we totally understand this vibe because you're kind of competing against your friends so much of your career. And so when Mohova loses, she's saying, my ex friend. I just love that moment. It was really cute.

[Julie Foudy]

It was cute.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

That's very cute. That's very cute. Okay, party people, without further ado, we bring you some of the capital L legends of the 90s, the women who helped put the U.S. women's National Team on the map. Michelle Akers, time World cup champion, FIFA co player of the century, Olympic gold medalist and hall of famer. We called her Mufasa because she is an absolute lion. Brandy Chastain, two time World cup champion, two time Olympic gold medalist, and thankfully has the best abs in town when she ripped off her jersey after scoring the winning PK in the 1999 World Cup. And thank God she scored as I was up next. And no one wanted to see those abs. Brianna Scurry, World cup champion, two time Olympic gold medalist. And the goalkeeper who made the save before Brandi got naked. Christine Lilly, also a two time World cup champion, two time Olympic gold medalist. Are you noticing a pattern here? One of my roomies for many World Cups and Olympic cycles, which. Which means she deserves an extra medal for just that. And still the most capped soccer player in all of soccer history, male or female. And Mia Mariel Ham, last but certainly not least, a two time World cup champion, two time Olympic gold medalist, one of the greatest goal scorers the game has ever seen. As we know, she inspired generations of little girls. And for the record, she had the best mullet on the planet when she was 15 years old.

[Abby Wambach]

And next we got the 15ers.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay, we've got a 15er.

[Abby Wambach]

We got a 15er. And hopefully a few more 15ers will join throughout this call. Becky Sauerbrun, two time World cup champion and OG, recently retired captain, new mom and also fabulous broadcaster and podcaster.

[Julie Foudy]

Becks Mariel. Chrissy Bribry, Brenda Mufasa, welcome to the party. Brandy, get those glasses on.

[Kristine Lilly]

Yo, Brandi.

[Julie Foudy]

True story. Brandi was like, can I do this from a craps table in Las Vegas? And I was like, maybe not.

[Michelle Akers]

I don't know.

[Julie Foudy]

It looks like she's still at the craps table or she's taking a crap. I don't know. One or the other. Oh, thank you guys for doing this. Yeah, appreciate you, Becks. Thanks for representing the night, the 2015ers.

[Mia Hamm]

Yes.

[Julie Ertz]

Sorry about that. I don't know where they are.

[Briana Scurry]

They're coming. It shows how much.

[Abby Wambach]

It shows how much Sway has with the 99ers group versus the sway I have with the 15ers. No, no, no, no. Don't you do that.

[Mia Hamm]

Don't you dare do that.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

It is no reflection on you.

[Julie Foudy]

Abby exactly had a meeting, so we knew she was going to be a little late. But yeah, they'll come. I believe. I believe, Abs. I believe. And if not, it's fine too. We just wanted to gather people because I, I don't know how you guys, we wanted to get your. Your take on World cup stuff because. And I won't speak for Abs, I'll just, I'll just speak for myself. But I was a little bit concerned about how this World cup was going to come off in this country, girl. And, and I now, as final week

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

am, I don't let it end.

[Julie Foudy]

It's crazy. It's been so fun. So what, what's your guys take on all of this? And all of you can talk at the same time? It doesn't matter.

[Michelle Akers]

It's been so beautiful. It's been amazing. Yeah, right. I, I love the coming together of all the people and I. There's been so much joy around this World cup in stadium, in city centers. You know, the community has just shown up huge. And that's not just the local people. That's like the community of the world has come and really embraced what the World cup should and always should look like. And that's, you know, to come to celebrate the greatest game. And I've been so proud and so grateful to been a fan at just a few of the matches.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

I have a quick question, Jules. Are all you guys within distance of a stadium? Like, are all you guys Within a city that has a World cup games there.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, so far I'm the only one that's not.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

There's no games here in Washington, D.C. right? Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

Did you get to get catch any of them?

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Yeah, I drove with my family. We went to Philly and saw Brazil, Haiti, and it was amazing.

[Michelle Akers]

Oh, good.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, good eggs. You don't have any close. You had Miami, but that's not real close. Yeah, yeah.

[Briana Scurry]

Seattle was there, my hometown, and that was like, wow. Wow. I mean, that. That city. Yeah, it was a blast. I could have stayed there and never had a ticket to a game, which is, I think what they were kind of going for because it's sold out stadium, but everywhere in the city that you had so many different places to watch the matches, it was filled with people. Colors were everywhere. The food and the. The beer, everything was flowing. It. It was just like. It was incredible. And Brenda and I hooked up accidentally there and we got March. We were in the beginning.

[Michelle Akers]

It was March.

[Briana Scurry]

Total chaos. Oh, my gosh. Yes. We survived that.

[Michelle Akers]

I would highly recommend Seattle for the time first final of the Women's World cup when we get it for 2031. Like, yeah, they. They are awesome. Their fans are great.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, they have a great community. Well, Sofi, too. That, that stadium, Jeez, I heard that's

[Michelle Akers]

a totally different five.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, I heard that Sofi was the least favorite of all the stadiums by the fans. Interesting.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, really?

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Really?

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, really.

[Briana Scurry]

What?

[Michelle Akers]

I heard that.

[Mia Hamm]

For what reason?

[Abby Wambach]

They just said it wasn't like near much, you know, because it's kind of like not like that where Seattle, like, you know, people walk from like downtown to the stadium on their marches and. Yeah, I think Seattle had, I think, resounding, like some of the best experience outside of the stadium, you know?

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, yeah. Bex.

[Brandi Chastain]

Yeah, it's hard to March on the 105.

[Julie Ertz]

Not advised.

[Michelle Akers]

Yeah,

[Julie Ertz]

I, I absolutely had concerns going into it into the World Cup. I think there's always concerns when you go into World Cup, I think with like the politics and the visas and the ticket prices, like, there were a lot of, like, storylines that were negative going into it. So it was really awesome that from the start of the tournament, it was really about the little guys. It was about the community. It was like joyous. And I, I'm so glad that that like the whole storyline shifted. And then it was like such a bummer that politics came into it again and became the storyline. And so I think it was a huge bummer that going into that last game against Belgium, for the men, that it wasn't about how great the US Men were playing. It was about political influence and that sort of thing. I feel like now that we're nearing the end of the tournament, it is again about community, and it's about the quality of soccer and everything. So I'm glad that it's switching back, but I'm just like, man, if only people had just stayed out of it and just left the soccer to be soccer and just let, like, you know, when you take the politics out of it, it really is community, and I love that that was the story.

[Mia Hamm]

Mm.

[Julie Foudy]

Chrissy, did you get a party with the Scots in Boston? Please tell me you didn't.

[Kristine Lilly]

Yeah, well, sort of. Yes, yes, yes. There's so many. Like, I. This World cup has been so fun, and I've been. I'm fortunate because I went to all the Boston games, and. But I have a couple stories. So my favorite parts of the World Cup. Hold on. Is I love when they put the flags on the field. I don't know about you guys, but

[Julie Foudy]

I know that was cool.

[Kristine Lilly]

So cool. And then second, the. After the first Scotland game, Scallop tied the first game. Is that right?

[Michelle Akers]

You were there, Lil. You were there.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

You seen so many.

[Kristine Lilly]

She can't keep them old, so I don't remember. But anyway, so I was after that, like, they've been everywhere. And I was walking my dog with a friend, and then this woman came up with her dog. And, Mia, you'll appreciate this more than anyone, but she started to talk in an accent. I was like, oh, shoot. Is this Irish or Scottish?

[Briana Scurry]

They couldn't figure it out.

[Kristine Lilly]

So I go to her. I was like, oh, my God, is that an Irish accent? And then my friend with me is actually like, no. And she's like, no, it's Scottish. And I'm like, oh, my God, you're Scottish. And I just hugged her. Oh, my God. You guys did so great. Good luck in the next game. We're pulling for you. But this is why they loved us. Oh, God. That's the kind of feel I've loved. And everyone just wearing jerseys. Like, it's not weird wearing a soccer jersey right now. You know, everyone's just wearing. And everyone. I don't know. It's just been. The Boston area has been phenomenal, and I did hang out with some of the Scots. I went over. I was doing something before a game, and I just went to the table. I'm like, oh, my God, we love you guys. And it was all Scottish people. They Were just like, this has been the best. Boston's been awesome. So it's been. I have to. I've. I've had a blast. And I think it's been pretty awesome.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

The Scott looked like they knew how to have a good time.

[Michelle Akers]

Oh, yeah. And then they forgot that they had a good time.

[Kristine Lilly]

Like, they. I think that people were here for the week because they're the. The two games in Boston and they just were like, this has been so great. Like, bars has sold out from beer because they drank it all. But it just. It's been.

[Julie Foudy]

When you think about how many bars and how much, how is that even possible in Boston?

[Brandi Chastain]

It goes down a lot faster when it's cold and they're not used to that.

[Michelle Akers]

Wow. And it was hot for them. Right. You have to imagine that, you know, the weather changed.

[Kristine Lilly]

It was hot, but it's also mild hot for.

[Michelle Akers]

I bet there was a lot of sunburn. Scottish folks.

[Julie Foudy]

I know. Well, then they had to go down to Miami and I was like, oh, they're not going to like that weather as much. That's going to be a different story.

[Michelle Akers]

It's going to be a little chills. I got two things. One, to Becky's point, I feel like hate always has amplification, but the joy of this World cup will far supersede all of that. And I think that's going to be the resounding message that everybody's going to take away. And two, I love. And Abby's wearing the cap today. The retro stuff that's been worn everywhere. Let's see Becky. There we go.

[Kristine Lilly]

Look at you guys.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, my God. That's crazy. You guys did not even plan that. I bet.

[Briana Scurry]

Yeah. Yeah, 100%.

[Michelle Akers]

And just to see Michelle wore the jersey, the denim looking one with the star.

[Abby Wambach]

I bought that too.

[Michelle Akers]

Yeah. To see that kind of come back around the US like in the march when Michelle and I were with the Outlaws, like, all the stuff was coming out and it kind of threw me back to when we first went to China and the crazy gear that we had. And, you know, just like, people hang on to this stuff. And I think, again, that's why this is so awesome. Because when the next tournament comes, and it could be the women's tournament, we'll be wearing this again. Like, we're gonna show our pride by putting on these. These retro jerseys and just having a great time.

[Julie Foudy]

I was just cleaning out, like some stuff out of the closet and I found like this whole treasure trove of like 1996 Team USA Olympic stuff that was Adidas. And I was like, izzy, do you want these pants? Because there's no way in hell I can fit into these anymore. These cute little Adidas sweatpants, right? I was like, these are so cute. They were cropped.

[Kristine Lilly]

She was like, yes, give them to

[Michelle Akers]

me, all of it.

[Julie Ertz]

Julia, if you have any extras, bring them to the next broadcast. I'll.

[Michelle Akers]

Absolutely.

[Julie Foudy]

I know, I know. Actually I will. Beck, can I just give you a quick story?

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Can I give a quick story, Jules? I know all this overall talking about at the games and how it's been at the games and atmosphere and what's cool for me is I had two watch parties at my house and they were.

[Michelle Akers]

I didn't get the invite.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

The men's games off USA off chain. Like people that don't watch soccer, you know, friends of ours coming over, being in the backyard, just having dinner, getting all in. And then we'd score and I'd run around, run the backyard and everybody. And then little kids, I have like a 7 year old and like a 9 year old that live like diagonal from me. After USA would score, I'd hear the boys would come out and they'd go, USA along with me. It was super cool. I mean, it was just, it was so nice that we were brought together, I mean, in the community, you know, and just behind the boys, you know. It was awesome.

[Michelle Akers]

Yeah,

[Julie Foudy]

that exact same thing happened in our neighborhood where we were like on a 30 second delay from I guess the live feed. We didn't know. And every time you'd hear the whole block be like, I was like, oh my gosh, this is like how it is in Europe and around the world and South America. We're actually experiencing this here. It's so cool. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Least favorite part, I am probably certain for all of us that it's, it's pretty much the same. Maybe not. Watching the US men crash out in that round of 16. And the thing I think about is like for all the positivity and joy they gave us, I just wanted them to feel good about like losing happens. We know that, but there is no way they are going to feel good about that. And we know that feeling very well. How you walk away from a game and you're like, I just want that back. Give me a chance. Give me another chance. Give me another 90. And now you have to wait four years and who knows how many of those guys are going to actually get that chance, right? So I just, I just wanted to get your guys reaction to the men's game because I have some thoughts on it. But I'm going to shut up for a second and let you guys talk. I have a lot of thoughts on it.

[Briana Scurry]

I was looking what caught me when aside from the agony of the wanting them to pick it up and get it together and play and win was there the circle at the end of the game and they all got together at midfield and it just reminded me of when we lost in that 95

[Julie Foudy]

World cup and we all got doing their freaking circle.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay.

[Briana Scurry]

And just how gut gut wrenching.

[Kristine Lilly]

Yes.

[Briana Scurry]

Oh I something I'll never forget but those I I think of like the heart I just thought just like gut wrenching. The heartbreak, the just it's and it sinks in over time that feeling of losing and they were just beginning it at that moment. So I had such heart for them. But also like then I thought shit, they're going to have to wait four years for us. We were went into the 96 Olympics right after so we had like okay this is our next goal and it's happening this next year but for the guys it's four more years. Just so there's going to be such a challenge turnover how to endure that. But but also we, we need the time to to kind of get get re reset and reorganized and and reassimilate like our goals. Like how are we going to do this for the USA men? How are we going to win a World Cup? So that was mine. I still just feel awful. It was like I, I, I lost that game. Like our team lost that game which it was our team.

[Abby Wambach]

Anybody else have thoughts?

[Briana Scurry]

Ah so bad for them.

[Mia Hamm]

I have some thoughts.

[Julie Ertz]

I think it's really hard to play great for eight games straight like the men were going to have to do to make it all the way to the final. And I think they're in a journey right now where when they're playing great they're going to be good teams but when they struggle on the day I don't think quite yet they have the awareness that there are moments in a game that you have to capitalize on and someone has to make a play play in order to, to win those types of games to get late into a tournament. And I think there was just not an acknowledgement or an awareness of those moments in that match. They got an amazing break, they got that free kick against the run of play and it was like a gift to get back into that match. And that should have been kind of a wake up like hey we are back. We are tied. Like we're back in this game and I don't think there was any sort of change into the energy or the approach to the match.

[Michelle Akers]

Becky, I love this comment, but I really want to have a deeper discussion on that because I'm going to say this and it might sound a little harsh or insensitive, but these are professionals. They have to. How do you get to this point and not understand the depth of the importance of the moment or knowing we've just gotten a goal now we have to, you know, this is what we do. Or we've given up a goal. This is what we do. And so that, you know, my comment was going to be to everybody, like, what do you think the halftime talk was? You know, what was being said in that halftime, you know, because we gave up that goal so quickly after we scored. And, you know, here we are in the biggest moment of our lives and it's not any different from any game we play and how. And I'm hoping they had a Colleen Hacker in their life, you know, talking about the mental side of, of what we're experiencing. But I'm just really curious what was being said, you know, what was the pre game talk, what was the halftime talk and what were the players saying between each other?

[Abby Wambach]

It's a good question.

[Brandi Chastain]

I think the other thing B is, you know, I'm, I'm sitting here looking at Michelle and Abby, who, if our team wasn't getting it done, like, I just felt they came out really tight. All the touches were underneath them. It was like there was so much tension and nervousness on the verge of a little bit of fear that like their movement on and off the ball wasn't there like it was in the previous game, which usually you correlate that with like nervousness. But it's not just like there are times you wish someone would grab someone by the scruff of the neck and say, you know what, what the heck is going on? But we had like, I just think of a Michelle or Abby that would do it with a tackle.

[Michelle Akers]

Like, there'd be a 50, 50 ball.

[Brandi Chastain]

And all the. Yeah, all of a sudden that player would be like airborne and they would turn around and you know, be like, let's freaking go. Like, like, what the heck, guys? And then all of a sudden that switch would be like, oh, yeah, like that's right. We're playing for, you know, to move on, to fulfill our dreams. And you know, obviously I'm not pitch. Pitch side, but you, you need someone like that, that personality on the field to basically, you know, Kick someone into the second row and be like, hey, the game's on. Like, the whistle blew. Get. Get stuck in. And at least. At least like, you know, let's tackle the ball harder, or whatever it takes to kind of shift your anxiety lever to some bit of freedom and positivity. Like, I always felt that, you know, Abby and Michelle gave us that. Like, it was. They could sense it. And that's the way they communicated with us, by going in hard for a 50, 50 ball and basically waking us all up.

[Michelle Akers]

Yeah, I think I hear what you're saying on that. I think there's also the gestures. Like, you know, because it's loud in those stadiums and you can't have, like, intimate conversations, sometimes just body language, gestures even are helpful. I didn't see a lot of that either. You know, like, you know, when somebody would make a good move and it was like a clap or a thumbs up, you know, And I just. I didn't see enough of that either.

[Julie Foudy]

Or if you go off the field and you're the star of the team and Christian Pulisic.

[Kristine Lilly]

Right.

[Julie Foudy]

And I'm not going to argue whether he should have gone off or not, because I don't think that's fair, honestly. Like, we don't know what he was going and feeling. Right. So I'm not arguing, arguing him going off. When you go off with 20 minutes left, you do not have your head in your hands the entire 20 minutes.

[Michelle Akers]

Right.

[Julie Foudy]

Did you see the. The shots of him on the sidelines?

[Michelle Akers]

I didn't. I didn't see that.

[Julie Foudy]

He was like this with his head in his hands. Yeah, like this, like, and.

[Michelle Akers]

And that.

[Julie Ertz]

And.

[Julie Foudy]

And they went to him a couple times. Maybe he changed his posture. But, like, if that were to happen to one of our stars back in the day, you would have been on the sideline going crazy, cheering, like, giving them some energy that they needed. And that bummed me out. I didn't see that. I didn't see. I saw. They're the host country. They realized, like, this is so important. And so he's feeling like this, this was our chance to do it and we can't do it. And it's all showing in that moment. Like, I don't think we can do it. I can't do it. I'm no longer on the field. But it's not about you anymore. It's about externally showing them with some body language what they need to get going. And I didn't see that.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Which I just want to talk about something a little bit different. I think,

[Julie Foudy]

Julie, welcome to the party. Julie Ertz has joined the party. Mommy, thanks for inviting me to the party.

[Mia Hamm]

I love this party.

[Abby Wambach]

Julie, welcome to the party.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

I think for me, I was worried about all the things you guys are saying. I was worried about all of that before the game started, because when we got the red card overturned, I was like, okay, wow. Holy cow. But then it got weird, and then they had something that galvanized them, and then all of a sudden, there was, like, this, you know, political thing, and I was worried that I'm like, can we hold. Can we hold that weight on us? Or is Belgium gonna come out here? Like, they want to rip our throats out and just be angry and play that way? And unfortunately, that's what happened. They did. And I was just so disappointed that we didn't have a counter, which is kind of like everything that you guys are saying. Either a person making a tackle or someone making the signal or understanding that they're gonna come after us in this first 10 minutes, like we stole something from them because that's how they feel. And we have to, at the very least, counter and then counter back with our own thing. And I just feel like. And I was so disappointed. And I've said this to a few people that I know. I'm like, when you're in a battle like this, you're in a war, and when you're in a war and you are a soldier, a warrior, you go out on your shield, Basically, you scratch and you go until you are exhausted and can give no more to the cause. And I was really sad that that's not what I saw.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, I think that a lot of us probably were feeling it deeply because we know what it's like to lose world championships. We didn't win every single one. And so we respect what it. What goes into it. We respect how much pressure. Even hosting these world championships, we all understand what that feels like. And there's a way to go out, right? There's a way to represent that. I think that I was still left wanting at the end of that game. Right. Like, I didn't, like, Burhalter was the only guy that I saw, and I was watching from my tv. Burhalter was the only guy that I saw that was trying to spark them, but he came on so late that it was, like, hard. It was hard for them to, like, really gather that energy. And I can't just. I don't want to say that it's inexperienced, because, Brandi, I agree with you. Like, These guys are professionals. And also the fact that they don't play together maybe as much as our women's national team consistently and for all of the decades that we've played together makes it harder for them to understand what maybe makes each of them tick in the moment and to get fired up and to get motivated and like, you know, the Gen Z generation is harder with vulnerability than I think our team is. I think that we plant our flag in the sand saying, like, we actually give the most Fs about this, and we're going to make ourselves look foolish in the fight for this championship. And that's what I was missing. I was missing that. That reckless abandon. I'm going out there and I'm going to do this whether we win or not. I'm going to make myself almost look foolish in the pursuit of potentially, because I do think that that's a quantity of winning. Like, Lil, what do you think? You've been quiet.

[Kristine Lilly]

Well, I mean, I think you guys are talking a lot about it. I think also it's not easy. It's not easy, like, every stage and then you get to the knockout stage and it's a whole new World Cup. Like, we've been there. We know what it's like. It's not easy, you know, when the nerves come. So I think the. Whatever got the best of them because I thought they were playing great. I think the first three games were so fun to watch. I think everybody was just like, this is awesome. But I think also part of me, not just the. Our men's game, but a lot of the games. I don't know about you guys. I've been so frustrated in the attacking third. I know there's 20 people there, but they get the ball out wide and then they bring it back. I'm like, for the love of God, could someone just take someone on a

[Julie Foudy]

couple more times or serve the damn ball into the box. Like, how does Norway not serve to Harland? I'm like, serve the ball to the big boy.

[Kristine Lilly]

Yeah. But I would think about, like, all the goals that have happened. They're either getting in line, whipping it across, or they're getting all the way in line and cutting it back. And I just been like. I'm like, just have some risk. Like, that's what I love so much with, like, the three. The. Our three forwards right there. Abby, me and Mish, like, you guys, like, when you. I was like, okay, something's gonna happen when they get it. Like, someone's gonna, please don't serve it. To my head, why would we do that? But I just feel like it just. I think that the. The next stage is knockout stage. It's another whole level, whatever. Who knows what happened, what they were feeling? I don't know. I mean, we all know what they could be feeling, and they didn't have that one person to snap them out. We had, like, six or seven that could do for us, but it was fun the first three games, and. But it's just unfortunate because I think them making it to one more round, one more game would have gotten that extra group of people in America that they're like, oh, right. You know, because, I mean, we love winning. They love our team because we win, like, and not putting in guys or girls, but they. Winning helps so much.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Kristine Lilly]

So I don't know.

[Julie Foudy]

I was.

[Kristine Lilly]

I loved it, but it just was unfortunate.

[Julie Foudy]

Jules, before we shift gears, final thoughts on the men.

[Mia Hamm]

Yeah, I think it was definitely a buzzkill of some great four games of not even just, like, the commitment, I think, just their style, honestly. Like, I think people were like, this is the best we've seen them play. And I think that part was just really disappointing. And, you know, you can pick your. What your top players that also didn't perform, but in order for the men to go further than that, all 11 were gonna have to put their best performance in. And it was disappointing that I don't think anyone walked away being like, wow, one person put their best performance forward. And so I think that part was just a deflation. Like, I just think what a joy it was to be able to have those four games of just really seeing that. And I think just when you have to start talking about effort, I think that just gets really difficult. Difficult for past players, especially, I think, because effort should just be expected. And I think, you know, they're. They're heartbroken about it, too. I mean, I've read post. I was.

[Abby Wambach]

I was.

[Mia Hamm]

You know, I wasn't on the field, and I was, like, heartbroken that we wouldn't be able to cheer them on. But I don't think you walk away being like, the effort was there, so rightfully so, and that they didn't go through, and it's just kind of unfortunate, for sure.

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[Julie Foudy]

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[Host/Advertiser Voice]

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[Julie Foudy]

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[Host/Advertiser Voice]

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[Julie Foudy]

I was gonna say you need that.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

It's exactly.

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[Abby Wambach]

It's also soft.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. And it's 100 free from dyes and perfumes and parabens. And I feel that once you know that, you can't unknow it, which is a good thing.

[Host/Advertiser Voice]

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[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, always.

[Mia Hamm]

And.

[Julie Foudy]

And honestly, I do feel like workout clothes and watch washing them and especially Declan's, like layers of workout clothes and how many he puts on a day is a full time job.

[Host/Advertiser Voice]

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[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. I love that you can look at the back of the bottle and actually see what's in it and what each ingredient actually does. That level of transparency, by the way, is not just something you usually get with laundry detergent. Plus, my son Declan has really sensitive skin. He has some allergies, so I love that. As I was saying, there's no dyes or perfumes since those can be irritating to his skin. And as we know, skin is an organ, we worry about what we put on the inside of our bodies. So we should also care about what touches our skin, too, with clothes and what we wash them in.

[Host/Advertiser Voice]

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[Julie Foudy]

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[Host/Advertiser Voice]

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[Abby Wambach]

Do they go?

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[Kristine Lilly]

Yeah, roll.

[Julie Foudy]

Roll their eyes.

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[Abby Wambach]

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[Julie Foudy]

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[Abby Wambach]

Facts.

[Mia Hamm]

I don't, I don't know if people

[Julie Ertz]

don't know about it, but I really wish Kelli o' Hara was on because her goal in the semifinal against Germany like that, and I think that was her first international goal. And having her, yeah, having her go on and score that goal in such a critical game. And Jules, I think you can attest to this, like, it was a close game, but I, like, we were playing so well. We were just like, we just, we just need to put it in the net. And then to have Kelly come on, who I don't think had been playing in the attack at all, get the goal that she got, which was like pure effort, flying through the air, getting a touch on it just like, whatever she needed to do to get it across the line. I am not like a sure person. I'm never convinced of anything. In that moment. I was like, we're winning this World Cup. And that's. That is what I. The resounding feeling from that game. I was like, we got it. And I'm never like that.

[Abby Wambach]

That's good. Ertsy.

[Mia Hamm]

I'm. I would say, honestly, which is no surprise. How many goals were we up in 12 minutes? Was it four or three at that point? There was three. It was like, in 12 minutes. It was something insane, which I have never been a part of, let alone in being the biggest game ever. Having to talk to myself about, like, I had. We didn't win. I was like, we haven't won the game yet. We haven't won the game. Like, just the mental capacity of being that far up in a final, like the. The inner dialogue, because there's still so much game left against such a good team, like, truly a great team, and that Japan team and players that. The conversation was so different than I've ever had, for sure. So that was insane. Especially let alone the stadium. I've never played in a stadium like that. But Also I was 19 that tournament.

[Julie Foudy]

Vancouver.

[Mia Hamm]

That was Vancouver, and I was number 19. So I actually sat. Sat next to Abby because she was 20. So I know she probably doesn't think about this, but imagine being like, I'm so young, and this is like, at that point, Abby, did you. Did you make it public that this was your last tournament? Was it public at that point?

[Abby Wambach]

Not yet. Not yet, no.

[Mia Hamm]

And so I don't know her dialogue of it, but, like, imagine me young, first World Cup. You know, Abby's done all these things, and I just remember, like, listening to her talk in conversation. I think she's more comfortable the more she talks. And for me, I'm opposite in being that young now, obviously, you can tell. And I just remember being like, this is insane. Like, just all of it. Like, every game was insane. The atmosphere was insane. The fact that was in Canada. So if you're asking about favorite memories, just obviously it's funny because, like, here I am on my screen and then Abby's right next to.

[Michelle Akers]

To me.

[Mia Hamm]

So that's how my locker room was. And Abby was just, like, so ecstatic of this tournament. It was probably a very different tournament also. And just viewership. I don't know. It wasn't at the other ones, but viewership being so close to the States and I don't know. So I I. I knew a lot of Abby's thoughts, I would say, during this World cup or that World Cup.

[Abby Wambach]

That's funny. That's so good. I guess I'll just say this quick before we go to the 99ers. My favorite thing was when the final whistle blew in the final. It was a different World cup for me because I came on. I came off the bench for many games at the end, and to be on the field and the final whistle goes, and knowing that I wasn't going to be heartbroken for the rest of my life, never having won a World cup, having won my first World cup, was the best feeling ever.

[Host/Advertiser Voice]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

What about the 99ers?

[Julie Foudy]

I think what was special for us, and we can hear from y', all, is.

[Briana Scurry]

Is that.

[Julie Foudy]

And we're seeing it, of course, with what the men are living, even though they went out in the round of 16. It's just. There's nothing like hosting a World Cup. There really isn't. In terms of the energy you generate, in terms of the curiosity, in terms of the whole nation, really, as we saw 50 million people watched that round of 16 match, I think it was the most watched soccer match ever in US History. So with that and. And as it. As each game went on, it just felt like it was snowballing in 99. It was just getting bigger and bigger, and the crowds at practices were bigger. And all of a sudden we were like, holy shit, it is happening. All these things we thought could happen are happening, y'.

[Michelle Akers]

All.

[Julie Foudy]

So just a couple favorite moments from 99, if you would, anyone.

[Michelle Akers]

The first bus ride. The first bus ride to the Meadowlands, I think was awesome.

[Julie Foudy]

But also, we didn't know.

[Michelle Akers]

Yeah. Perplexing. We were like, why is there so much traffic? And we have a. We. We're being escorted by the police, yet we're stuck in traffic. And honestly, just the sheer delight of us coming to the realization that they're going to the game, and there was no assumption that they were going to the game. There was really not, like, no air of, like, oh, of course they're coming to the game. It was really so authentic and genuine. Like, it gives me chills just, you know, thinking about that moment. And I will also say, when we got to the stadium, Lil being in the jets locker room, like, as a Jets season ticket holder, like, her family, you know, that meant a lot to her. And I think the emotions that came along with that were so brilliant. And ultimately, I see what I have in my head is us walking from the dark tunnel and out into that brilliant sunlight on that day. That, to me, is like the aha moment. Like, holy crap, it is happening. You know, out of one side, we were saying like, oh, we're gonna have the World cup and all these big stadiums. Then on the other one, we're like, oh, my God, is this really happening? And it was happening. And that, to me, was the indicator that it wasn't just us that believed. It was like all these other people were coming to experience this phenomenon that Marla Messing and the World cup committee put into motion. And it was incredible.

[Brandi Chastain]

I remember that match. I don't know if you remember this, Jules, but we got outside in the stadium and we kind of took it in and we started jogging, and, like, we both had tears in our eyes, and it was like, oh, my God, we gotta get our shit together.

[Michelle Akers]

We have a game to play.

[Julie Foudy]

Can't get emotional here.

[Brandi Chastain]

But it was so hard because it, like, for me, I know I'd grown up going to men's World Cups and sitting in those stadiums and going, gosh, are we ever gonna. Am I ever gonna experience something like this? And then for the first match of 99, just hoping that we'd, you know, because they had talked about having to close the top bowl at first, like, oh, they're just gonna put signage up. And then next thing we know, it's like, it sold out. And I have chills to be able to walk in and to see, yeah, 70,000 plus people in that stadium there for you, for us, was life changing. Another memory that I have was actually after the next match in Chicago. Oh, where that. Remember that girl that chased our buffs?

[Julie Foudy]

Yes. Tell that story real quick.

[Michelle Akers]

That was awesome.

[Brandi Chastain]

Half a mile.

[Julie Foudy]

She was, like, holding a Buddha or something, right?

[Brandi Chastain]

Just played Nigeria. Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Brandi Chastain]

And, you know, we left the stadium and we're cruising back to our hotel. And I want to say our hotel was, like, in the suburbs. And she's, like, running after our bus and. And we're all kind of giggling like, oh, she's. She's gonna. She's gonna peter out at. At the next light. But she kept going.

[Julie Foudy]

And she was froggering around the cars and people and, like, just staying with the bus, and we're like, come on, come on.

[Abby Wambach]

It's so funny.

[Brandi Chastain]

I mean, that just showed, like. Yeah, yeah. Stopped the bus.

[Julie Foudy]

We finally stopped the bus for her and signed, would you, Brandi, didn't you give her something? You gave her your boots, right?

[Michelle Akers]

Yeah. Oh, that's cool.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, it did show. It showed. It showed the enthusiasm, for sure. Bry, what were you gonna say?

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Yeah, I just want to say thank you to Abs, Julie and Bex, because I was actually at the 2015 World cup with my then girlfriend, soon to be wife, shortly after that, and we were sitting behind the goal of Japan. So we saw those three goals come on our side, and I just really had a full circle moment. I went from, you know, being a kid wanting to play soccer to starting on the national team, to winning a World cup and being on the pitch, to being off the pitch watching these amazing women win. And I was really emotional. I mean, I was just bawling the whole time because I was so happy for you guys. And I felt connected. The 99ers in 2015 because it had been all that time since we'd won a World Cup. And so for me, it was just really, like, visceral, you know what I mean? I was very, very emotional. And that's why I think I always talk about being a sisterhood. And I mean, I knew there were players on that field that were in the stands when we were on the field, and now they're doing the thing. You know what I mean? And to me, that's just so what makes all of this so cool, you know? And obviously, you know, the. The penalty kick save was awesome, but I think what most coolest thing for me and now that I'm, like, older and, you know, not playing anymore and have kids and stuff is. Is the camaraderie. I just like being around you guys and. And trying to do this amazing big thing together. I missed that. You know, I missed that a little bit. And. And it's. It was also one of my favorite things about. About the 99 team.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Mish Lil.

[Brandi Chastain]

And I think, like, 2015, I was. I went up with my girls and. And, you know, they're wearing your jerseys. The. The 15ers. It's like Wombach and Morgan. And it was like. Just made me smile and filled me with so much pride like that. That's the way it should be, like, handing it off and, you know, you all creating those memories for us, and it was just so special and for what you all did and continue to do for our kids.

[Michelle Akers]

If we're throwing thank yous out, I'm going to say thank you to Michelle because, yeah, I think to be. To be a pioneer and to start something without ever having a model, seeing something that represented you, but believing in it anyway, or not caring what other people thought, you know, that that's what I remember in the 80s was like, everybody. Everybody asked me now, like, tell us what it was like to want to be a professional soccer player. I was like, what? Like, I didn't. I didn't think about that for one minute. I didn't. That was never in my atmosphere. Like, I want. I thought I was going to play in the NFL because that's what my dad watched on television, like. So I want to say thanks to Michelle for the perseverance and just the beauty of loving something as much as you do and giving your all beyond. I mean, literally, you're flowing over the edges of the cup all the time.

[Julie Foudy]

I thought you were gonna say her hair.

[Briana Scurry]

Yeah, that's the same. I thought you were working up to that. Yeah,

[Abby Wambach]

but it was the establishment, Brandi. It was the establishment of the standard, right, that had been set, and you guys all set it. That has carried on through all of these generations. And that's the thing that I kind of think that our men's team in some ways, has been missing, where this generational passing of the torch of the standard that, you know, granted, we don't have an Erling Holland, we don't have a Harry Kane or a Messi. We could on our men's team, but we absolutely could build a team around a generational talent. Like, that would help. And that was Michelle for me when I was playing, you know, I looked up to you when I was a young kid. I wish that I could get the quads that you had.

[Julie Foudy]

I never did, sadly.

[Abby Wambach]

But I always tried to emulate you in the way that I had, the way that I showed up, and in the way that I headed the ball. And honestly, it was a. It was a compliment that Mia gave you behind your back. And she said, when I first got on the team, you know, Michelle. Michelle Akers was one of the best and the toughest players I ever played with, and I always wanted to live up to that expectation. So it's kind of funny, Mia, that you had kind of started this call off with that as well.

[Julie Foudy]

As, you know, one of my favorite parts of traveling for international soccer back in the day, it wasn't so much about the matches. It was about all the different cultures and communities you got to mingle in. It's. It's the conversations you ended up having because of them. FIFA World Cup 2026, which is happening right on our own soil, because you're seeing it in real time, like the experience of cultures colliding in the most beautiful way and coming together, cheering for different teams. You're speaking different languages. They've got all these great dances and chants, completely different backgrounds. And what a beautiful thing this has been because what you realize is the game gives everyone a common language. Turkey A had just won the the all the Turkey fans, Turkish fans were going crazy, which was so fun to see. My kids were just smiling and taking it all in. So it's why I love traveling with Airbnb. You can all be under one roof with space to spend time together, stay connected in these real local neighborhoods where you are hanging out with locals instead of touristy areas, and you experience a destination away that feels connected to the people who actually live there. Airbnb the world is meant to meet Abigail Some recent research by the Brand of has shown this is crazy. One in two girls who quit sports are criticized for their body type. So literally a pressure that strips the way strips away the joy of playing and as we know, ultimately pushes them out of the game. And as an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Dove is using one of the world's biggest sports stages. I love this. To champion a different kind of goal. Helping girls build body confidence so that they can stay in the sport they love. They're rolling out activations, events, and powerful storytelling that place girls in sports at the center of global conversations. And also very cool abs. Dove has developed a limited edition Palo Santo and Sage collection for the FIFA World Cup 2026. I cannot wait to try it. And from now. This is amazing. Until December 31st, your Dove purchase keeps girls in sports. Learn [e-mail] purchase to donate learn more about the Dove Body Confidence sport program and how to keep girls [e-mail].

[Abby Wambach]

Lil, what's your favorite memory of 99? And I know we got. We've kept you pretty long, guys, so thanks for sticking around. This is kind of fun for me, though. It's reminiscent.

[Kristine Lilly]

The first thing I think about when I think about 99 after watching this men's World cup is like, we could have used a hydration break, huh?

[Julie Foudy]

Jesus, Randy.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

There you go.

[Julie Foudy]

Put him up there.

[Kristine Lilly]

Yeah, I think about, like, obviously all the, the main things that you guys have all talked about, but right on. It was so hot. And I think the final was. The final was. But I don't know if you guys remember the semi final at Stanford Stadium against Brazil, like that game, like, I don't know, I felt like that field was like 200 yards long, 200 yards wide. And I remember just the heat. And then I remember, like Cindy scored, but then I remember Michelle, Michelle, you had the penalty kick. And your celebration after the penalty kick was just phenomenal. She just jumped in there like a little kid. And I was like, thank God. Like we're up too. Because that Brazil game was kind of like.

[Michelle Akers]

Yeah,

[Kristine Lilly]

so I just thinking that. And it just, and just incredibly how hot it was. It just was hot. Every freaking game. And then when I see we had

[Julie Foudy]

no hydration breaks and it was literally no. There's no air conditioned domed stadium.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

We're playing in only three subs, not five. There's that.

[Kristine Lilly]

Oh, and we traveled. I think what was cool about 99, we traveled.

[Julie Foudy]

We played every other day. Okay, every other day.

[Briana Scurry]

Yes.

[Julie Foudy]

There's no week long rest.

[Julie Ertz]

Wait, seriously?

[Kristine Lilly]

But we got to, we tried.

[Julie Foudy]

We had two days. If you two days off, you were like, yes, we got two days. I think we played every third day. No, in the early days for sure, every third day.

[Kristine Lilly]

But we got to travel from one side of the country to the other and I think we kind of generated a lot of momentum too. I mean, obviously winning is always the help part, but just, it was just everything, Every new spot we went to, new people came out and it was just, it was incredible.

[Julie Foudy]

Well, Chrissy, did you know what my favorite stat of the tournament is this year? This World Cup?

[Julie Ertz]

No.

[Julie Foudy]

Only you and Messi have ever reached 30 appearances at a World cup, sister. You know it, right?

[Michelle Akers]

You know that stat.

[Julie Foudy]

Please tell me you know that.

[Briana Scurry]

Holy. I don't know it.

[Kristine Lilly]

And then I was thinking, gosh, maybe they should add a of couple more teams than our World cup so we can have another game.

[Michelle Akers]

That was another conversation. I want to have that conversation. Do you think it's too many games in one World cup, to Becky's point at the very, very, very beginning is like winning eight games. That's a lot.

[Julie Foudy]

You know, I was kind of anti 48 in the beginning, but then I, I kind of loved it because it brought in all these different cultures that wouldn't typically be able to be there because look at Cape Verde. I was like, this story, they would have never made it if you were at 32 still. And so you brought in a community that you don't typically see because they're just so excited for their first World Cup. So I kind of loved the 48. Yeah, same in the end.

[Briana Scurry]

Okay, can I tell, I want to tell a 90. Yeah.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Yes.

[Kristine Lilly]

I might have to say, okay, first

[Briana Scurry]

2015, I, FIFA brought me in for that, that World cup and I, I brought my son Cody. So he was like, I don't however, he was little, and so obviously he knew I played soccer. I had done some things, but we. Like, I didn't even have a soccer ball on my property. I just had the horses and things. So we went to this World cup, and Cody's like, I don't even like soccer, mom. I was like, you're going to like it, Cody. So we get up there, and then we're in the final, and we were, like, two minutes late getting into the stadium, and it was already 1 0, right? So we get in the stadium. I'm like, oh, my God. Okay. So I walk into the FIFA part of it, which I am yelling, go, USA and the FIFA people are all very buttoned down and very quiet. So I got a little bit yelled at by the people in front of Cody, like, settle down, please. So Cody was like, mom, oh, my God. So we. Then we go and we sit down, and then you guys are just on a scoring fest and that. So Cody is watching the game. He has no appreciation of soccer of that. The level of that game. And he. We walked away. Like, he was such a huge fan. He had, well, so much respect for you guys. Like, he wanted all your autographs and everything. Meanwhile, he could care less about my career, which was so fun. So for me, that was, like, the first time Cody got to see the USA play was that World Cup. And we won it. And then we won it in such a way that, like, I was already in love with my team, this team, which is forever your heart, right? And then. So now my son got to be introduced to the game in this way. And so that was so special to me. And then 99 World cup, obviously. No, no, son. One of my favorite things, aside from all the field stuff and celebrating and the final whistle and the whole stadium erupting, there's nothing. Like, that was when I got back home, and I'm. I'm at the grocery store, and I'm standing in line, and there's this, like, Harley biker guy who's, like, six, six. And he's talking to the grocery clerk, who was like, a grandma, like, in her 80s or something. And then there was another lady in front of them. Then they're all talking, and I'm standing behind him. They're like, did you see that World Cup? And the biker's like, oh, my God, usa. Like, it was just such a different genre of people. And then I got to be, like, this bystander to witness the impact that was genuine and really, like, heartfelt. And it was. Wasn't Performative. Like, it wasn't like they were caught up in the moment. Like, this was a lasting feeling memory that they were celebrating across the board with people they never would have come together with. And I didn't. I didn't say a word. I was like, this is the best

[Michelle Akers]

moment of my life.

[Briana Scurry]

Oh, my gosh. Because it was just the love of that and the feeling that we got to generate, and it came out of winning. Yes. But it was also, like, who we are as USA is what transcends everything. And I think that's what we're talking about, this World cup and also our legacies as USA players. But to me, that. That's what makes it so special. And then being on Today here and then hearing the things you guys say and the camaraderie. But the compliments is I get a little bit crying. Like, I'm gonna have to go cry a little bit afterwards, so I'm so.

[Abby Wambach]

Well, you guys, we've kept you on so long.

[Briana Scurry]

It's very short.

[Abby Wambach]

We've kept you guys on so long, and we're really appreciative of your time. But we do have one request. You guys want to do an USA chant to lead us out? This is what we do at the end of every podcast. You guys want to do it? All right. Bring your paws in. Pause in.

[Julie Foudy]

Thank you all. Enough for. For jumping on. It means a lot to us, as you know.

[Kristine Lilly]

Okay.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. USA on 3.

[Julie Foudy]

8 acres. Count us in, sister.

[Briana Scurry]

What?

[Abby Wambach]

Count us in.

[Julie Foudy]

Wait, eggs. Eggs. Count us in.

[Briana Scurry]

What do I.

[Kristine Lilly]

Okay, just count to three, Michelle.

[Becky Sauerbrunn]

Okay.

[Briana Scurry]

One, two, three, and go. Okay, thanks. I'm still crying a little bit.

[Kristine Lilly]

I don't think she ever had to do the counting before. Jules. That's a big request.

[Briana Scurry]

Hands in. One, two.

[Abby Wambach]

Usa. Usa.

[Briana Scurry]

Usa.

[Julie Foudy]

Let's go.

[Host/Advertiser Voice]

Welcome to the Party is an independent production brought to you by Treat Media. Treat Media makes art for humans who want to stay human. Initial Digital is our production partner, and you can also watch our full conversations on the welcome to the party YouTube channel and follow us at welcome to the Party show on Instagram and TikTok. Thanks for listening.