World Cup 2026: The Heart of Global Football

With over six million fans sharing the joy of the largest World Cup in history, optimism and excitement are spreading everywhere, creating a journey filled with inspiring stories.

It all began with some stunning upsets on the international pitch. On June 29, 1950, in Belo Horizonte, the U.S. team defeated England 1-0 thanks to a single goal by Joe Gaetjens. This victory was so shocking that the British initially thought it was a typographical error, as they couldn't believe their team lost to an amateur side. Although it took 40 years for the U.S. to return to the world stage, the seeds of passion had been planted.

The arrival of Brazilian "King of Football" Edson Arantes do Nascimento—known worldwide as Pelé—in New York in 1975 brought a brilliant new energy. With a multi-million-dollar contract, he helped fill Giants Stadium and frequently appeared at hotspots like Studio 54. Although the North American Soccer League collapsed in the mid-1980s, Pelé proved that Americans could indeed love soccer.

The most pivotal milestone was the 1994 World Cup. To secure hosting rights, the U.S. had to promise FIFA to establish a professional league, leading to the creation of Major League Soccer (MLS) with an initial capital of just $5 million.

Alan Rothenberg, chairman of the 1994 tournament, emphasized that year was crucial for the survival and growth of American soccer. The excitement peaked again on July 10, 1999, when Brandi Chastain scored the decisive penalty kick, leading the U.S. women's team to world championship glory in front of 18 million TV viewers.

By 2007, American soccer received another historic boost when David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy. MLS commissioner Don Garber was determined to change league rules to recruit this superstar, ushering in a boom that expanded the league from 12 to 30 teams. This event also secured a $2.5 billion broadcast rights deal with Apple.

Additionally, Landon Donovan delivered a Hollywood-style moment on June 23, 2010, with a 91st-minute goal that helped the U.S. advance past the World Cup group stage. This interest was further fueled by a $250 million deal between NBC and the English Premier League in 2014, now worth over $450 million per season.

Finally, Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami in 2023, under the guidance of co-owner David Beckham, firmly cemented the United States on the global soccer map.

In fact, Messi is now the highest-paid player in American soccer history and has turned every match he plays into a true festival. On June 14, as fans enjoy their beers and cheer for their team, the United States has officially become a genuine soccer nation with vibrant leagues at every level.