In early 2017, soccer fans got the news that the United States was developing a coordinated plan with Mexico and Canada to bid for the right to host the 2026 World Cup. If the group of three countries does indeed place the winning bid, about three-fourths of the games will be played in the United States. The event would mark the first time that the country has hosted the World Cup since 1994.
In 1994, soccer, or football as it is known internationally, was far less popular among American audiences than it is now. At the time, FIFA, the international body governing the sport, drew strong criticism for awarding the bid to the United States over rival nations Morocco and Brazil.
Yet the World Cup that year turned out to be among the most well-orchestrated and popular in FIFA’s history. The American stadiums used for play were filled nearly to capacity. Additionally, attendance outstripped all previous records, with more than 3.5 million spectators - 1 million more than FIFA’s previous high attendance record.
In 1994, soccer, or football as it is known internationally, was far less popular among American audiences than it is now. At the time, FIFA, the international body governing the sport, drew strong criticism for awarding the bid to the United States over rival nations Morocco and Brazil.
Yet the World Cup that year turned out to be among the most well-orchestrated and popular in FIFA’s history. The American stadiums used for play were filled nearly to capacity. Additionally, attendance outstripped all previous records, with more than 3.5 million spectators - 1 million more than FIFA’s previous high attendance record.
