Cobi Jones, the record‑holding U.S. international with 164 caps, recently spoke with Reuters about how the 1994 World Cup reshaped American soccer and what the upcoming 2026 tournament means for the sport’s future in the United States.
The 1994 World Cup’s Ripple Effect
When the 1994 tournament arrived, it was perceived as an oddity; the event spurred the creation of Major League Soccer and introduced a generation to soccer’s global appeal. The 1994 U.S. side, coached by Bora Milutinovic, featured a blend of local talent and overseas veterans such as Roy Wegerle and Thomas Dooley, a mix Jones sees mirrored in the Class of 2026.
A Different Era
Back then, massive fan zones and easy access to matches were unheard of, and public understanding of the World Cup was limited. Today, the sport enjoys far greater visibility, with fans across the country following every kick and the tournament now feels like a mainstream fixture rather than a novelty.
2026: A New Horizon
The 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, promises exponential growth, drawing unprecedented corporate investment and expanding the sport’s reach. Matches will be staged in venues like San Francisco, where the U.S. will face Bosnia in the round of 32, and in cities such as Houston, where soccer fever is already palpable.
Jones notes that the influx of international players — exemplified by rising stars Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun — combined with a deepening fan base could unlock a previously untapped reservoir of talent and commercial opportunity.
Looking Forward
For Jones, the upcoming tournament is more than a competition; it is a milestone that could cement soccer’s place in the American sports mainstream, echoing the legacy of the 1994 team while paving the way for the next generation.