Inside the 1994 World Cup: Skepticism, Drama, and Legacy in the US
The 1994 World Cup, hosted by the United States, faced widespread skepticism due to the country's limited soccer culture, the absence of a domestic league, and only two previous participations in World Cups since WWII. The US was awarded the tournament on July 4, 1988, after Chile withdrew and Morocco competed as a rival. Concerns included the logistics of laying grass over AstroTurf venues, staging matches across a vast geography, and scheduling noon kickoffs to accommodate European TV markets.
FIFA's decision prioritized commercial markets and financial gain, though some officials like Artemio Franchi opposed the choice, concerned about multinational influences; Franchi's death in a 1983 car crash spawned various theories about the circumstances. The tournament's opening ceremony at Soldier Field featured Oprah Winfrey as the presenter and a missed close-range shot by Diana Ross; Oprah also fell on stage. Germany won the opening game 1-0, but the day was overshadowed by the LAPD pursuit of OJ Simpson.
Within the US, public sentiment was largely skeptical. A USA Today piece mocked American disinterest, noting soccer's popularity in countries like Cameroon and Uruguay, while columnist Tom Weir described hating soccer as more American than apple pie. The tournament's draw in Las Vegas attracted celebrities, and matches took place across the US, including semifinals in New Jersey and California and the final in Pasadena.
The final against Brazil and Italy ended 0-0 and was decided by penalties. Italy's Franco Baresi and Roberto Baggio missed crucial kicks, resulting in Brazil securing their fourth World Cup title. Earlier in the tournament, Romário had scored in a semifinal to help Brazil progress.
Post-tournament, Brazilian players faced customs scrutiny over import tax on goods bought in the US, leading to a five-hour standoff resolved by the Brazilian finance minister's intervention. A poll revealed that about 70% of the public believed the players should have paid the duty.
Italy's coach Arrigo Sacchi emphasized a strong defensive structure and held superstitions regarding luck. On the eve of the final, he received a late good-luck call from a girl in Bologna, which he credited with positively influencing the outcome of the game.
