While Pele-less Brazil struggled, the Johan Cruyff-led Netherlands brought the tournament to life with “total soccer,” in which defenders and attackers continually switched roles.
world cup
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World Cup Retro 2010: Five names to have at your fingertips
Here are five names to have at your fingertips about the 19th World Cup, hosted by South Africa and won by Spain. Nelson Mandela. The first African nation to host had been banned, because of its Apartheid government, from international soccer from 1963 to 1992. Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned for 27 years, credited […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
‘The Big Bounce’: Tales from the 1984 Olympics, which set American soccer on a new trajectory
Before becoming the CEO and chairman of the USA-hosted 1994 FIFA World Cup, Alan Rothenberg served as the Soccer Commissioner of the 1984 Olympics.
Posted inSoccer America Daily
1970 World Cup Flashback: Five names to have at your fingertips
Brazil’s magic was finally witnessed globally — thanks to the satellite — and in color.
Posted inSoccer America Daily
1966 World Cup Flashback: Five names to have at your fingertips
What are the names of the lion and dog made famous by the 1966 World Cup?
Posted inSoccer America Daily
1962 World Cup Flashback: Five names to have at your fingertips
Who starred for Brazil after Pele’s injury? (Clue: His nickname means “little bird”)
Posted inSoccer America Daily
1994 World Cup Flashback: Five names you should know
Here are five names to have at your fingertips about the 15th World Cup, hosted by the USA and won by Brazil.
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
1994 vs. 2026: Alan Rothenberg compares World Cup preparations
Alan Rothenberg was the CEO and chairman of the USA-hosted 1994 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Soccer’s president in 1990-1998, and founder of the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Major League Soccer.
Posted inSoccer America Daily
World Cup Draw: Dallas and NY/NJ get juiciest matchups; tepid late shows in the Bay Area
A day after FIFA held the 2026 World Cup Draw in the Kennedy Center, it revealed the schedule for next summer’s 48-team tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Dallas got the most attractive World Cup 2026 group-stage slate — based on competitiveness and fan atmosphere. The Dallas Cowboys’ Arlington home twice hosts defending champion […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
After the pomp of the draw: Pochettino describes the pain that shapes his mission to steer the USA to success
The USA’s Argentine coach played in the 2002 World Cup, when Argentina infamously disappointed.