1994 FIFA World Cup

Lore & Background

The United States was chosen as host by FIFA on July 4, 1988. Despite soccer's relative lack of popularity in the host nation, the tournament was the most financially successful in World Cup history, breaking records with a total attendance of 3,587,538 and an average of 68,991 per game. It was the first World Cup in which three points were awarded for a win instead of two and the first with the back-pass rule. The U.S. bid was prepared in response to losing the right to be the replacement host for the 1986 tournament following Colombia's withdrawal. One condition FIFA imposed was the creation of a professional soccer league – Major League Soccer was founded in 1993 and began operating in 1996.

Reader's Guide

The tournament featured 24 teams. The United States qualified as host. The opening match was Germany vs. Bolivia at Soldier Field. The U.S. played its first match against Switzerland at the Pontiac Silverdome. The U.S. finished 3rd in Group C. The U.S. manager was Bora Milutinović. The U.S. victory over Scotland was 2–1, with goals including an own goal by Scotland's John Collins and a penalty by Eric Wynalda.

Did You Know?

• The 1994 World Cup was the first to award three points for a win instead of two.
• The Pontiac Silverdome was the first indoor stadium used in a World Cup.