Much has changed since the last time the U.S. Men’s National Team played a World Cup match in the Bay Area — on July 4, 1994, at Stanford Stadium.
Professional soccer didn’t yet have a strong foothold here. Ticket prices have soared. Fanbases have grown. Stadiums have sprung up across the country.
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But those who attended, played in the game, or helped bring the event to life, say the California-hosted World Cup matches at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, and the U.S. team’s Round of 16 game against soccer powerhouse Brazil at Stanford University drew sellout crowds and helped drive interest in the sport for generations to come.
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