Excitement Builds for 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has arrived, bringing excitement for American fans as they witness the event on home soil. This is not the first time the U.S. hosts the World Cup. Many fans remember the men’s World Cup in 1994 and the women’s tournament in 1999. During these events, soccer truly captivated the nation.

Mia Hamm, a former U.S. Women’s National Team star, shared her reflections on these historic moments. Speaking to Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink, Hamm discussed her experience in the 1999 tournament, where the U.S. claimed its first world title over China.

“Representing the U.S., wearing the colors and the badge, meant everything for us,” Hamm stated. “[It’s] something you dream about as a kid and then to have the opportunity to do it for as long as I did, I never took it for granted.”

Hamm’s pride in representing her country resonates, especially in a time when views on national representation can be divisive.

Winning the 1999 World Cup on home soil stands out for Hamm. She recalled unique moments before the first game, such as traffic and tailgating at the stadium.

“To see people in our jerseys, tailgating, playing pickup in the parking lot two hours before the match, just said that this was different,” Hamm said.

Looking ahead to this year’s World Cup, Hamm expressed hope for the event’s unifying power. Soccer, as the world’s game, can bring people together despite global differences.

“I think so much of what’s happening in the world, we focus so much on how we are different,” she noted. “I think these players, when they step on the field, they represent so much more than just the country in which they play.”

Excitement builds as the U.S. prepares to play Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m. on Fox.