News imageFootball Daily, Remember When... We Went To USA '94

Football Daily

Remember When... We Went To USA '94

7 June 2026

36 minutes

Available for over a year

The last time the World Cup was on North American soil in 1994, many football fans were sceptical. But it planted the seed of America’s soccer culture today, and it has lived long in the memory of two nations in particular.

Rick Edwards is joined by Brazil fan Edson and two Ireland fans - Rodney and Phelim - who all travelled to the United States. They describe a sometimes underwhelming atmosphere gripped by the stifling heat, but punctuated with unforgettable moments for their teams.

02:20 - Expectations of the US 1994 World Cup

05:00 - The lack of a ‘soccer culture’

8:10 - Edson growing up watching Brazil

10:07 - Ireland coming up against Roberto Baggio’s Italy

16:35 - The excruciating heat

18:40 - John Aldridge’s famous outburst

20:40 - Why things ended in disappointment for the Irish

22:50 - An unconventional Brazil team

25:20 - Brazil vs Netherlands

27:10 - Phelim and Rodney causing chaos in Fort Lauderdale

29:15 - Brazil and Ireland welcomed home

32:30 - The significance of the 1994 World Cup for both nations