
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
