My new book, “94-26 Building a Soccer Nation,” is set for release in mid-May 2026.
On July 4th, 1988, FIFA made the fateful announcement that the 1994 World Cup would be hosted in the United States, leaving the football world questioning why their most revered of tournaments was heading to the land of Mickey Mouse, Hollywood, and the Statue of Liberty. To make matters worse, they didn’t even call it “Football”.“94-26: Building a Soccer Nation” takes its lead from the simple premise that this decision set in motion an explosion that has turned the USA into a true “Soccer Nation”, and its return in 2026 will change the landscape of American sports forever.
This is the story of the key business decisions, personalities, failures, successes, and finances that have now made soccer the 3rd most popular sport in America. If the last 30 years have been about building the sport, the next ten will be about exploding it.
Book Reviews
Gary continues his thorough chronicling of the growth of soccer in the United States and prospects for the future. A great read –
–Alan Rothenberg, CEO, World Cup USA ‘94 Inc.: President, United States Soccer Federation, 1990-98, Founder, Major League Soccer.
“94:26 Building a Soccer Nation” is a fascinating account of the United States’ journey to establish soccer as a serious contender for broadcast, sponsorship and fan dollars. Gary’s knowledge of the business of soccer in the United States and of the game worldwide more than qualifies him to tell the story. There’s every chance the best chapters for US soccer are yet to come.”
– Paul Barber OBE– CEO and Deputy Chairman: Brighton and Hove Albion
Former CEO” Vancouver Whitecaps: Major League Soccer.
“Gary Hopkins has written the definitive account of soccer’s rise in the United States. With rare insider perspective and sharp analysis, Building a Soccer Nation traces how bold decisions, commercial innovation, and cultural shifts turned a marginal sport into a major force. As the World Cup returns in 2026, this book is both a timely history and a compelling roadmap for the future of American sports.”
— Charles H. Baker, Co-Chair, Entertainment, Sports & Media, Sidley Austin
Few people can connect the dots of the last 30 years as clearly as Gary Hopkins. This book is less about the games and more about the transformation of a culture. If you want to understand how the game grew from grassroots in ’94 to the massive global spectacle of 2026 , this is the definitive guide.
-Robbie Earle: Host: NBC Sports Premier League Soccer.
Full praise for Gary Hopkins! His insights and experience in soccer from the boardroom to the pitch has given him the unique opportunity to express his knowledge, opinions and thoughtful approach in his new book! A definite must-read!
-John Harkes
Former Captain: US Men’s National Team
Former Captain: DC United, Major League Soccer
Previous Book: Released July 2010.
Star Spangled Soccer charts America’s 25 year journey to becoming a soccer nation, the key business decisions, personalities, and events that shaped its growth and the developing perfect soccer storm that will propel its unstoppable march forward. The book takes its lead from a single premise that the granting of the 1994 World Cup to the United States set in motion a chain of events that has redefined soccer in America forever , good and bad up and down but ultimately positioned to become a major force in the rapidly changing American Sports landscape. Drawn from a 20+ year career as a senior executive in the American Soccer market and supported by first person interviews and insights with all the key personalities and decision-makers , Star-Spangled Soccer is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the American soccer market , where it has come from and why it is positioned for exponential growth.
World Cup Bid: 2022
While somehow the USA lost out to Qatar as host to the 2022 World Cup there was one glimmer of personal success in the painful process. The USA committee used a quote from Star Spangled Soccer in their summary “Bid Book” issued to FIFA and all voting parties. Clearly no one was impressed by what I had to say but I was proud to have a played a small role in the effort.
Quote
“Nothing however will propel and fuel this growth more than the return either in 2018 or 2022of the FIFA World Cup, for if the impact was huge in 1994 it will be stratospheric and unstoppable if it returns”
Four -Four Two Football (Soccer )Magazine.
It was also great to see Britain’s leading Soccer Magazine review and enjoy the book. I left England 25 years ago and now call football “soccer” …but good to see I was not derided as some traitorous sell out.
Testimonials…..
“A fabulous book , well researched , thoughtful and analytical . It is also a highly entertaining read . If you want to understand how soccer was built in America , read Gary’s book.-
Alan Rothenberg , CEO World Cup USA 94 Inc: President United States Soccer Federation 1990-98: Founder Major League Soccer
“Star-Spangled Soccer is a great read ….from his inside seat Gary has been an eye witness to it all. He points to the bold decisions and strong leadership necessary for soccer to get a foothold in America . His account is balanced and well constructed. As I read his book I came to the conclusion that Gary gets it!”
Hank Steinbrecher , General Secretary, United States Soccer Federation 1990-99
“This is an essential read for anyone who wants to know how the US Soccer business developed in a crowded sports landscape. Gary Hopkins had a ringside seat for the key years in that development and his narrative is a lively and informative read”
Sunil Gulati , President , United States Soccer Federation
“As someone who witnessed and participated in the development of professional soccer in the US , Gary offers a true insiders perspective. This book should be read by anyone seeking to better understand the business of the game”
Mark Abbott , President , Major League Soccer
“Fascinating and accurate . Gary has tirelessly researched the development of soccer in the USA documenting each step along the way with the people lived those moments. He clearly shows World Cup USA 94 helped create a generation of of soccer loving Americans and delineates the enormous impact a future US-hosted World Cup would have on the sport here.
David Downs , Executive Director, USA 2018/2022 World Cup bid Committee
“As America approaches a possible selection to host the 2022 World Cup , this historic book provides comprehensive context on how American soccer developed during the last 25 years. Hopkins knows his subject all too well and makes it come to life in Star-Spangled Soccer. Easy to read and powerful
Rick Burton: David Falk Distinguished Professor of Sport Management , Syracuse University.
“A fascinating and informative insight. If you want to know why David Beckham went to play in Los Angeles , this book will tell you. Gary Hopkins has had a ringside seat on the business of soccer in the USA for over two decades. Indeed for much of the time he has been in the ring himself. His book is well written ,informative and very readable.”
Matthew Wheeler : Former Worldwide Managing Director , Octagon.
Chapters
Chapter 1: Your playing the World Cup where ?
Chapter 2: Selling Soccer to America: The World Cup Years
Chapter 3: World Cup 94: Everyone’s a fan
Chapter 4; Soccer goes professional :The launch of MLS
Chapter 5: Back from the Brink
Chapter 6: Soccer United Marketing
Chapter 7: The agents arrive : There must be money
Chapter 8: Pony Tails and Dollars: Anything a man can do
Chapter 9 : The “Business” of Youth Soccer
Chapter 10: Viva Futbol/ Viva Mexico
Chapter 11: Young Americans: Transfers and Lost Dollars
Chapter 12: Soccer on American TV
Chapter: 13; The Making of a Soccer Nation
Chapter 14: The World Cup Returns
Chapter 15: The World Cup returns.
SOCCER-BIZ-USA 
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