The 2026 FIFA World Cup has commenced, offering American fans the thrilling experience of watching soccer on home soil. This excitement harks back to the earlier times when the United States hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994 and the women’s tournament in 1999. For those who witnessed these events, it marked a significant moment when soccer gained widespread national attention.

One individual who understands the magnitude of these events is Mia Hamm, a former star of the U.S. Women’s National Team. In conversation with Larry Fink from Fox News Digital, Hamm reflected on her experiences from the 1999 tournament, where the U.S. triumphed over China to claim their first world title.

“Representing the U.S., wearing the colors and the badge, meant everything for us,” Hamm expressed. “[It’s] something you dream about as a kid, and to have the opportunity to do it for as long as I did, I never took it for granted.” Hamm’s words contrast with today’s often divisive views on national representation in sports, offering a refreshing perspective of pride.

This sentiment is reinforced by Hamm’s memories of the 1999 victory, a momentous event that took place on American soil. Reflecting on the experience, Hamm described the special atmosphere surrounding the event. From crowded roads leading to the stadium to fans engaging in tailgating and playing pickup games hours before kickoff, the excitement was palpable.

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

Looking ahead to the current World Cup, Hamm shared her hopes for the event. “Sports, and obviously soccer being the world’s game, can bring us together like nothing else,” she said. Despite global challenges, Hamm believes that soccer players represent more than just their countries on the field, emphasizing unity.

As this year’s World Cup unfolds, it brings the potential to foster unity and excitement among fans. The United States will begin their campaign against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m., broadcasted on Fox.

Austin Perry, writer for OutKick, encapsulates the anticipation and hopes surrounding this event.