Mia Hamm Reflects on Past World Cup Triumphs as 2026 Tournament Kicks Off

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, bringing excitement to American fans who can enjoy soccer on their home turf. The United States has previously hosted the World Cup, the men’s in 1994 and the women’s in 1999. These events marked the nation’s deep connection with soccer.

Mia Hamm, a former star of the U.S. Women’s National Team, shared her memories with Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink. Hamm played during the 1999 World Cup, where the U.S. team claimed their first title against China.

“Representing the U.S., wearing the colors and the badge, meant everything for us,” Hamm said. “[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 words offer a sentiment of pride in representing her country, especially in a time when some athletes view this as divisive.

Winning the 1999 World Cup on home soil holds a lasting significance for Hamm. She described the unique experience, recalling the excitement and traffic leading to the first game. Fans tailgating and playing pick-up games in the stadium parking lot hours before the match highlighted the different atmosphere.

“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 recalled.

Looking forward to this year’s World Cup, Hamm expressed her vision for the event.

“Sports, and obviously soccer being the world’s game can bring us together like nothing else,” she noted. “I think so much of what’s happening in the world, we focus so much on how we are different… I think these players, when they step on the field, they represent so much more than just the country in which they play.”

Mia Hamm is optimistic about this World Cup’s potential to unite people. The tournament starts with the United States facing Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m. on Fox.

Austin Perry is a writer for OutKick.