The 1994 World Cup in the United States is remembered for Diego Maradona's wild-eyed celebration, Bebeto's imaginary baby cradle, Roberto Baggio's sky-high penalty miss, and Carlos Valderrama's iconic blonde afro. Now, 32 years later, the tournament returns to the US for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. Has the beautiful game lost its style and soul, or will this year's tournament live just as long in memory?
Stadiums: Indoor Spectacles
The Pontiac Silverdome hosted the USA's first match in 1994 against Switzerland, with 73,425 fans attending the first indoor World Cup game. In 2026, the Los Angeles Stadium drew 70,492 for the USA's opener against Paraguay, also under a roof.
Legends: Maradona and Messi
Maradona's manic celebration after scoring against Greece in 1994 became legendary, but he was suspended days later for a positive drug test. His heir, Lionel Messi, scored twice against Austria in 2026 to become the tournament's all-time top scorer.
Match Balls: Questra vs Trionda
The Adidas Questra ball in 1994 featured space-themed decorations for the 25th anniversary of the moon landing. The 2026 Adidas Trionda ball, made from four thermally-bonded panels, celebrates the joint hosting with a design inspired by 'three waves' (trionda in Spanish).
Hairstyles: Valderrama and Chong
Colombia's Carlos Valderrama sported a luscious blonde afro in 1994, and still does. Curaçao's Tahith Chong has an eerily similar mop in 2026.
Scoreboards: From Discrete to Dominant
Scoreboards in 1994 were visually discrete compared to 2026's vast LED screens. The Los Angeles Stadium screen measures over 100m and contains 70,000 square feet of digital LED, the world's largest two-sided display.
Oldest Scorers: Milla and Ronaldo
Cameroon's Roger Milla became the oldest World Cup scorer in 1994 at 42 years, 39 days. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41 years, 138 days, scored twice against Uzbekistan in 2026 to become the second oldest.
Hydration Breaks: From None to Mandatory
The 1994 Republic of Ireland vs Mexico match, with temperatures over 40°C, had no official water breaks, described as horrendous and dangerous. In 2026, all fixtures include hydration breaks, even in climate-controlled stadiums. Scotland vs Haiti at Foxborough Stadium peaked at 28°C.
Fan Fashions: Lalas Impersonations
American defender Alexis Lalas became a star in 1994 thanks to his signature hair and goatee, with fans impersonating him then and still in 2026.
Opening Ceremonies: Ross and Shakira
Diana Ross infamously missed a penalty in the 1994 opening ceremony, but the goal frame exploded as planned. Shakira performed in Cancun, Mexico, for the first of three opening ceremonies in 2026.
Photography: Remote Cameras in Nets
Photographers used remote-controlled cameras in 1994, but now they can place them behind or inside goal nets for dynamic shots. Images from the old and new East Rutherford Stadiums (MetLife Stadium, opened 2010) illustrate the evolution.
Celebrations: Bebeto vs Cunha
Bebeto rocked an imaginary baby after scoring against the Netherlands in 1994, honoring his newborn son. Matheus Cunha's surfing celebration in 2026 is inspired by his love of wave-riding and surfer Italo Ferreira.
Argentina Teams: 1994 vs 2026
The 1994 Argentina XI included Maradona, Diego Simeone, and Gabriel Batistuta. The 2026 squad features Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lionel Messi, with dramatically different boot colors.
Mascots: Striker vs Maple, Zayu, Clutch
Striker, designed by Warner Bros animation team, was chosen by the American public for 1994. The 2026 mascots are Maple the Moose (goalkeeper for Canada), Zayu the Jaguar (striker for Mexico), and Clutch the Bald Eagle (midfielder for the US).
Fan Traditions: Norway's Rowing
Norway's mass rowing celebration features in 2026, while their motto 'Alt for Norge' (Everything for Norway) dates back to a 1994 song celebrating their first World Cup qualification.
Photographers: Army of Shooters
In 1994, a single photographer captured the manager during the national anthem. In 2026, an army of photographers hunts the same shot, leading England manager Thomas Tuchel to demand they be moved out of his way after the Croatia match.
Goalkeeper Kits: Campos vs Ochoa
Jorge Campos designed his own kits in 1994, inspired by surfing. Guillermo Ochoa, attending his sixth World Cup in 2026, wore a plain purple kit against the Czech Republic, highlighting modern generic designs.
Baggio: From Player to Ambassador
Roberto Baggio, the Divine Ponytail, is remembered for his penalty miss in the 1994 final. Retired since 2004, he is now a FIFA ambassador and guest of honour in 2026.
Brazil: 1994 Champions vs 2026 Contenders
Dunga lifted the trophy in 1994, Brazil's fourth title, with teammates including Romario and a teenage Ronaldo. The 2026 squad, led by Vinicius Junior, includes Neymar Junior, Casemiro, and Alisson Becker, aiming to follow in their footsteps.
