Frank Klopas, a name synonymous with the evolution of American soccer, sat down with FIFA to share his unique perspective on the game’s transformation in the United States, and the soaring expectations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™.
Klopas, currently the Vice President of Football at Chicago Fire FC, boasts a career that spans the humble beginnings of indoor soccer to the grand stage of a home World Cup in 1994.
His story is a testament to the resilience and growth of football in a nation that once struggled to find its footing in the global game.
Immigrating from Greece at the age of nine, Klopas quickly became a standout talent, but his early professional career was unconventional.
After the collapse of the North American Soccer League (NASL), he spent four years playing indoor soccer in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) with the Chicago Sting.
“The difference has been night and day,” Klopas told FIFA, reflecting on the vast changes since his early playing days. “I signed a professional contract to play outdoors, but the league unfortunately folded, and I had to play indoor soccer for a couple of years! Then I went to Europe and came back later. I think what really changed things was the 1994 World Cup.”
The 1994 tournament, hosted in the United States, proved to be a watershed moment. Klopas, a member of that historic squad, witnessed firsthand the impact it had on the nation.
“It was a dream come true, first of all. Just to be there at a World Cup as a young player was something that you’ve been dreaming of,” he recalled.
While he didn’t feature in any matches, he was part of a team that defied expectations, reaching the round of 16.
“Our team at that time in ’94, no one gave us a chance, because we were in a really tough group. We still advanced and then lost to Brazil, 1-0. It was incredible,” Klopas said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Klopas believes the experience will be vastly different for both players and fans.
“Probably the US national team doing a little bit better than we did in 1994,” he quipped. “There’s different pressure for the US now. Look at how many of the top US players are playing in Europe. Also, MLS really has grown a lot.”
He emphasized the significant growth of Major League Soccer (MLS), which has become a breeding ground for top talent.
“MLS has been able to produce a lot of quality players, so we have different expectations now. Back then, no one really expected us to do anything, but now, the expectations are actually high. So, dealing with those pressures is going to be an interesting thing to see. I think that’s the biggest difference.”
As a former player who experienced a home World Cup, Klopas understands the importance of legacy.
“For us, the most important thing is always to have big dreams,” he said. “You also have to understand what it takes every day to reach those dreams. That was the most important thing for me as a player. It’s about always trying to give back to the game that’s given so much to me. That’s what it’s all about.”
With Kansas City, where Klopas once played, serving as one of the host cities for 2026, he predicts an unforgettable experience for visiting fans.
“Not just Kansas City, the fans visiting this country can expect great cities and great venues,” he said. “When it comes to hosting a big event like the World Cup, no one can do it better than the US can. It’ll be exciting. Every game will be packed. I’m just looking forward to great games and for the US to go very deep in the tournament.”
