1998 USA Home

The 1998 FIFA World Cup in France was a difficult tournament for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).

• Group Stage (Group F):

  • Lost 2–0 to Germany in their opener.

  • Lost 2–1 to Iran, in a politically charged and highly symbolic match (Brian McBride scored the lone U.S. goal).

  • Lost 1–0 to Yugoslavia, finishing bottom of the group with 0 points.

• Result: USA were eliminated in the group stage, finishing 32nd (last place) in the tournament.

• Key Storyline:

  • The team struggled under head coach Steve Sampson, who made controversial squad selections, leaving out veterans such as John Harkes.

  • Internal conflicts and tactical instability plagued the squad.

  • Despite the disappointment, the tournament experience was crucial in shaping the next generation of U.S. soccer players leading into the 2002 World Cup run.

• Kit: The 1998 USA home jersey, designed by Nike, featured a classic white base with a bold red horizontal sash and blue trim, incorporating a more stylish and modern look for the time. It’s now a sought-after retro jersey among USMNT collectors.

2. Player’s Impact – USA 1998

• Brian McBride: Scored the team’s only goal of the tournament (vs. Iran).

• Claudio Reyna: Emerging as a midfield leader despite injuries limiting his impact.

• Kasey Keller & Brad Friedel: Both goalkeepers represented the U.S. well in Europe at the time, though Keller started the World Cup matches.

• Eddie Pope: One of the bright defensive prospects, would go on to anchor the U.S. backline for years.

• Tab Ramos & Ernie Stewart: Provided attacking width and experience, though struggled to break down defenses.

3. Full Squad List – USA 1998 World Cup

Manager: Steve Sampson

Goalkeepers:

• Kasey Keller (Leicester City)

• Brad Friedel (Liverpool)

• Juergen Sommer (Columbus Crew)

Defenders:

• Eddie Pope (D.C. United)

• Jeff Agoos (D.C. United)

• Alexi Lalas (MetroStars)

• Frankie Hejduk (Tampa Bay Mutiny)

• Thomas Dooley (Columbus Crew, Captain)

• Mike Burns (New England Revolution)

• David Regis (Metz)

Midfielders:

• Claudio Reyna (Wolfsburg)

• Tab Ramos (MetroStars)

• Brian Maisonneuve (Columbus Crew)

• Chad Deering (Wolfsburg)

• Marcelo Balboa (Colorado Rapids, also played as sweeper/midfield hybrid)

• Cobi Jones (LA Galaxy)

• Ernie Stewart (NAC Breda)

Forwards:

• Brian McBride (Columbus Crew)

• Eric Wynalda (San Jose Clash)

• Roy Wegerle (Tampa Bay Mutiny)

• Jovan Kirovski (Crystal Palace)

• Joe-Max Moore (New England Revolution)