The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA: Memories of Ukrainians from the Diaspora

The article analyzes the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA through the prism of the memories of participants, organizers, spectators, volunteers, namely Ukrainians in the diaspora. Considering that the next “World Cup” will be held in 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico, it becomes extremely important and relevant to clarify the numerous features of its holding in the past. At the same time, the Ukrainian diaspora in the USA and Canada is the most united and numerous. At the same time, Ukrainians in the USA have more than a century of history. In this regard, their memories of the 1994 FIFA World Cup are unique for preserving the history of sports as a national memory of Ukrainians around the world. It was found that Ukrainians, in particular from the USA, were involved in the organization, holding, security, volunteering, logistics, accommodation, living, moving, etc. Unique are the memories that Ukrainians from the USA would have had the opportunity to participate in the World Cup for the US national team. It should be noted here that there were and are many US national team football players who had Ukrainian roots. Moreover, it was Ukrainians, especially after World War II, who joined the rapid development of European football in the USA. Thanks to Ukrainian football players, specialists, coaches, functionaries, and managers, football in the USA gained popularity. Ukrainian specialists became coaches of the US national football team. Therefore, it is not surprising that the role of the Ukrainian diaspora in the USA in the development of football and the holding of the 1994 World Cup is of great importance. It is worth noting that even at the amateur level, Ukrainians distinguished themselves. In particular, a special poster dedicated to the World Cup was produced, which received positive feedback from the organizers. Thus, the collected memories of famous and leading US football players and specialists with Ukrainian roots reveal to us the peculiarities of organizing and holding the 1994 World Cup in the USA.