As the USA prepares to host a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1994, the landscape of football – or soccer, state-side – looks remarkably different three decades on.
Motown diva Diana Ross memorably missed an open goal at the opening ceremony back then.
But the game seems to be hitting the mark with fans on a much wider scale in 2026.
All White Michael Boxall is plying his trade in Minnesota and has had a front-row seat to the game's development over the years.
"I think it's a fun challenge, everything they're pumping into the game, life of the field is great. It's not just the Heung-min Sons and Lionel Messis of the game – you're getting the next up and coming footballers from Europe and especially South America that would typically go to a Portuguese, French, or even Premier League. They're choosing to come to the MLS."
The introduction of Messi to Inter Miami has galvanised fans there.
"I think it's been massive," Boxall said. "When I first returned to the MLS in 2017, I think there were still quite a few clubs playing in shared stadiums, and now you've seen the investment that owners are making into their own football-specific stadiums."
Finn Surman is another Kiwi enjoying life in the USA with the Portland Timbers.
"You can feel football is definitely growing in the States and – I mean, it's always been big in Mexico – but it's also growing in Canada, so it's pretty cool to be living on that side of the world at this point in time."
All New Zealand games at the FIFA World Cup will be available to watch live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ1.
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