March 23, 1992 – Boston/Foxborough named among 9 venues for 1994 World Cup

Foxboro Stadium made a strong impression by attracting a 51,273 crowd for a U.S. v Ireland friendly (1-1) June 1, 1991, but the region was not considered an ideal venue by either FIFA or the U.S. Soccer Federation. But the Kraft family made a strong commitment to securing a bid, directing stadium manager Brian O’Donovan to make the World Cup a priority soon after purchasing the facility, and installing a grass field. FIFA proposed a 12-stadium World Cup, hoping to spread the event to an optimum number of venues, but ended up paring down, partly because some facilities were unavailable. Officials at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium could not accommodate the World Cup because of Major League Baseball scheduling conflicts (FIFA required a two-week-plus exclusive use minimum). Foxboro Stadium opened its doors to FIFA, and was able to attract six matches: four group games, plus a second-rounder and a quarterfinal.

The stadium began preparations with two 1992 U.S. Cup matches: Italy v. Ireland (34,797) June 4 and Ireland v. Portugal (41,227) June 7. Both results were 2-0 (goals by Italy’s Giuseppe Signori and Alessandro Costacurta and Ireland’s Steve Staunton – an Olimpico over Vitor Baia – and Tommy Coyne.

FIFA had awarded the World Cup to the U.S. with the provision the country establish a fully professional first division soccer league. Robert Kraft appeared to be among the most enthusiastic backers of the league, and the success of the World Cup led to the start of MLS and the founding of the New England Revolution.

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY