When the United States men’s soccer team qualified for the 1990 World Cup, that was the first time in 40 years that they played in the tournament. It was such a surprise that most people associated with the tourney and soccer felt that the United States would embarrass themselves and made many wonder why they were selected to host the next tourney in 1994. The road that team took to Italia ’90 is described in this fun book by Adam Elder.
Those readers who were not following US men’s soccer (and that would be many) at the time may be amazed to learn how different the funding, salaries and everything else that goes along with it was at that time. There was no Major League Soccer – or any professional league in the United States since the demise of the North American Soccer League in 1985. The team was concerned that they would not be able to continue playing the game they love. At the time, there was serious concern there would not be a US soccer team. In 1986, after failing to qualify for that year’s World Cup, the US team played only two official matches. It was a dark period and Elder’s writing about that time helps set up the rest of the book, which was terrific.
When the US team defeated Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the 1990 World Cup, it was the culmination of an adventure of a group of men who were unknown to most, including soccer fans and media in their own country, but coach Bob Gansler knew the talent and determination of guys like Tab Ramos, Bruce Murray, Tony Meola (who supplanted David Vanole as goalkeeper) and Michael Windicshmann. Elder’s writing about these players included using their nicknames like “Windy” (Windischmann) and “Juice” (Murray) makes the reader feel like he or she knows them on a personal level. The stories about their games and travels, especially those in Central America when the pressure was at its greatest, was mesmerizing and have many “can’t put it down” moments.
The story didn’t end with the qualification into the tournament, although it felt like that should have been the climax of the book. The writing about the three games played by the US in group play was just as good, even though they lost all three games. It was the same play-by-play account that Elder wrote for the qualifying games and he included quotes from the television announcers. This makes it apparent that part of the research was watching the games as well as interviews and the usual research methods. When one considers how different media was in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, this shows the author’s dedication.
The writing style isn’t all that typical and does read as more suited for readers of a certain age, but it’s just so darn fun to read. From naming each chapter for a popular song from that era to the liberal use of the player’s nicknames, Elder has written a book that any American reader who enjoys today’s version of soccer in the United States should read. If it was not for this scrappy bunch of players, there would not be the current high salaries for the US men’s team, there would not be the wall-to-wall media coverage and there wouldn’t even be Major League Soccer without this 1990 team.
I wish to thank University of Nebraska Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What a blast from the past! Reliving the early years of USA football. This nations has grown so much in the world of soccer a nice reminder of what it took to get to a top 15 FIFA ranking. With the US hosting the 2026 World Cup I’m hoping to build more memories! I believe that we can win!

Since the World Cup is being played in the Fall (great pick for a location FIFA!) I was very excited to tide myself over by reading as many Soccer books as possible. New Kids in the World Cup totally brought me back to my youth and the excitement I felt about the US Men's team getting back to the big show. I'm more familiar with the '94 team, but I had so much fun getting acquainted with this ragtag bunch.November can't come fast enough!

This is a story that needed to be told. I played soccer in high school and college in the 70's and 80's, and coach it to this day. I lived this story from afar, watching all the games and following all the players who shaped soccer in the United States. The author clearly shows a love and respect for the game that is much appreciated. While some of the writing felt a touch awkward, the author's telling of the story was heart-felt and inspiring.

Thank you Adam Elder for this book. I hope younger fans of the beautiful game in America will read it and understand where some of us old guys came from.

Adam Elder has written a joyous romp through US Men’s Soccer’s hardcore return to the World Cup stage. Writing in an active “reporter on the scene” style that captures the action, while drawing on significant waves of nostalgia, you’ll walk away a soccer fan. Thanks to the University of Nebraska Press and NetGalley for the chance to preview this book. #newkidsintheworldcup #universityofnebraskapress #netgalley