2002 World Cup: USMNT vs. Germany – What If?
The 2002 World Cup: What if a crucial handball call went the USMNT’s way against Germany? this missed opportunity could have dramatically reshaped American soccer. Imagine the impact: a likely penalty kick, a red card for Germany, and potentially a USMNT victory. Such a win woudl have ignited unparalleled growth in men’s soccer, mirroring the success of the women’s team, and boosted investment in the MLS and youth academies. A deep run in the tournament might have sent Bruce Arena to Europe and created unprecedented interest in the USMNT. News Directory 3 explores how one moment shaped the sport. discover what’s next for the stunning game.
what If the USMNT Got That Handball Call in 2002?
Updated June 12, 2025
The 2002 world Cup, co-hosted by Japan and South korea, saw the U.S. men’s National Team (USMNT) make a surprising run. After a strong group stage and a victory against Mexico, the Americans faced Germany in the quarterfinals. A controversial handball decision changed everything.
In the 50th minute,with Germany leading 1-0,a handball by Torsten Frings went uncalled after a Gregg Berhalter shot. A penalty kick and a red card for Frings could have shifted the game’s momentum, potentially altering the course of U.S.soccer history. The missed call remains a significant “what if” moment for the USMNT and American soccer.
Had the call been made, a USMNT goal would have tied the game, and playing against a 10-man German squad could have led to victory. This win would have placed them against South Korea in the semifinal, with a potential final against Brazil. The exposure from such a deep run in the tournament could have revolutionized soccer in America.
Would the men’s team see similar growth to the women’s team following their first final?
The US Women’s National Team’s success in the 1990s substantially boosted women’s soccer in the U.S. A similar result for the men in 2002 might have inspired a generation of young boys to choose soccer over other sports. In 2022, high school girls’ soccer participation ranked third among all sports, while boys’ soccer ranked fifth.
Would Bruce Arena have gotten a shot at coaching in Europe?
Bruce Arena, the USMNT’s most accomplished coach, might have had opportunities to coach in Europe following a World Cup victory. His predecessors, Bob Bradley and Gregg Berhalter, both coached abroad. A stint in Europe could have altered the USMNT’s fortunes in the 2006 World Cup and beyond.
Do we see even more interest in MLS and American academies?
A win against Germany could have sparked unprecedented investment in MLS and American youth academies. Increased public and corporate interest might have led to high-level sponsorships and an overhaul of the youth soccer system, potentially creating a network of talent modeled after European systems.
How big does men’s soccer become in the U.S.?
The biggest question is how much larger soccer would be in the U.S. had the handball been called. While it’s hard to say if soccer would be the top sport, the millions of viewers a final or semifinal match would have generated could have changed its trajectory. The 2015 Women’s world Cup final drew 26.7 million viewers, and the 2022 men’s final had over 25 million.