The upcoming Super Bowl-style halftime show, featuring Chris Martin, may not appeal to everyone, yet one veteran American will likely find joy in the sight of Madonna and Shakira performing on the field at MetLife Stadium next month.
Alan Rothenberg, who served as chair and chief executive for the 1994 World Cup, had envisioned Whitney Houston gracing the pitch at the final match in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. However, FIFA disapproved, insisting that the iconic singer remain confined to the sidelines.
Rothenberg even went so far as to invite FIFA officials to the 1993 Super Bowl, which took place at the same California venue, where Michael Jackson captivated audiences during the halftime show. Despite this effort, FIFA held firm in their refusal regarding Houston’s performance.
Concerns about uncharacteristic rainfall in California and potential damage to the field were cited as reasons for FIFA’s stance, a claim Rothenberg continues to dispute. He takes satisfaction in witnessing his vision for a grand World Cup final show finally come to fruition 32 years later.
“Before 1994, the World Cup was primarily a soccer event, lacking the entertainment flair that passionate fans brought,” Rothenberg reflected. “We made a deliberate effort to infuse excitement into the 1994 tournament and wanted Whitney Houston to perform on the pitch, but FIFA rejected the idea.”
“FIFA was unfamiliar with these types of events and has since adopted similar elements, but in 1994, they prevented Whitney from taking the stage. They were concerned about potential rain or precipitation—something unlikely in July in California—impacting a central stage setup.”
He further explained, “Interestingly, the previous January, the Super Bowl was held at the Rose Bowl, featuring Michael Jackson during the halftime show. We invited FIFA’s top executives to observe, and when the stage was removed, we checked for any damage to the grass. There was none, yet FIFA still declined.”
“Ultimately, Whitney did perform, but it was from the sidelines, surrounded by a crowd. Many fans in the stadium couldn’t even discern where the music originated. It highlights how we were innovative and transformed the presentation of the World Cup.”
The opening day of the 1994 finals was somewhat overshadowed by another celebrity incident—the O.J. Simpson car chase—but the inaugural World Cup held in the U.S. was free from the political controversies currently affecting this summer’s tournament.
Although Rothenberg empathizes with the delicate navigation FIFA must undertake to maintain favorable relations with the Trump administration, he has found some of Gianni Infantino’s remarks to be cringeworthy.
“Politics has always played a role in World Cups, but not to the degree seen under President Trump,” he stated. “Some of Infantino’s comments and actions have been quite embarrassing.”
He added, “Yet, it’s an embarrassment worth enduring to keep the government on board. The ultimate aim is to ensure a successful tournament, which may require some extraordinary measures.”
Rothenberg noted that this World Cup is particularly intricate due to various international geopolitical challenges. “Such issues have always existed, but I don’t believe they’ve ever been as complex as they are today,” he remarked.
He seems less troubled by potential complications like ICE raids, anticipating that immigration officials will exercise restraint.
“There was considerable speculation about ICE’s involvement during the Super Bowl this year and other major events, yet the reality was that very little occurred,” he explained. “I expect a similar situation at the World Cup. Keep in mind that President Trump chairs the World Cup Committee, and he likely doesn’t want the tournament marred by discussions of ICE actions.”
Rothenberg secured his role for the 1994 event after serving as president of U.S. Soccer for eight years and previously acting as the soccer commissioner for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He marvels at the growth of the sport in the U.S. over the past four decades.
“When I was president in 1990, the federation was housed in a trailer in Colorado Springs, benefiting from free rent provided by the U.S. Olympic Committee. We had maybe six or eight employees,” he recounted. “Today, U.S. Soccer has inaugurated a $300 million training facility and employs hundreds. Back in 1990, the organization was nearly bankrupt, but now it boasts hundreds of millions in revenue. It’s a remarkable transformation.”
“Globalization was always going to elevate soccer as a major sport in America, but even I am surprised by the recent surge. I hope the World Cup can elevate it to new heights.”
