U.S. Soccer’s World Cup Journey Ends with a Memorable Tournament Run
In a match filled with anticipation and energy, the United States concluded its World Cup journey with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16. The game, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 66,925 at Seattle’s Lumen Field, marked a historic moment for the tournament cohosts, who achieved three victories in the event for the first time, capturing the hearts of fans nationwide.
The excitement surrounding this World Cup was something Theresa Matthews aimed to foster. Matthews, an event producer with the U.S. Soccer Federation for two years, played a pivotal role in creating the vibrant atmosphere during U.S.-hosted games. Her efforts were instrumental in generating the “home field advantage” for the national teams.
“There’s pride in knowing we helped set the tone in the lead-up,” Matthews remarked. “It’s great that the fans have caught on and continued that energy throughout the tournament.”
Matthews’ responsibilities included overseeing in-venue activities such as videoboard content, flyovers, pyrotechnics, fan engagement, and music. “I oversee everything that happens in-venue, like on the videoboard – flyovers, pyro, fan cams, music, DJ, all of that stuff,” Matthews explained. “I call and cue about everything you see. It’s honestly a really fun job.”
As a World Cup approached, Matthews adopted a “Super Bowl approach” to her assignments. On May 31, she orchestrated a pregame spectacle at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, where the U.S. men faced Senegal in a friendly match. The event featured a flyover by four U.S. Army Reserve helicopters and a special appearance by Carolina Panthers legend Luke Kuechly.
In another memorable event a week later, Matthews directed a pregame show at Chicago’s Soldier Field for the team’s “send-off match” against Germany. This spectacle included a flyover by two B-52s, an appearance by Chance the Rapper, and a ceremony introducing all 26 U.S. players.
“And we kicked off the game with a ‘U-S-A’ chant that bled two minutes into the (television) broadcast,” Matthews noted. “I think you could really start to feel the pride of the national team and people getting behind that. It was electric.”
Matthews, who studied media and American studies and was a rower at UVA, has found her niche in soccer, a sport she never played. Her career path began with the Richmond Kickers, progressed to Sporting Kansas City, and eventually led her to the national teams.
Enhancing the fan experience has always been a priority for Matthews, aligning with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s mission to grow the sport nationally, as outlined in its “In Service to Soccer” campaign. The upcoming 2026 World Cup presents an opportunity to build on this momentum.
“This team will play in the U.S. again, so what’s worked well during this World Cup that we can continue and make a tradition? That’s something we’re looking at as a game presentation team,” Matthews stated. One such tradition might include playing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” after victories, a song that became iconic following a U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the John Denver classic echoed throughout the broadcast.
Matthews reflected on the vibrant environments created during the tournament and emphasized the ongoing quest to define U.S. soccer’s identity. “What is U.S. soccer? I think that’s always the philosophical question,” she pondered. “Like, what can we do that’s U.S. soccer, that’s not necessarily copying another sports team? But at the same time, we’re America’s team. So, how can we continue these trends and make everybody feel like they’re a part of the team?”
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