Eddie Pope was part of iconic 2002 World Cup team that made a run to the quarterfinals – the best men’s team showing of the modern era. But he was also a part of the 1998 team that was dumped out of the group stages without gaining a single point. So, when it comes to World Cups, Eddie Pope knows a thing or two about what has to go right for a team to find success, and the many things that can go wrong and lead to disappointment.  

In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg talks to Eddie about his three World Cups: 1998, 2002, and 2006. In each chapter, Eddie discusses what went right, what didn’t quite go to plan, and his favorite memories.  

2:38 – Chapter 1: France 1998 

4:08 – Eddie explains that team chemistry was an issue in ‘98 

9:41 – Chapter 2: Japan and South Korea 2002 

13:01 – Eddie talks about how the class of ‘26 can replicate the success of this team 

23:18 – Chapter 3: Germany 2006  

26:01 – Eddie explains how the ‘06 team remains a “what if?” 

33:18 – Eddie’s words of wisdom for the 20026 team 

37:43 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts 

As the U.S. Men’s National Team chases greatness on the road to the world’s biggest tournament, you can show your support through artwork. 

In partnership with AT&T, U.S. Soccer is connecting fans to players through their Fan Art platform, where a handful of the most compelling artworks will be showcased to U.S. Men’s National Team players and at their match vs Belgium in Atlanta on March 28. 

Submit your artwork here: https://events.ussoccer.com/2026fanartpresentedbyatt  

Submissions open through March 10. 

The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. 

Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass 

Guest: Eddie Pope 

Producer: Matthew Nelson 

To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast 

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