1994 29¢, 40¢, 50¢ World Cup Soccer S/S

U.S. #2837, issued on May 26, 1994, celebrated the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by the United States for the first time in the tournament's history. Here are the details:

• Denominations: 29¢, 40¢, 50¢ (Three stamps on a souvenir sheet)
• Issue Date: May 26, 1994
• City: New York, NY
• Quantity Issued: 60,000,000
• Printed By: J.W. Fergusson & Sons for Stamp Venturers
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Perforations: 11.1
• Color: Multicolored

The World Cup is one of the most-watched sporting events globally, attracting millions of viewers as twenty-four teams compete for the championship. Founded by Jules Rimet, the first World Cup took place in 1930 in Uruguay and has since been held every four years, except during World War II. Unlike Olympic soccer, World Cup teams are not limited to amateur players.

Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, is the most popular team sport globally, played in over 140 countries. Its origins trace back to ancient times, with similar games played in China as early as 206 B.C. Modern soccer as we know it today developed in England in the mid-1800s and quickly spread worldwide. While it became the national sport of many European and Latin American countries, its popularity in the United States grew significantly in the mid-20th century.

The game's objective is straightforward: score points by getting the ball into the opponent's goal. Each team comprises eleven players, including a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The goalkeeper's primary role is to prevent goals, while defenders aim to stop opposing players from advancing. Midfielders have both offensive and defensive responsibilities, requiring high endurance, while forwards focus on scoring goals.

This stamp issue marked the first time that stamps specifically honored the sport of soccer, acknowledging its significance as a globally beloved game and commemorating the historic hosting of the World Cup in the United States.