The US Soccer Team That Cheated Death

Playing in war-torn Vietnam, narrowly avoiding a terrorist plot on a plane, and getting lost in the Bengali Jungle. This week, we look back at the Dallas Tornado’s seven-month-long world tour of 1967, which might just be the greatest adventure by any soccer team ever. Plus, we revisit one of the most unexpected triumphs in USMNT history, prepare for a tournament in the middle of a secluded pasture in North Dakota, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🇺🇸 When the USMNT Beat Prime Spain

• ✈️ Away From Home

• ☠️ The US Soccer Team That Cheated Death

• 🤔 FIFA Considers Options for Iran at 2026 World Cup

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
When the USMNT Beat Prime Spain

On June 24, 2009, the world witnessed one of the most improbable upsets in soccer history.

Fresh off winning the 2008 Euros and just a year out from their eventual 2010 World Cup title, Spain faced the mighty USMNT in the semis of the Confederations Cup (RIP).

By all accounts, it should’ve been an easy win for Spain. They played with 90% of their legendary squad, and during that period, they were unequivocally the best team on the planet.

But we had Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore. And they propelled us to a historic 2-0 win, snapping Spain’s 35-match unbeaten streak at the time. It’s a victory that, even 16 years later, reminds us that we’re capable of achieving great feats at the international level—no matter the odds.

CLUBELEVEN
Away From Home

I’ll admit it. I was a bit skeptical of this tournament before it kicked off. But it has won me over in spades. Just look at the photo above. Bayern Munich playing in what looks like the Bombonera… except it’s Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Beautiful.

And we’ve seen similar postcards all around the country. Not all stadiums might be sold out, but witnessing how much it means for immigrant communities to welcome their club teams into this country has been absolutely incredible.

Aside from our photo coverage of 20 CWC games in 10 days (so far), we’ve been working alongside Copa90 on two different bite-sized storytelling series centered around the tournament and the fans that have made it special so far.

You can check out our Rose Bowl episode of “An Evening At…” here.

And Episode 1 of “Away From Home” with Inter Club Boston here.

COVER STORY
The US Soccer Team That Cheated Death

Imagine playing 49 matches across 27 countries, spanning five continents in seven months. That’s exactly what the Dallas Tornado did in 1967 as a way to prepare for the NASL’s inaugural season in 1968.

The club was playing almost every three days throughout their tour, and in between games, they were either traveling, sightseeing, or getting up to the most insane adventures possible.

In October of 1967, for example, after touring Athens during a pit stop in Greece, they barely missed their scheduled flight to Cyprus. It was a mistake that would save their lives. Their original flight was blown up mid-air by terrorists in an attempt to assassinate Greek Cypriot General George Grivas, who also happened to miss the flight. Coincidentally, both Grivas and the players would end up taking the next flight to Cyprus together.

But that wasn’t their only brush with death. The following month, they arrived in India amidst a civil war. While leaving Pakistan to enter India, only the British players’ visas were accepted, and the rest (eleven players) were left to fend for themselves in a small border town while waiting for proper documentation.

Hours went by, and no one showed up with their papers. Night fell, and the players were forced to take shelter in a jungle hut with a dirt floor and grass roof. They had no candles or any other light, and they could feel bugs, rats, and other creatures running around them. Two of the players fell ill.

The next day, they sent one of the players to get food, but without any local currency, he had to trade soccer balls and shin guards for what appeared to be a chicken, which all the players ate quite reluctantly.

Night came once again, without any documentation. Finally, at around 11 PM, a local man showed up with a bus and local passes. Their documents were only valid until midnight, so they raced to the border on the bus. Unfortunately, by the time they got to the border control, the officer in charge had left, so they talked one of the guards into helping them across.

The guard took the players on foot, further into the jungle, and cut a hole in the fence that separated both countries. “We truly expected to get shot, or even worse, get attacked by a tiger or some other wild, dangerous animal,” remembered one of the players years later. “What a sight it must have been. Eleven young, scared-to-death soccer players wearing their Texas cowboy hats and carrying their suitcases, entering India through a fence hole.”

Absolute madness. Yet those were just two of the many adventures they experienced on the road. They were stoned by anti-American fans in Singapore, spent Christmas in Tokyo, played in war-torn Vietnam, and much more.

WC2026
FIFA Considers Options for Iran at 2026 World Cup

Word is that FIFA is keeping a close eye on developments in the conflict between the US and Iran and how it could affect World Cup logistics.

With Iran being subject to military action by the Trump administration, and Iranian citizens being under a travel ban that prevents them from entering the US, the situation is fraught with uncertainty. Even if there might be an exemption in the ban that could apply to players, staff, or associated families, there is a lot up in the air.

There is even speculation that FIFA might be exploring having Iran play all of their group stage matches in Mexico. As of now, though, it’s all speculation by the media, and FIFA has not commented on the matter. We’ll keep a close eye on this one.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

The Club World Cup seems to have drummed up some excitement around the country. On the other hand, certain moves by the US government have dampened expectations for many at home and abroad. With just under a year until the World Cup kicks off on our shores, how has your excitement changed since the start of June?

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Rewind the Clock: Hats off to Suarez. Had me leaping off my couch last night, just like when I was a kid. Commendable that even at 38 years old, he can make us believe in magic. A goal for the ages to help Miami qualify for the knockout stages of the CWC.

Unbelievable: A USL goal at No.1 on the SportsCenter Top 10? Someone pinch me. You have to see it.

NFL Embraces Soccer: They’re calling it the Football x Football collection. Official fan tops that re-imagine all 32 NFL clubs with designs inspired by classic soccer jerseys. Honestly, some of these are pretty sweet.

Spotlight: What’s it like being the youngest player in the NWSL? Mak Whitham opens up about her journey so far.

Bring on Costa Rica: Watch us win the whole thing. We’re moving on up in the Gold Cup.

TRAVEL
Far Out Invitational

We’re just a few days away! This first-of-its-kind grassroots soccer tournament hosted by Far Out FC and powered by Adidas, will be held in the plains of North Dakota, with custom pitches being created in the middle of a pasture for the event.

We had the honor of being invited to play, and we can’t wait to make it out to Grand Forks, ND, to take the pitch.

If you’re in the area, make sure to come through. The opening day party will be on Friday, June 27th, and the tournament will take place on Saturday, June 28th. You can RSVP for the event, or sign up to play (very limited spots left) right here. 

EXPANSION
A New Sunrise

Fresh off winning the USL Super League title, the Tampa Bay Sun unveiled plans for a brand new waterfront stadium at Ybor Harbor.

The proposed stadium would be one of the world’s first stadiums built for a women’s professional soccer team, and it would anchor a vibrant new urban district that’d also include the USL’s headquarters.

Read more about the plans here. Truly stunning.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What do you think of the Club World Cup so far? Here are some of your answers:

• “I like it. The games have been more competitive than I expected.” - Ben

• “Meh. It’s too forced, and the European teams are clearly tired after a long season.” - B.D.

In the poll, “I like it” finished first with about 42% of the vote, while “Meh” followed in second with 25% of the vote.

On a separate note unrelated to this poll, I also wanted to share a brief message I received from an amazing member of our community, replying to last week’s cover story:

“The 1921 film clip from the Polo Field was amazing! I'm 70 and I've been playing and coaching at the fields since I was 8. Our club, the San Francisco Vikings, was founded a year later in 1922.” - Toby

Absolutely incredible!!!

UP NEXT
Chopped Cheese Prep

Mark your calendars, July 12th is fast approaching. We’re finalizing preparations for our all-day tournament and block party in Brooklyn, hosted in collaboration with Pablo’s Mate and NYC Footy, in a couple of weeks. It’ll be an event open to all, so make sure to stop by, check out the bus, and say hello! It’s the day before the Club World Cup Final at MetLife 👀

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo