The Soccer Legends Collection
Introducing The Soccer Legends Collection—a tribute to the roots of the beautiful game and a moment that changed history forever. After years of tireless research in Uruguay, the birthplace of the World Cup, we’ve unearthed one of the sport’s greatest treasures: the original match ball used in the very first World Cup game on July 13, 1930, between the United States and Belgium.
It’s a story few know—but one every American soccer fan should celebrate. In 1930, the U.S. Men’s National Team shocked the world with back-to-back 3–0 victories over Belgium and Paraguay, soaring into the semifinals against Argentina. That team finished third in the tournament—still the best World Cup result in USMNT history.
Now, with the World Cup returning to the U.S. in 2026, we’re bringing this incredible legacy to life. Our Soccer Legends collection will tour the host cities, reigniting the spirit of a team that dared to dream—and made history.
“Today’s a day in which we start realizing in North America that the biggest show on Earth will come to this part of the world very soon.”
“My father, James Brown, who was a member of that first US World Cup team, would have been thrilled at the way that Mr. Almeida has recaptured that brief, shining moment in the history of US Soccer. He has done honor to a great team and an epochal event in World Soccer.”
“My father, James Brown, who was a member of that first US World Cup team, would have been thrilled at the way that Mr. Almeida has recaptured that brief, shining moment in the history of US Soccer. He has done honor to a great team and an epochal event in World Soccer.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino
“My father, James Brown, who was a member of that first US World Cup team, would have been thrilled at the way that Mr. Almeida has recaptured that brief, shining moment in the history of US Soccer. He has done honor to a great team and an epochal event in World Soccer.”
“My father, James Brown, who was a member of that first US World Cup team, would have been thrilled at the way that Mr. Almeida has recaptured that brief, shining moment in the history of US Soccer. He has done honor to a great team and an epochal event in World Soccer.”
“My father, James Brown, who was a member of that first US World Cup team, would have been thrilled at the way that Mr. Almeida has recaptured that brief, shining moment in the history of US Soccer. He has done honor to a great team and an epochal event in World Soccer.”
George C. Brown, Member, National Soccer Hall of Fame
Mr. Almeida “has used unrivaled access to important historical material in Montevideo, Uruguay, the primary host city of the 1930 World Cup that the National Soccer Hall of Fame had never before seen, to build the story of the American team.”
“My father, James Brown, who was a member of that first US World Cup team, would have been thrilled at the way that Mr. Almeida has recaptured that brief, shining moment in the history of US Soccer. He has done honor to a great team and an epochal event in World Soccer.”
Mr. Almeida “has used unrivaled access to important historical material in Montevideo, Uruguay, the primary host city of the 1930 World Cup that the National Soccer Hall of Fame had never before seen, to build the story of the American team.”
William H. Lunn III, President, National Soccer Hall of Fame
Experience the Magic of the Bautiful Game with Soccer Legends
The exhibition is designed to captivate the general public, featuring rare and iconic artifacts that trace the evolution of the World Cup from its earliest days. At its heart, it aims to inspire and educate the ever-growing community of American soccer fans by bringing to life the excitement, pride, and legacy of the USMNT’s Brightest Moment of World Cup Glory.
The Oldest Ball in World Cup History
This is the oldest soccer ball in World Cup history —used in the opening match of the 1930 tournament. With it, the USMNT scored all three goals in their historic 3-0 victory over Belgium on July 13, 1930, marking both their World Cup debut and their first-ever win on the world stage.
The legendary T-Model balls, named after its interlocking T-shaped panels, are an iconic symbol of soccer’s golden era. A "significant piece of football history" prominently exhibited at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, the National Football Museum in Manchester, and other eminent collections around the world.
The T-Model was used by hosts Uruguay. In striking contrast, archrivals Argentina used their own "Tiento" ball. Controversy stemmed pior to the World Cup Final, with both teams disagreeing over which ball to be used.
Bert Patenaude, America's Soccer Hero
At just 20 years old, an outstanding Bert Patenaude capped off a legendary World Cup run by scoring all three goals in the 3-0 victory over Paraguay —becoming the first player in history to record a hat trick in the tournament.
Adding his earlier goal against Belgium, Patenaude finished the 1930 World Cup with four goals. He still holds the record as the USMNT's highest goalscorer in a single World Cup.
For perspective, it took Landon Donovan three World Cup appearances to score five goals and finally surpass Patenaude after eighty years as the USMNT’s all-time top World Cup goalscorer.
A Soccer Hero's Most Treasured Relics
These are the boots worn by Bert Patenaude during both of the USMNT’s Group D matches at the 1930 World Cup. Originally gifted—alongside a signed team photo—to a Member of the World Cup Organizing Committee, they remain one of the most treasured relics tied to America’s greatest soccer hero.
Bert Patenaude had a natural gift for finding the back of the net—often in spectacular fashion.
In 1931 alone, the Fall River, Mass. native scored five goals in a single match not once, but twice—first for the New York Yankees, then again for the New York Giants.
Over a remarkable nine-year career, Patenaude’s speed, precision, and sharp soccer instincts made him one of the most feared goal scorers of his era.
The St. Louis Star and Times hailed him as “brilliant,” while the New York Daily News praised him as a “superb opportunist”—a true American soccer legend.
Soccer was Big In America
At its pinnacle, the premier American Soccer League captivated tens of thousands of devoted fans, showcased some of the world's most dazzling talents, and appeared poised to rival the fledgling NFL as the nation’s favorite post-October spectacle.
In that unforgettable era, visionary soccer entrepreneurs not only laid the groundwork for America’s crowning moment in World Cup history but also sparked one of the most exhilarating and intriguing "what if" stories in U.S. sports.
In 1930, the USMNT rocked the soccer world by storming into the World Cup semifinals and clinching third place at the inaugural tournament —America’s finest achievement on the world stage.
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