Covering Soccer Before America Cared: NASL, MLS, and 8 World Cups | Frank Dell’Apa

In Episode 91 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Frank Dell’Apa an American soccer reporter who has covered the game from the wild days of the NASL in the 1960s and 70s until the present day. There are few voices in the American game that can attest to the whirlwind transformation the game of soccer has seen on every level. As a child growing up in Colorado, he hardly ever saw a soccer ball in a store or on a field. Yet somehow, thanks to the 1966 World Cup final broadcast in black and white, he caught the bug and has been through the ups and downs of US soccer over the past 6 decades.In this conversation, Frank revisits everything from training with the Las Vegas Quicksilvers of the NASL to interviewing George Best at the old LA Coliseum. He explains why Messi’s arrival in MLS is more complex than it appears, and what the 2026 World Cup will mean for diaspora communities, new fans, and the American soccer landscape.Whether you’re looking for forgotten stories, historical context, or an experienced take on the upcoming World Cup, this episode covers three major topics in American soccer: the current status of the game, Messi’s impact on a changing MLS, and key stories related to the 2026 World Cup.Listen to the full episode and step into a comprehensive picture of American soccer told by someone who has been there with every kick of the ball.Connect with Frank Dell’Apa here:http://twitter.com/frankdellapa⁠https://www.frankdellapa.com/Connect with Because Football here:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠