Former USWNT star Mia Hamm shared her reflections on the 1999 Women’s World Cup and the upcoming 2026 men’s World Cup this week.

As a pioneer of the women's game, Hamm's perspective provides a bridge between the historic growth of soccer in the U.S. and the logistical evolution of the modern global tournament.

Hamm is a two-time Olympic gold medalist [1] and a champion of the 1999 Women’s World Cup. During her recent reflections, she looked back at the experience of competing on soccer’s biggest stage during a transformative era for the sport.

While expressing excitement for the 2026 [2] men’s tournament, Hamm noted specific concerns regarding the current format. Specifically, she said she is not a fan of mandatory hydration breaks. These pauses in play are designed to protect athlete health in extreme heat, but Hamm suggested they may impact the flow of the game.

The 2026 [2] event marks a significant milestone for North American soccer. Hamm's comments highlight the tension between player safety and the traditional continuity of match play, a balance officials must strike as tournaments move into warmer climates.

Throughout her career, Hamm helped elevate the profile of the U.S. women's national team. Her insights into the 1999 tournament serve as a reminder of the cultural impact that event had on the sport's popularity in the U.S.

“Mia Hamm is a two-time Olympic gold medalist”

The debate over hydration breaks reflects a broader shift in sports science where athlete welfare is increasingly prioritized over traditional game flow. Hamm's critique suggests that even as the sport evolves, there remains a preference among legendary players for the uninterrupted intensity that characterized the game during her era.