Former U.S. Soccer Secretary General Hank Steinbrecher Passes Away at Age 77

CHICAGO (March 25, 2025) – Former U.S. Soccer Secretary General Hank Steinbrecher, a towering figure in the development and popularization of soccer in the United States, passed away on Tuesday, March 25 at the age of 77. Steinbrecher passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

Steinbrecher’s tenure at U.S. Soccer from 1990 to 2000 marked one of the most transformative periods in the organization’s history. His leadership was instrumental in bringing the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup to the United States, an event that remains the most attended World Cup in history. This achievement not only showcased the U.S. as a capable host for the world’s largest sporting event but also set the stage for the establishment of Major League Soccer in 1996, a league that has grown to become one of the pillars of professional sports in North America.

Steinbrecher also played a crucial role in securing and organizing the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States. Under his guidance, the tournament became a watershed moment for women’s soccer globally, highlighted by the U.S. Women’s National Team’s dramatic victory over China in front of a record-breaking crowd of 90,185 fans at the Rose Bowl. The success of the 1999 Women’s World Cup not only elevated the U.S. Women’s National Team to iconic status but also helped inspire a generation of young athletes and fans.

Beyond these landmark events, Steinbrecher also oversaw the relocation of U.S. Soccer’s headquarters to Chicago, where the federation established itself in the historic Kimball House, setting the tone for the organization’s future growth.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, Steinbrecher was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005, a testament to his enduring impact on American soccer.

A great orator – nicknamed “Reverend Hank” by the soccer media – he was known and beloved for his passionate pursuit to grow the game at all levels across the country. During his time in the sport his influence extended beyond the executive offices, as he mentored many young professionals who have since become leaders in the soccer community.

Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer President:

“Hank’s passion for the sport and his love for U.S. Soccer were undeniable. He dedicated so much of his life to helping the sport grow in this country and truly believed in the power of soccer to bring people together. What made Hank truly special was his ability to connect with people – whether it was players, coaches, or colleagues – he had a way of making everyone feel valued and part of something bigger. His leadership will be truly missed as it wasn’t just about strategy or vision, it was about building relationships, inspiring others to follow him in service to the game and leaving the sport better than he found it. We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts are with his family during this time.”

JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO & Secretary General:

“Hank was a visionary leader and a true champion for U.S. Soccer. His work during the 1990s set the stage for so much of the success we’ve experienced as a soccer nation in the decades since. Hank lived his life in service to soccer and graciously supported me in my time with the Federation. His contributions to our sport were immense, and he will be greatly missed.”

Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer President, 2006 – 2018:

“Hank was a dear friend for 40 plus years. I have so many great memories of Hank, from his days as a college coach through his time as U.S. Soccer’s CEO and finally as a senior statesman of the game. Along with being one of the true giants of the sport, he was a wonderful human being, touching the hearts of all those he came across. We will all miss him. Rest in peace Reverend Hank.”

Alan Rothenberg, U.S. Soccer President, 1990 - 1998:

"Hank Steinbrecher was a special human being. He was a great friend, I loved him, Ruth Ann, Cory and Chad loved him and he loved us back, but we always had to compete with his first and enduring love, soccer. I first met Hank when he was our Venue Director for Harvard during the 1984 Olympics; we’ve been friends and colleagues ever since. As U.S. Soccer’s General Secretary he had a huge and essential role in the explosive growth of soccer that started in the decade of the 1990s and continues to this day. Always the optimist, when issues arose he was confident the difficulty could be overcome as he knew ‘God loves Soccer’, his favorite phrase. I’ll miss him; the whole U.S. Soccer world will miss him. He was a treasure."

Dr. Robert Contiguglia, U.S. Soccer President, 1998-2006:

“Hank and I have been close friends for over 20 years. We spoke regularly about his illness and discussed his final moments. He had a planned and peaceful end with his whole family present. I share this because it is indicative of how he lived his whole life. Hank was a giant in U.S. Soccer who led the organization in its relative infancy by professionalizing the organization and providing inspiration for the members, teams and staff. He managed the organization when it was poor and built it to success on-and-off the field. He was respected in the international sports community, noted for his passion, honesty, integrity and sense of humor. I and the soccer community have lost a great friend.”

Dan Flynn, U.S. Soccer CEO, 2000 – 2019:

"Hank is one of the most genuine people that I have ever known. He was a man of immense character and a true visionary who had a passion and dedication that was unmatched. His leadership during a critical time for soccer in the United States helped lay the foundation for the sport’s growth and his impact will be felt for generations to come."

John Motta, President, U.S. Adult Soccer Association:

“Hank was the most inspirational person that I have met in soccer. He knew the game, he loved the game and put every ounce of energy he had into the game. Hank became a great mentor to me, and I owe everything I have learned in soccer to him. When we were creating a competition for all Adult Amateur Champions to compete in, to determine the U.S. Soccer National Amateur Champion, there was no other person I could think of to name the tournament for than Hank, thus the Steinbrecher Cup.”

Richard Groff, U.S. Soccer Life Member:

“Hank loved this sport. In 1990 he was so proud to be in Italy for the World Cup, cheering and supporting the U.S. National Team. He was so honored to join U.S. Soccer as Secretary General a few months later. His passion and dedication to U.S. Soccer was his gift that helped grow our sport. He was a friend who encouraged me and others. I will miss his personal guidance and advice.”

Francisco Marcos, Founder of the United Soccer Leagues (USL)

“Without a doubt the most important and influential general secretary U.S. Soccer had ever had; he steered the ship through the most turbulent period of American soccer history and was a key figure in getting our sport to a safe port. One of a kind, as a professional and as a human being, and they don’t make them like that anymore; I’ll miss him terribly.”

Steinbrecher is survived by his wife, Ruth Anne, and his two sons, Chad and Corey.